Talking Stick is redoing their clubhouse and added a nice snack shack by the range. Troon North’s still has the look and feel of an assisted living facility.
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Iowan here who will be in the Valley of the Sun (specifically Mesa) visiting family next month & looking to squeeze in two rounds between March 9-13 (w/ one probably during afternoon of the 13th). I wholly embrace the Strapped lifestyle, so I am looking to play Dobson Ranch & probably another Strapped-esque track (e.g. Toka Sticks). I am definitely looking for any “affordable” course suggestions or even a round with a local sherpa if anyone is interested.
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I haven’t been out to the easy valley in a minute but you nailed two of the best strapped courses out there. Dobson and Toka. Viewpoint is typically also an absolute value and in great condition if you can handle a Canadian retirement course.
Also if the schedules align would love to get a round in with you.
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Haven’t played it but heard mountain Brook is good value, if you’re willing to go east of mesa.
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I haven’t played Mountain Brook in like 8 years but that was always a fun value track.
Toka is asking $130 these days. Fun track and nothing like having to hit a draw on #9 from the center of the fairway given the tree overhang left. But I looked to grab a tee time on a weekday and it was appalling to see the greens fees hit that, even in a post covid world.
Dobson is always a good time.
The Chandler muni is Bear Creek. In better shape than Dobson for sure. Typically going to be at or under Toka and it’s a much better course. Way down south at Riggs but with the 202 - 30 minutes for almost anywhere in Mesa.
Lone Tree and Oakwood will be a little above and are solid, but not spectacular, courses.
If you need to stay in Mesa, Superstition Springs is fun.
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Bear Creek is in decent shape? Haven’t been there in a while but I wrote it off because they had completely let it go. Good news if it’s being caged for again.
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Seriously? Wow, it used to be a stop in my broke junior golfer rotation.
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It’s actually in fantastic shape these days. They got a new super 3-4 years ago and it’s in better shape than anything else in Chandler/Gilbert/Mesa. Became my “home” course in 2024 for my Men’s Club play actually. Was playing at Lone Tree a lot, but they keep losing the course in the summer and need to aerate 2 times and then get the Bermuda perfect days before they need to start overseeding for the migration of the Olds that happens every October-November.
It’s a good 3 steps above Dobson in conditions. Isn’t quite as charming as Dobson.
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The growth that direction and the airport must have driven demand. I think I was out there around this time last year at $80. I can’t imagine how bad it’s going to get during peak spring.
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Geez, I know everything is more expensive in Arizona than here & I have not been out there since 2019 (when I played ASU Karsten & Superstition Springs), but it turns out inflation is a real thing. I just remember from 2019 Dobson & Toka were the 2 other courses I was looking at playing, so I thoughtI would start there this time. Thank you for the Bear Creek suggestion, I will definitely look into it.
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If it makes you feel better Karsten is $0 now lol
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Ha ha, yes I was glad I got to play it as I believe it closed 2 months later.
That’s great to hear. I’ll have to check it out.
What type of shape is Springs in?
I always remember it being absolutely unplayable but that was many moons ago.
Haven’t been played it in 2 years but the word is that they have gotten the course back. Can’t confirm but I’ll ask a friend of mine I’m seeing today who played it yesterday.
The review on Superstition Springs is that it is much improved. They said 1-2 holes have some rough patches and they (the course) is claiming to be investing back into the course to improve. Seems to be a trend in the East Valley with the exception of Kokopelli and any of the courses near the retirement communities in Mesa that everyone is trying to up their game. Even Western Skies is in decent shape these days.
Hey!
Relocating from Nor Cal to Phoenix/Scottsdale area.
Wondering where people typically play, my parents have lived in the area a few years and most of the options are quite expensive
Once you get your mailing address, be sure to sign up for the Phoenix City Card
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Welcome to the Valley! Excited to have you down here.
A lot of us hammer the City of Phoenix muni scene. Aguila, GCU, and Encanto are my go tos. Papago is great if you find a tee time. Cave Creek is fine. Dobson Ranch is a Mesa muni that’s a good option as well. Depends what part of town you’re going to be in though. I know the Phoenix munis are a trek from some areas of metro Phoenix. In the summer, Talking Stick, We-Ko-Pa, and Southern Dunes are some of my higher end favorites that get more reasonably priced for locals.
Looking forward to hopefully teeing it up once you get settled.
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