Golf in Phoenix
 

I am headed out to Phoenix in the morning for a couple of days of meetings on Monday and Tuesday.

I have to continue on to LA and SF later in the week so I am not going to bring my golf clubs along with me, but I would like to play a round or two tomorrow and after work on Monday.

I am staying at the Wigwam Resort on Litchfield Park. I have heard it has gone downhill in recent years, but they offered a very good rate.

A couple of questions:

1. What are the best courses in town that won't break the bank? There are three courses onsite at the Wigwam, should I just stick with them? Are there any good last minute booking websites?

2. What is the going rate for rental clubs at most courses?

The one time I've been to PHX, I played both TPC courses. (There is a tougher, longer course that hosts the PGA every year and an easier, shorter course that isn't used for the pros.) The big course was pretty expensive in the morning (over $150) but we played in the afternoon for about $80 each. The easier course was about $55 each.

Both courses were nice. TPCs in some cities tend to be a wee bit overrated, but for $80 I thought it was okay.

I don't know about rental costs, but I know from experience to make sure to call courses ahead if you plan to rent. Ask what they cost and exactly what make/model/length/shaft they rent. If you don't like their answer but still want to play that course, call some local golf shops. A lot of big golf shops (especially in places like PHX) rent at several quality levels and with some shaft and length choices.

Whatever you do, don't play a $100 round of golf with crappy sticks. That's no fun at all.

Most of the resorts have some brochures highlighting courses in the area. I think the Sunday paper will have some information in it, as well.

If you can get to a Safeway grocery, they're selling entertainment books that are full of 2 for 1 golf coupons. If you're doing any business near 16th St & Camelback, I'll be glad to let you pull some from mine.

I play, but not well nor often--my experience here has been on city courses. Were I to play a gorgeous course out here, I'd head up to the Boulders at Carefree (across town from where you are). I don't have a clue what it costs, but it is beautiful.

JP