ValleyCityBoy

I made the mistake of making a birdie on the first hole of this course long on my bucket list. What followed was a remarkable thrill ride set against remarkable views of Camelback Mountain and the adjacent landscape. The greens were a handful, but rolled like the best courses in the area. Challenging lengths and pristine bunkers provided a true test. I waited over five years to play this course during Winter trips to the Valley. My return will be much sooner! Great value. Friendly staff. Terrific amenities.

Many of us may overlook Par 3 courses for a variety of reasons. To be honest, if you are like me, bombing drivers isn't what makes a difference when it comes to scoring. Short game, short game, short game! Bellair is a true gem conveniently located off Bell RD in Northwest Phoenix. Recently re-opened, this well maintained, terrific little layout is a real bargain and fun! Better yet, they have created one of the best practice facilities in the region with an option to purchase shot tracing technology. I'm staying in the Valley for several months and this has become my "go to" facility for practice, playing and enjoyment. My short game is better for it. If you are like me, the first round off the plane isn't always the best round. Do yourself a favor and book one of your first rounds at Bellair. You won't be disappointed.

Our group has played this course before. It’s a demanding track with several opportunities to score and get in trouble at the same time. What has changed since our last time there (4 years ago) is the opinion of what this course believes is the value of their course relative to condition. This course is not worth the current price structure especially when compared to other courses in the same area. Having played nine rounds in seven days this course rates as the least likely for a return in coming trips.

Our group had played the Westin's Gary Player Course and found it to be a nice track, but had no idea what was in store for us at the Pete Dye Course. Let's just say it's like the "Wizard of Oz" when it goes from black and white to color! This isn't knocking the Player Course, it's just that the two courses are completely different from virtually every point. The holes are well-defined and allow for those of us who don't always hit fairways to have fair chances to reach the greens in two. Pace of play was remarkable for our 9:36 tee time. There isn't much to complain about and our group immediately put this course on our repeat list. You won't be disappointed.

We had played LaQuinta's Mountain Course the day before on a twilight rate. Let's just say the sister course, the one we played the next day, is in much better shape. I'm not going to rate the Mountain Course, but when compared to the Dunes course I would say Mountain 3 stars, Dunes 4. The holes are well-defined, greens excellent and rough, while clingy was manageable.

LaQuinta is an old facility. When compared to others in the valley, it shows it. There should be investments made to bring their practice range and dining facilities into lockstep with what you'd expect for a course of this reputation. Neither course is worth the rack rate. Use golf now and play for $85 or less.

No one in our group had any prior experiences at Escena, but we like it and put it on our play again list. The course is in exceptional condition and the layout is fair to generous. Greens in terrific condition. We got a good soaking on the 14th tee box as the sprinkler system decided to turn on, but I'm not downgrading the course rating due to this error in judgement by their grounds team. One other disappointment was the dining facilities, which look amazing, where closed for a private reception when we finished our round. All in all, Escena is a great experience and must play for visitors to Palm Springs.

We enjoyed an early afternoon round at KK having been paired with two other golfers in Maui for a conference. Pace of play was exceptional given the hilly terrain and occasional space between holes. The vistas from KK are amazing as you'll see planes on final approach actually at an elevation below you. Course conditions were impressive. The greens couldn't be compared to Kaanapali, but they rolled out nicely, albeit a little slower.

We played three rounds at Royal Kaanapali during our one week stay in Maui. I recommend this course for a variety of reasons including condition, history, playability and incredible scenery. I'm 55 with a 8.0 handicap. Playing the white tees made the most sense as it afforded me an opportunity to reach longer par 4's in regulation. I spent some time in bunkers, but they are exceptionally maintained. The entire course was well groomed. Beverage service was timely and friendly. I want to go back to Maui, and I especially look forward to a return trip to Royal Kaanapali