Hidden Gems in Arizona?

[Gib_Papazian]

In a similar vein to John Berhardt's query about Arizona golf, we are four guys heading out there in March for our annual get-together and want some suggestions on hidden gem's within striking distance of Phoenix.

We went to Apache and Talking Stick last year - and will be back there in April -but is there something we are missing?

I've already seen the Boulders (not bad), Troon North (expensive but decent) and TPC Scottsdale (a complete waste of time).

Something like a Tapatio Cliffs with quirk but real architectural merit. The more obscure the better.

Private suggestions would work too - I can normally weasel us on with advance notice.

Thanks guys.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

Happy New Year Gib! I would love to tell you my buddies will find some hidden gems, but it is not the case. They may come up with a hidden bar or dancer. I will let you know the results of their tour.

[Don_Mahaffey]

Gib,
If plan to head south to Tucson, e-mail me and I'll be glad to give a little local insight.

[Joel_Stewart]

Gib:
Desert Forest in Carefree is probably the best course in Arizona.  Its the mother of the desert courses built back in 60's.  

[Jim_Kennedy]

Gib,
Phantom Horse golf club, near Tempe, might fill your bill. A friend of mine plays there when on vacation in the area. He has described it as quirky, w/ tough greens, very good conditions, linksy on one side and more target style on the other.  

[Doug Wright]

Jim/Gib,

With all due respect, unless they've redone Phantom Horse in the past two years since I played it, I would label it a "do not play." I found it pretty featureless and boring, especially on the front nine, which is also encroached by housing. The back nine is better due to the topography (it plays up and down a canyon) but is marred by a dreadful group of finishing holes. I much preferred Sunridge Canyon (Keith Foster) in Fountain Hills. A very good use of the topography down and then up a canyon.

I keep hearing that Papago, a municipal course that I've not played, is pretty darn good--solid, traditional non-desert golf. Tough to get on though. I'd be curious to hear about We-Ko-Pa, a new course by Scott Miller near Fountain Hills.  

[Gib_Papazian]

Don,

Tucson is not out of the question by any means. All we are looking for is some adventure away from the endless rain up here in Nutville.

As a matter of fact, any suggestions where it is warm in March would be welcome. Desert Forest is a great idea except that the conditions at high elevations are a crap-shoot.

[Nick_Ficorelli]

Jeez Gib ,
I'm feelin' real bad for all you NoCal guys, I'll bet you have to suffer thru wet grips...meanwhile, how about 80 inches of that white crap.,here in Northern Michigan since Xmas.
Pinehurst  ,late March,that's the ticket.

[Scott_Burroughs]

The newly opened and private Whisper Rock is supposed to be "differently good" for a desert course.

[Gib_Papazian]

Nick,

We have entered what amounts to  solid weeks of continuous downpour with no end in sight.

You may get the short end of the stick weatherwise every winter, but a palacial mansion in Michigan costs the same as a two bedroom dump with convicts for neighbors here in Nutville.

Any country club memberships cost $250,000 out there? For the money you save, you can afford to fly to Pinehurst

[John_D._Bernhardt]

Gib, do not forget we need to get you, Strawn and the guys down here in feb or march. great golf weather here then.

[Mike Kane]

Gib,

I think you are confusing Desert Forest in Carefree with Forest Highlands in Flagstaff.  DF is about a 5 minute drive from Desert Mountain.  It really is the best in the Phoenix area.

Nick Faldo's new course at Wildfire will be open by then.  There is an existing Palmer course there so if you are trying to get in 36 it might be an option.  I haven't seen much of the Faldo course and the Palmer course is better than most, but certainly not a must see.

Mike