Scottsdale 2nd & 3rd Tier Course Reco's

[ukalum]

Each year when I head to Scottsdale it is easy to decide upon the top courses in the area.  (Troon, Wekopa, Grayhawk, TPC, Gold Canyon, etc) But, unfortunately we need to play a few moderately priced courses as well during our trip.

Help suggest some courses that are should be on this list to play.  Here are a few that come to mind, but I'm not sure where they should rank.

Eagle Mountain

Kierland

Wildfire

Desert Canyon

Lookout Mountain

The Raven

Talking Stick

McCormick Ranch

Las Sendas

Longbow

Also, wondering if Camelback is better than the Biltmore courses, or if they are even worth a look.

Thanks for the help

Todd

[ghalfaire]

The Pueblo course at Camelback is good course and I like it as well as the Biltmore courses.   The other Camelback course, Indian Bend, is a step down however from Biltmore IMO.

[Harmonious]

Originally Posted by ukalum

Eagle Mountain - Haven't played but heard good things.

Kierland - Played once.  Wasn't impressed.

Wildfire

Desert Canyon - Haven't played but heard good things.

Lookout Mountain

The Raven

Talking Stick

McCormick Ranch - Some interesting holes on both course.  Lots of houses.

Las Sendas - Great course, but it's very tough.

Longbow - Fun course with some good challenge.

I would definitely add Papago in east Phoenix.  Great layout.  Don't know about the maintenance these days.  ASU Karsten in Tempe is a fun course. I also liked Superstition Springs, Ocotillo and Apache Creek.  None are too outrageous in price, but it is high season in Arizona (as you know).

[raygrinberg]

I'd add Sunridge Canyon.  Nice track.  Consider Stonecreek and Arrowhead Ranch too.

I always try to fit in a round at Karsten when I am in Phoenix.

[ghalfaire]

Originally Posted by Harmonious

I would definitely add Papago in east Phoenix.  Great layout.  Don't know about the maintenance these days.  ASU Karsten in Tempe is a fun course. I also liked Superstition Springs, Ocotillo and Apache Creek.  None are too outrageous in price, but it is high season in Arizona (as you know).

I was at Papago a couple of week ago and it was in great condition.  No clubhouse there yet, just a couple of trailers hooked together.  But I second the "great layout" comment.  I like the other courses Harmonious mentions too.  But, for me at least, Apache Creek isn't in the same class as the others.

[Beachcomber]

+1 for Karsten and Raven at South Mountain.  Both tracks are solid and shouldn't break the bank.

Depending on if you are willing to drive to the Southeast Valley... I also like Johnson Ranch (cheap ~ $50) and Poston Butte Golf Club ($70 to $80).  Both could be played on the same day if you did an early morning round at one and then hit the other in the afternoon.

http://www.johnsonranchgc.com/homepage/start_page.php

http://www.postonbutte.com/index.php

[sabram]

Originally Posted by ukalum we need to play a few moderately priced courses as well during our trip.

Help suggest some courses that are should be on this list to play.  Here are a few that come to mind, but I'm not sure where they should rank.

Eagle Mountain

Kierland

Wildfire

Desert Canyon

Lookout Mountain

The Raven

Talking Stick

McCormick Ranch

Las Sendas

Longbow

The first two that I would suggest are top tier courses at second tier prices: Vista Verde and Southern Dunes. They are two of the best courses in the area and not too expensive. They are "Must Play" courses. I also like Rancho Manana. You have the Raven on your list. There are two Raven courses. One is near the airport and is an Eastern style course with decidous trees. The other one which I prefer is Raven at Verrado which is West of Phoenix and is very good. Raven at Verrado is my favorite from your list. The two courses at  Talking Stick are not a second tier courses. They are good Coore/Crenshaw courses on  a flat piece of land and they are pretty expensive to play. Longbow is a solid "second tier" course that you can play for a good price. Eagle Mountain is pretty and very frogiving with wide fairways that tend to funnel balls into play. Kierland is expensive and just average Scottsdale fare. I haven't played the others on your list.

[ukalum]

Thanks guys, this is really helpful.  Keep the reco's coming!