hello.
i want to plan a golf trip to arizona or somewhere in that vicinity to play golf in Feb 2013.
Any tips on where to go or who to book with???
It's just gonna be me and a buddy, 4 total at max..
Looking to not spend a ton.

I have played 4-5 courses in the Tuscon area. A couple very nice places, among many there, are Vistoso and Arizona National. Though it is high season when you want to go, I think both places offer some discounts on GolfNow and other sites like that. I was there in November and played Arizona National after 2pm for 35 bucks. Lots of PGA and LPGA pros have memorabilia displayed in the clubhouse there. I think Arizona State plays a lot of their golf there. Many alumni are playing on both tours. Also, Tuscon National is quite nice, but probably a bit on the pricey side. There is a PGA event held there every year. Starr Pass is another good track, but also pricey. Desert golf is a big favorite of mine. Maybe Joe Jones will chime in here. He lives in the desert and can probably give you plenty of guidance. You out there Joe?....

Don't forget the chapstick, bring plenty.

Living in the Phoenix area I offer a few suggestions.

Phoenix is a huge geographical area. Try to stay centrally located.
As a rule of thumb the highest prices are in the east valley (Scottsdale) and decrease in cost as you go west. Many high quality, reasonably priced courses in the southwest and northwest area. For instance The Wigwam is a nice resort and offers golf plans. They have 4 fine courses on property and many more in the area.Rather than booking through a agency use Golfnow.com and make your own arrangements. Once you have made some selections contact me.I would be glad to give you my comments on anything you choose.

Most of the high scale, premium resorts are in the Scottsdale area. They are very pricey during our high season. On the plus side fine dining is also in the same area and the social swing is electric in the Old Town area of Scottsdale. If you are looking for just good golf the Northwest area, Peoria, Glendale & Suprise have fine courses and good dining and motel, especially in the Arrowhead area.The southwest area, Litchfield Park and Goodyear area where The Wigwam is a good area for food & fun. Golfnow is divided by geographical areas so navigation is easy. Good luck.

When we go to Scottsdale the boss stays at the Phoenician. I've stayed there a couple of times and played golf with him. It was awesome.

sepfeiff wrote:

Don't forget the chapstick, bring plenty.

Seconded.

Excellent course. Just curious, who payed the green fee?

The first full length course I ever played was in Scottsdale at a company sponsored scramble best ball tournament. It was at the Palms Course at McCormick Ranch back in September of 2006. It must've been about 4 weeks after I first picked up a golf club.

It was a pretty nice course. The only resort course I've ever played. Pro shop high school kids grabbed our rental clubs from our rental cars, complimentary sleeve of balls and a sack lunch to go. I remember distinctly the bafflement of not knowing how to operate an electric golf cart (couldn't be as simple as stepping on the accelerator, right?).

Bryan K wrote:

sepfeiff wrote: Don't forget the chapstick, bring plenty. Seconded.

It's a dry heat, I hear. Even if it's really hot, it's dry. Even if small farm animals are exploding in the distance due to the heat .. it's dry.