TPC Scottsdale… worth it?
To clarify, I have spent pretty much zero time playing in the greater Phoenix area, so my info is from others, and my own research (I've planned about 8 trips to Phoenix, but it never seems to work out). That having been said, I would have to say no. Peak season (which is now) they want $272 to play... and that does NOT include tax! So, we're talking $300 to play a fairly average desert-style course. I know it's a tour stop, but really? There's no oceanfront holes. No major championship was held there. There are 3 really good holes, and the rest are fairly ok. The 17th was pivotal this year, and that's a testament to great design by Mr. Weiskopf. A short par 4, half the field can hit the green with a 3 wood. Too easy? Well, because of water in play, smart bunkering, and a crazy green, this is a classic risk-reward hole. You can drive the green and make eagle, but on Saturday and Sunday I saw plenty of bogeys made by guys in contention. Great hole. $300 great for me to play? I say no. Let's face it... for most of us, a $300 greens fee better be for a bucket-list life-changing round of golf. You can do better... even in the Scottsdale area.
One suggestion... for deals, you have to be willing to drive. Some of the better golf is east of town. Out in Fountain Hills, there are a number of top-rated, yet cheaper options. The best is going to be We-ko-pa, a 36 hole facility on Native American land. Translation... there's no houses on the course, and a casino nearby. It's around $200 to play, but they always have specials running, especially in connection with the casino.
The other 36 hole option east of town is Gold Canyon golf resort... a bit older than We-ko-pa, but the Dinosaur Mt. course is consistently rated as one of the best in AZ. It has classic desert-style golf, and with more elevation changes than you'll see in town. It costs $180, and the other course is around $100, but package deals there drop the price a lot. It's worth the drive.
Of course, with such an abundance of golf in the area, I would also call a tee-time service if you are flexible on where to play. As with the Palm Springs area, several companies buy up the unused spots on the tee sheets at area courses and sell them at at least 50% off. I found several amazing deals just yesterday at Golfnow.com, one being a $90 round at the Boulders, which is another $275 greens fee in peak season. Those are booked online, so bring your laptop. Otherwise, call Stand By Golf, which is all done over the phone.
