Quintero and Wikenburg Ranch on the upper west side of Phoenix. Both Excellent. Challenging, breathtakingly scenic. Quintero claims to be the #1 course in the State, The Raven at South mountain is lovely. Finally,, drive right past a superstition Mountain out east, and play Gold Canyon Dinosaur -- every hole has a spectacular view. None of the above have houses... Superstition courses are flat and uninteresting. Troon North is the gold standard right in Scottsdale. If you have time, drive to Sedona and play Sedona Golf Resort in the red rock scenery. Simply a breathtaking visual golf experience you'll never forget in your life. 2 hour drive north from Scottsdale.... about 10 degrees cooler.

Heres hoping for a fitting final chapter of "The Works of Art". Doak is a poor man's Art Hills, so if Art isn't available, Doak should suffice.

I would recommend Eagle Mtn on SunRidge Canyon as a good add on course. EM is not as challenging as SRC, but really enjoyable and has a real variety of holes.My personal favorite on the East side of Scottsdale

RR,

In response to your question "We need one more course, but we’re hoping to pay around the $100-$125 range, and preferably something not on any housing tract. Any suggestions? ", I would recommend Talking Stick - North Course. A great design by Coore / Crenshaw, on an Indian Reservation (in other words no homes what-so-ever), always in excellent condition and the staff is as friendly as can be. Couple that with rates around $100 (depending on the season), it is one of my favorite places to play when I am in Scottsdale. Once on the course, there is a wonderful feeling of tranquility that is hard to explain. I know you will enjoy it.

RR:
There should be plenty of daylight in March, so if you are willing to play twilight, you should be able to get that rate at most courses. Otherwise, check golfnow for discount rates. Some good options would be Talking Stick North (no houses), TPC Champions, Moon Valley (another private club allowing some public play) and SunRidge Canyon (very difficult course). If you are willing to drive about an hour, Southern Dunes would be a good option.

LOL. See if you can get on the Renegade Course at Desert Mountain. Its 7,500 yards and 150 slope should challenge you.

Superstition Mountain was beautiful, but a bit too easy for me, as was We-Ko-Pa. Doesn't the state have something more challenging?

just got back from scottsdale and played at superstition mountain. good course in good shape. beautiful views of the mountain. not as stunning at dinosaur but a good solid course with very nice greens. wide open fairways help!! this isn't we-ko-pa or troon but good,solid golf.

You might want to try McDowell Mountain Golf Club (formerly Sanctuary Golf Course). Recently renovated by Randy Heckenkemper and now operated by Phil Mickelson/OB Sports. Centrally located in Scottsdale. Looks like prices fall within your range ($105 weekdays, $130 on weekends) if you book in advance. website here: mcdowellmountaingc.com

Going to Arizona in March to play golf for the first time. My friends and I have been going to Vegas 2-3 times a year for the last 20 years, so we really needed a change of pace. Arizona is proving to be a costly alternative, though. Airfare (from California), lack of comped rooms, and very expensive golf all adds up quickly. We've got Wekopa (both courses) on the card. We need one more course, but we're hoping to pay around the $100-$125 range, and preferably something not on any housing tract. Any suggestions? I am really hoping Arizona pans out and becomes a viable alternative for our group. Thanks in advance.