I haven’t played Eagle Mountain since 2003 when I first moved to Phoenix. Nothing against it per se, though I also wasn’t so wowed that I’ve been racing to get back out there, obviously. It’s been on my “Oh, I should go play that again,” list for at least a decade but every time I think about going out there I look it up, think about it and figure, “If I’m driving almost all the way to Fountain Hills and paying that much to play, why shouldn’t I drive 7 more minutes and play WeKoPa?”
I’m hoping to get a little muni love here in PHX. I played Encanto 18 last week, and it was delightful. It wasn’t burnt out at all and was very forgiving (in true form, I hooked a drive into the one true hazard). Most greens were elevated and protected by bunkers on either side, so the course still requires a little thought/strat. Greens were in good shape, facilities were nice, friendly staff etc etc.
New(ish) to the area and would love some muni/cheap golf recs. If you’re a cheap golf and/or muni connoisseur we should tee it up!
-Bone
Hello everyone,
I’ve been lurking for a bit but finally trying to get involved this fall and play with some new people. I’m located in Chandler but will to drive a bit as well to play.
It’s a little bit short notice, but my uncle volunteered at the NCAAs at grayhawk a few months back and with it comes some free golf.
I have an extra spot this Monday at 7:33 playing the raptor course if anyone is able to miss work and join. The reservation is just for a twosome, so I don’t know if other randoms will be paired with us. But if you want to join me for some free golf at grayhawk on Monday, let me know.
Side note, I will be coming off a 24 hour shift, so I will probably be a zombie, but can’t turn down free golf on a day off.
Cave Creek is my go to muni since I’m on the north side. Also, early heads up on an event we’ll be hosting at Aguila on Sat March 2nd. More details to come.
Everyone local plays muni’s from October to April/May.
Papago
Aguila
Cave Creek
GCU
Encanto
Would be my ratings. I go play Encanto 9 with the fiance even though I think it’s a little overpriced.
I like Encanto a lot too. If you’re looking for something similar that isn’t an actual muni, Dobson Ranch is fun and it birthed the legend of Chez.
My rankings for munis:
Aguila
GCU
Papago
Encanto
Cave Creek
I’m on the north side too and I’ve been wanting to play CC but I’ve read it isn’t in great shape rn (golf advisor). My guy Beaux at the PGA superstore said it’s a great spot.
I’ll definitely come out to the event!
I was between GCU and Encanto when I was planning my round. Dobson seems great! Would love to get out there sometime if you’re willing to Sherpa.
Looks like I need to play Aguila!
Re locals playing munis during tourist season, would you recommend getting the city card?
It’s the best deal in golf. A must.
Absolutely. Not only pays for itself (almost immediately), but opens up the booking window.
Buy it at Aguila, Encanto, or Cave Creek and the first round is way cheaper for some reason (doesn’t work at Papago or GCU).
New guy here to the PHX golf scene, what is this city card you speak of??
Definitely - I will also co-sign the city card, you need to get an AZ license or proof of residence to get it but it’s the main option in the winter
$50 ($30 to renew), 9 day booking window vs 7 for general public, and typically $15-$20 cheaper greens fees for Aguila, CC, and Encanto. Can be like $40+ cheaper for GCU and Papago for whatever tee times are still available at those 2 courses within the 9 day window.
I also think the 10th round played in the year is free.
Welcome to the roost my man. I live right by Encanto and play out there a ton. Big muni guy here. Highly recommend Aguila as well.
We will have to get together soon. @sea_bear as well!
I also highly recommend getting the city card.
My personal muni rankings.
Aguila - Absolute gem. Super playable.
GCU - Extremely fun. Good conditions. Quite a tight piece of property though.
Papago - This is arguably probably the best course in the group but the greens seemed to have take awhile to come back from punching. Also like 50% I have been stuck behind a bachelor party and get a solid 6 hour round.
Encanto - very flat and straight forward course. Extremely walkable and a good time. Nothing special but let’s be focus on my golf.
Cave Creek - conditions can vary. Still a fun course. Can get some absolutely crazy putts and sets up for some fun shots.
Dobson is also another fantastic muniesque course. Ken McDonald used to be a really solid time. Haven’t played there in years.
Will also shout out the Palo Verde 9 as a fun place to get out to after work.
Long-time lurker, first-time poster here. I also live right by Encanto and love to get out to all the Munis. GCU is my personal fav. Would love to tee it up with some AZ Nestians!
Idk the exact rules, but I did find out recently that while you get discounted rounds at GCU and Papago, either 1) your rounds at GCU and Papago do not count toward the “free round for every 10 rounds” perk and/or 2) you can’t redeem your 10th round at GCU or Papago. Another drawback to GCU and Papago is that they lean into the bait-and-switch more than the other munis. By that, I mean that they seem to release relatively few city-card eligible tee times. Nonetheless, the city card is a great deal and you can get your money back in a few weeks
Oh, very cool! Definitely have to get one of those.