Which Course?

When playing with others, one of the most common topics of discussion is which course to play when the course has more than 18 holes.  Below are my suggestions for which courses to play, when you only have the chance to play one side.

Troon North (Pinnacle or Monument?) - Pinnacle, although they are both very nice.

Troon North Pinnacle #10

We Ko Pa - (Saguaro or Cholla?) Cholla is a little more interesting, and definitely more challenging. I'll go with Cholla

Grayhawk (Raptor or Talon?) I prefer Raptor, seems to be in a better condition, and more of a desert feel on the course

Wigwam (Gold, Red or Blue?) Always go with the Gold. More distance and an overall better course.

Boulders (North or South?) I like the South. More scenic and holes adjacent to the "boulders."

Gold Canyon (Dinosaur Mountain or Sidewinder) - I much prefer Dino Mountain, with large elevation changes and views of the Phoenix area.

Superstition Mountain -- only played Lost Gold, but heard Prospector might be a little better course.

McCormick Ranch (Palm or Pine?)  - Pine

Camelback Golf Club  (Indian Bend or Padre?)  Padre is better but there are renovating Indian Bend. (http://www.marriott.com/golf-hotels/phxcb-jw-marriott-scottsdale-camelback-inn-resort-and-spa/camelback-golf-club/5256759-HWM/course-overview.mi)

Phoenician (Desert, Canyon or Oasis?) I prefer Canyon with the holes right up against Camelback Mountain.

Talking Stick (North or South?)  North is a better track, but they both have similar feel.

TPC Scottsdale (Champions or Stadium?) No experience like the Stadium Course (for big $), but I think the Champions Course is interesting and fun after the renovation.  For the money, Champions. For the experience, Stadium.

Whirlwind (Cattail  or Devils Claw)  Devil's Claw is the better side in my opinion.


Arizona Biltmore  (Links or Adobe) - Definitely the Links course.


Other courses with 36 which I have only played 18 or not played at all:  Wildfire, Whisper Rock (still dreaming for this one day), Ventanna Canyon, Desert Mountain.

Grayhawk White Tee

Last week (before I came down with pneumonia), I purchased the Grayhawk White Tee Card, and I really think this is one of the best golf deals around.   I know, the card costs $400 and it was still over $90 to play Grayhawk Talon with a 50% discount, but hear me out.

First, the card includes 4 free rounds, which can be used anytime Monday through Wednesday or Sunday after 11 a.m.  That alone covers the cost of the card.  Grayhawk can run as high as as $230 in the winter, so there is benefit in just getting the four free rounds.  Plus, you can use the rounds however you want (4 singles, 2-twosomes, 1-foursome).

Second, the card gives you at least 50% off the rack rate, all year.  In the winter, this is not such a great deal, but the summer rates are truly the great benefit.  Essentially, you can play Grayhawk for under $50 (as low as $25) all summer. The card is good for your entire foursome, so your buddies can get the deal too. Grayhawk stays in great shape all summer and is especially nice after the Bermuda overseed.

Third, you get a free round for every five played, which is one of the better deals of this type. (compare City of Phoenix, where you get one free round after 20 points, or 10 rounds, and does not include Papago).

There are a bunch of other great benefits.  10% of food and beverage (the new italian place is great).  Advanced booking over others for summer rates, golf clinics, and monthly tournaments (not sure what this will include) are also included with the White Tee.

Finally, Grayhawk has 36 holes, all of which are fantastic.  Grayhawk is a PGA Tour quality facility, which even at rates of $90, is a steal in the winter in Arizona.   (I prefer Raptor over Talon but that will be the subject of a later post).

Overall, although it is a sizable investment to begin your golf year, the White Tee is the best deal in all of Phoenix if you are looking to play nicer, high end golf.  I won't be using the card much in the winter (Papago Golf with City of Phoenix is best deal here), but will use the card frequently in the summer.

Here is the link to the White Tee Website:  http://grayhawkgolf.com/special-promotions/white-tee-black-tee/white-tee/