I have not posted in quite a while, but have been playing a lot of golf in Arizona.  As of today, here are my top 10 public courses in Arizona.

1. We Ko Pa Saguaro
2. Wickenberg Ranch
3. We Ko Pa Cholla
4. Troon North Pinnacle
5. Quintero
6. Los Caballeros
7. Grayhawk Talon
8. Grayhawk Raptor
9. Troon North Monument
10. Papago Golf Course

The public courses I most want to play.

1. Apache Stronghold
2. Dove Mountain

The private courses in Arizona I most want to play:

1. Forrest Highlands
2. Stone Canyon
3. Whisper Rock
4. Silverleaf

This is a list of all of the golf courses I have played in Arizona in alphabetical order:

      1.         Aguila (Phoenix)

2.         Aguila 9 (Phoenix)

3.         Ahwatukee Country Club (Phoenix)

4.         Ahwatukee Lakes (Phoenix)

5.         Antelope Hills, North (Prescott)

6.         Antelope Hills, South Course (Prescott)

7.         Apache Creek (Apache Junction)

8.         Apache Wells Golf Course (Mesa)

9.         Apache Sun Golf Club (Queen Creek)

10.       Arizona Biltmore, Adobe (Phoenix)

11.       Arizona Grand, Phantom Horse (Phoenix)

12.       Arizona National Golf Club (Tucson, Arizona)

13.       ASU Karsten (Tempe) (closed)

14.       Bear Creek Golf Course (Chandler)

15.       Blackstone Country Club (Peoria)

16.       Boulders, North (Carefree) 

17.       Boulders, South (Carefree)

18.       Camelback Golf Club, Ambiente (Paradise Valley)

19.       Camelback Golf Club, Indian Bend (Paradise Valley)

20.       Camelback Golf Club, Padre (Paradise Valley)

21.       Cave Creek Golf Course (Phoenix)

22.       Club West (Phoenix)

23.       Continental GC (Scottsdale)

24.       Coronado GC (Scottsdale)

25.       Country Club at DC Ranch (Scottsdale)

26.       Desert Forrest Golf Club (Carefree)

27.       Dobson Ranch Golf Course (Mesa)

28.       Dove Valley Golf Course (Cave Creek)

29.       Duke at Rancho El Dorado (Maricopa)

30.       Encanto 9 (Phoenix)

31.       Encanto Golf Course (Phoenix)

32.       Falcon Dunes Golf Course (Waddell)

33.       Foothills Golf Club (Phoenix)

34.       Gainey Ranch Golf Club (Scottsdale)

35.       Gold Canyon, Dinosaur Mountain (Gold Canyon)

36.       Gold Canyon, Sidewinder (Gold Canyon)

37.       Golf Club at Eagle Mountain (Fountain Hills)

38.       Golf Club at Estrella (Phoenix) (18)

39.       Golf Club at Johnson Ranch (Queen Creek)

40.       Golf Club at Vistoso (Marana) - Closed

41.       Grand Canyon University Golf Course

42.       Grayhawk, Raptor (Scottsdale)

43.       Grayhawk, Talon (Scottsdale) 

44.       Ironwood (Chandler)

45.       Ken McDonald Golf Course (Tempe)

46.       Kierland Golf Course(Scottsdale)

47.       Kokopelli (Gilbert)

48.       Las Colinas (Queen Creek)

49.       Legacy Golf Resort (Phoenix)

50.       Legend Trail Golf Club (Scottsdale)

51.       Links at Queen Creek (Queen Creek)

52.       Lone Tree (Chandler)

53.       Longbow GC (Mesa) 

54.       Lookout Mountain Golf Course (Phoenix)

55.       Los Caballeros (Wickenburg)

56.       Maryvale Golf Course (Phoenix)

57.       McCormick Ranch - Palm (Scottsdale)

58.       McCormick Ranch, Pine (Scottsdale)

59.       McDowell Mountain (formerly Sanctuary at West World (Scottsdale)

60.       Mesa Country Club (Mesa)

61.       Mesa Del Sol (Yuma) 

62.       Mirabel Golf Club (Scottsdale)

63.       Moon Valley Country Club (Phoenix)

64.       Mount Graham Municipal Golf Course (Safford)

65.       Mountain Shadows Golf Course (Paradise Valley)

66.       Oak Creek Country Club (Sedona)

67.       Ocotillo (Chandler)

68.       Orange Tree Golf Resort (Scottsdale)

69.       Papago Golf Course (Phoenix)

70.       Phoenician Golf Resort, (Scottsdale)

71.       Phoenix Country Club (Phoenix)

72.       Poston Butte Golf Course (Florence)

73.       Quintero GC (Peoria)

74.       Randolph – Del Urich (Tucson)

75.       Randolph – North (Tucson)

76.       Rancho Manana Golf Course (Cave Creek)

77.       Raven -Phoenix (Formerly Raven at South Mountain) (Phoenix)

78.       Rio Salado Golf Club (Tempe)

79.       Riverview Golf Course (Mesa)

80.       Rolling Hills Golf Course (Tempe)

81.       Scottsdale Silverado Golf Course (Scottsdale)

82.       Seville Golf and Country Club (Gilbert)

83.       Silverado Golf Club (Scottsdale)

84.       Southern Dunes Golf Club (Maricopa) 

85.       Stoneridge Golf Club (Prescott)

86.       SunRidge Canyon Golf Course (Fountain Hills)

87.       Superstition Springs Golf Club (Mesa)

88.       Superstition Mountain- Lost Gold (Gold Canyon)

89.       Superstition Mountain, Prospector (Gold Canyon)

90.       Talking Stick, North (Scottsdale)

91.       Talking Stick, South (Scottsdale) 

92.       Tatum Ranch Golf Club (Cave Creek)

93.       Terravita Country Club (Cave Creek)

94.       Toka Sticks (Mesa)

95.       TPC Scottsdale, Champions (Scottsdale) 

96.       TPC Scottsdale, Stadium (Scottsdale) 

97.       Trilogy at Power Ranch (Gilbert)

98.       Trilogy at Vistancia (Peoria)

99.       Troon North, Monument (Scottsdale) 

100.     Troon North, Pinnacle (Scottsdale)

101.     Ventana Canyon, Mountain (Tucson)

102.     Ventanna Canyon, Canyon (Tucson)

103.     Verde River Golf & Social Club (Rio Verde)

104.     Verrado Golf Course, Founders Course (Buckeye)

105.     We Ko Pa, Cholla (Fountain Hills) 

106.     We Ko Pa, Saguaro (Fountain Hills) 

107.     Wickenburg Ranch Golf and Social Club (Wickenberg)

108.     Whirlwind, Cattail (Chandler) 

109.     Whirlwind, Devil’s Claw (Chandler)

110.     Wigman (Gold) (Litchfield Park)

111.     Wigman (Patriot) (Litchfield Park)

112.     Wigman (Red) (Litchfield Park)

113.     Wildfire, Palmer (Phoenix)

114.     Wildfire, Faldo (Phoenix)

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/

Updated List of Golf Courses in Arizona

• Here is a current list of courses I have played in Arizona. I am still trying to find my way on to some of the more exclusive courses in the Valley. The current Golf Week State Rankings are in parentheses.
  
  
• Aguila (Phoenix)
• Ahwatukee Country Club (Phoenix)
• Ahwatukee Lakes (Phoenix)
• Apache Creek (Apache Junction)
• Arizona Biltmore, Adobe (Phoenix)
• Arizona Grand, Phantom Horse (Phoenix)
• ASU Karsten (Tempe)
• Boulders, North (Carefree) (10)
• Camelback Golf Club, Indian Bend (Scottsdale)
• Club West (Phoenix)
• Continental GC (Scottsdale)
• Coronado GC (Scottsdale)
• Dobson Ranch Golf Course (Mesa)
• Encanto Golf Course (Phoenix)
• Duke at Rancho El Dorado (Maricopa)
• Foothills Golf Club (Phoenix)
• Gold Canyon, Dinosaur Mountain (Gold Canyon)
• Gold Canyon, Sidewinder (Gold Canyon)
• Golf Club at Eagle Mountain (Fountain Hills)
• Golf Club at Estrella (Phoenix) (18)
• Golf Club at Johnson Ranch (Queen Creek)
• Grayhawk, Talon (Scottsdale) (15)
• Ironwood (Chandler)
• Ken McDonald Golf Course (Tempe)
• Kierland (All 27) (Scottsdale)
• Kokopelli (Gilbert)
• Las Colinas (Queen Creek)
• Legacy Golf Resort (Phoenix)
• Links at Queen Creek (Queen Creek)
• Lone Tree (Chandler)
• Longbow GC (Mesa) (21)
• McCormick Ranch, Pine (Scottsdale)
• McDowell Mountain (formerly Sanctuary at West World (Scottsdale)
• Mesa Del Sol (Yuma)
• Moon Valley Country Club (Phoenix)
• Ocotillo (Chandler)
• Orange Tree Golf Resort (Scottsdale)
• Papago Golf Course (Phoenix)
• Phoenician Golf Resort (Scottsdale)
• Quintero GC (Peoria)
• Raven -Phoenix (Formerly Raven at South Mountain) (Phoenix)
• Riverview Golf Course (Mesa)
• Rio Salado Golf Club (Tempe)
• Rolling Hills Golf Course (Tempe)
• Scottsdale Silverado Golf Course (Scottsdale)
• Southern Dunes Golf Club (Maricopa) (6)
• SunRidge Canyon Golf Course (Fountain Hills)
• Superstition Springs Golf Club (Mesa)
• Talking Stick, North (Scottsdale) (7)
• Talking Stick, South (Scottsdale) (19)
• Tatum Ranch Golf Club (Cave Creek)
• Toka Sticks (Mesa)
• TPC Scottsdale, Champions (Scottsdale) (8)
• TPC Scottsdale, Stadium (Scottsdale) (9)
• Trilogy at Power Ranch (Gilbert)
• Troon North, Monument (Scottsdale) (2)
• Troon North, Pinnacle (Scottsdale)
• Ventana Canyon., Mountain (Tucson) (11)
• Ventanna Canyon, Canyon (Tucson) (22)
• We Ko Pa, Saguaro (Fountain Hills) (1)
• We Ko Pa, Cholla (Fountain Hills) (3)
• Whirlwind, Cattail (Chandler) (25)
• Whirlwind, Devil’s Claw (Chandler) (23)

Raven-Phoenix (formerly Raven South Mountain), Phoenix, Arizona

I hope to be playing more courses soon, so I should be posting more.

I played Raven-Phoenix in a 4 person scramble for a great foundation called Will4Walk which creates awareness about spinal cord injuries. This was the fourth time I have played Raven, but the first since it has been managed by OB Golf Management, so I know the course pretty well. The course was in exceptional condition and is the must play courses in Phoenix.

Course: Raven-Phoenix

Location: 3636 E. Baseline Rd., 85042

Course: Public Public Course, 18 Hos

Designer: David Graham

Website: www.ravenphx.com

Tees: 4 sets of tees from 5759 to 7078 yards. There is also a "family tee" which allows junior golfers to enjoy the course.

"

Practice Facility: Great driving range-one of the best I have hit from. There is also a chipping area and a large practice green. The tournament was full and I had no difficulty finding a practice stall.

Review:

Positives: The best part of the course is setting. It is a course is lined by hundreds of pine trees which provide a completely different feel for a course in Arizona.

The course is in exceptional condition. It was still cart path only even though the course has been open for over a month. Needless to say, the fairways were exceptional. The fairways were smooth as were the greens, which my group had a difficulty reading on some holes due to the proximity of the course to South Mountain. The variety of tees allows all players to enjoy their round but presents a challenge to the lower handicaps. There is also lush rough, which is a rarity in Phoenix. Overall, the turf is just exceptionally well managed, which is a big credit to management by OB Golf Management.

Another great part of the course is its proximity to both downtown and the east valley without overpaying in Scottsdale. I would encourage anyone to check out South Phoenix near the course, which is much improved even in the 7 years I have been in Phoenix.

Negatives: Maybe it is because I am loving the way these bunkers are raked at Royal Melboure (very little sand in the lips and sides of the bunkers), I feel this courses overload bunkers with sand. Between the last 3 times I have played here, I have had 3 "fried eggs" or buried balls in the sand. In my very limited knowledge, it feels like they should raking the sand toward the center of the bunker rather than the lips.

Favorite Hole: No 9, Par 5

The 9th hole is the most reachable par 5 on the course. The drive is protected by bunkers in the fairway as well as the green. The green is very large and slightly elevated so club selection is important on your third shot. This is really the best birdie, or maybe even a eagle, chance on the course.

Recommended For: All golfers. It is a little pricey, but overall a great course in Arizona. The course does get quite cheaper in the summer, where I have played for less than $30, which is a good bargain. Unfortunately, I won't get to play this course that much this winter because the rates are at least $100.

Papago Golf Course (Phoenix)

I have been playing Papago Golf Course recently, mostly because a good friend and plus handicap golfer got a great deal on an annual pass. ($1900 for unlimited practice, unlimited golf after 12:00) I also purchased the Phoenix Golfer Card which has allowed me to play cheap even though the weather is cooling down.

The course is very unique. It sits in the middle of Phoenix surrounded by Papago Park with no houses except for a few condominiums on the back 9 that do not come into play. The course is not exceptional aesthically pleasing, but it is well maintained and provides a good challenge for any level of golfer.

Course: Papago Golf Course

Location: 5595 E Moreland St. Phoenix, Arizona

Course: Municipal Public Course, 18 Holes

Designer:William Francis Bell (same designer of Torrey Pines in San Diego)

Website: www.papagogolfcourse.net

Tees: 4 sets of tees from 5777 yarsd to 7333 yards

Practice Facility: Large practice facility with putting green, chipping green, full driving range. The facility is in a beautiful setting as you hit balls back up into Papago Butte. It is really a remarkable setting for a practice range.

Review:

Positives: The course provides a strong variety of holes including shots into greens uphill and downhill. The greens have been smooth and true, except for the couple times I have caught them being seeded. The bunkers are well kept with the right amount of sand. They both 9 hole and walking rates, which is a real novelty in the Valley. The golf facility overall is well-kept and the people are genuine and friendly.

For me, the best part of the course is the challenge it brings. There are really long par 3's on both sides which require hitting fairway woods with accuracy.

Negatives: For as nice and challenging the golf course is, it is does not present itself strong. The clubhouse is a modular trailer which does not have much for food or merchandise. Although the course is on the mountain, it sometimes feels like it could be more green and lush. It is a municipal course in a city that is struggling finnacially, but this can take away from the overall experience.

Favorite Hole: No 5, 383 yard par-4

The uphill, dogleg-left, tee shot requires a medium to long shot to have a short iron into the green. The second shot is the gem of the hole. The elevated green is protected by bunkers and a tree that shades the green. The green slops from back to front, so if you can get a little spin on it, you should add 3-4 yards on your shot to put it cl0se.

Recommended For: Golfers who want a secluded, reasonably priced mountain golf course in the middle of the City. It may not be for all visitors who desire a total package golf experience, but it is definitely worth a shot if you are looking for some desert golf.

Troon North Golf Club (Pinnacle)

Last week, I received an email from Troon North advertising a $25 rate to play either Pinnacle or Monument. Having already played the fabulous Monument Course last summer, my two friends, Jesse and Zach, decided to play Pinnacle, and boy were we spoiled by the experience.

Course: Troon North Golf Club, Pinnacle

Location: 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, Arizona

Course: Public, 36 holes

Designer: Tom Weiskopf, Jay Morrish

Website: www.troonnorthgolf.com

Tees: 5 sets, from 7025 yards to 4883 yards

Practice Facility: Medium sized practice facility for 36 holes. On a hot, Arizona afternoon, it was empty but I can imagine it gets crowded during the peak season. A large putting green very similar to the greens found on the course.

Review:.

Positives: Where do I start? This was a true 10/10 experience! First, the course was the best conditioned course I have ever seen in August in Arizona. The tees, greens, fairways, and rough were all well-kept. The greens were true and smooth and were running into the double digits on the stimpmeter. The pro shop had numerous items to choose from; the professionals were courteous and helpful with our tee time. Every tee time includes a nice yardage card to help with distances and pin placements. We never waited for a single shot all day, even though there are many places that a ball can be lost on this course.

One of the best parts of this course is looking at the amazing houses on every green and tee. This is almost worth the green fee alone.

Negatives: If one wanted to be picky, the rate online said it included a bag tag, which we did not receive when we arrived. The food and beverage rates were high, but that is expected when playing a course in North Scottsdale.

Favorite Hole: No. 10, 407 par 4. (pictured)

No. 10 is a medium length par 4 in which the player starts with a short carry over desert, but must keep the ball short of a 2 large bunkers that protect the end of the fairway. From there, the player must hit a precise second shot to an elevated, shallow green which is also protected by 2 large, deep bunkers, and an array of desert landscape. Although the green is the most shallow on the course, the contour in the green always presents a challenge for a 2-putt.

Don't be too focused on the golf course on this hole as in the distance is a beautiful view of Pinnacle Peak. (the hole is named "The Pinnacle")

Recommended For: All golfers! There are so many great parts of this golf course that anyone will enjoy their time out there.

Overall: Troon North is a must have golfing experience, if one can choke down the large green fee in the peak season. I would encourage golfers to look around discount web sites and Troon's own website to find the best deal. For myself, I cannot wait to get back and tee it up again at Troon North Pinnacle.

Tell me, what do you think of Troon North Pinnacle?