Great buddy golf trips

Las Sendas Golf Club - Mesa, AZ

If you're a golfer like us (and you probably are if you're taking time to read this) you've seen the Top 100 course lists by the big golf magazine's that come out every year. I'm going to add our two cents worth and make some suggestions for buddy golf trips to take and provide some "birdies" and "bogey's" about the different places we've played and hope you'll be able to take the information and pick the best golf trip for you and your buddies.

1st destination...Phoenix AZ.
Each year the lists hit the news stands, I'm always surprised when I don't see two or three courses from Arizona on a list. Always considered a great golf destination, there are several, and I'm talking 30 to 40 courses within an hour and a half of downtown Phoenix, that are flat out great courses. There are a few that are at the top of the list.

 1) Troon North. Two extremely nice courses, great staff, food and 19th hole. With all the golf trips I've been on I can't see how it doesn't rate a top 50 public course in the US? It's in North Scottsdale and runs in the mid $250 range during winter and early spring so that could be a drawback. If you can stand the heat, summer rates go down to a much more reasonable price at all the courses in Arizona. Some are less than half the winter rates. Tee off early and drink a lot of water if you're going there during summer.

2 ) We-Ko-Pa, Just east of Scottsdale. All the best of desert golf! No homes on either of the 2 courses and some stunning desert views, very challenging, great design and layout. All the best things about golf and there is a hotel/Casino next to the course. Don't be fooled, these courses are not "resort" courses that have giant fairways and flat greens. They are very challenging and really give you a "fix" for desert golf. Around $225 during peak winter season. Again, summer discounts are great but be wary of the heat. Lot's and lot's of water and try and get a very early tee time.

3) TPC Scottsdale. I find it a "one time" must because if you've watched the Waste Management tournament on TV, playing 15, 16, 17 and 18 is a pretty cool experience. The course itself is not so much desert golf and the fairways and greens are not all that difficult but for a one time thing, it's worth a $300 investment to play the last four holes. Again, once, then try some of the other great courses in the area once TPC is off the "to do" list.

4) So many other great courses. Get online and check out Las Sendas, The Boulders, Gold Canyon, Grey Hawk, Wildfire and, well, you get the point. My favorite outside the above three is Las Sendas Golf Club. A Robert Trent Jones Jr course in East Mesa (Less than a half hour from the airport) that is beautiful, well maintained, has a very nice 19th hole with a nice menu, happy hour and great staff. The peak season rates are about $140 per round and they have crazy good prices in summer and early fall. The farther away from Scottsdale the more likely to find decent prices but again, it gets really hot...And, I mean really hot starting the end of May through end of September.

Where to stay? If you're flush, stay in Scottsdale at one of the resorts. They have everything from expensive to really, really expensive. If it's just a bunch of dudes doubling up in a room to save some money for after golf activities, then find a national chain close to where you're going to play and go that route. If you can afford it, stay at a Scottsdale resort...They're quite nice.

After golf activities? If you're young or young at heart, there is a nice bar/restaurant scene near Arizona State University when school is in session. If you're tastes are a little more mature (but not much) check out Old Scottsdale. Great food scene and nightlife with free golf cart rides to keep things safe and help you get back to the hotel after a night of fun.

Catch a late flight out of town and play The Phoenix Raven. Once done, it's only about 10 minutes to get to the airport on a weekend.

Next up for buddy golf trip suggestions...This year US open site, Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Desert vacation - Scottsdale, Arizona

Finishing our blog series on the top 5 cities to visit is # 5 - Scottsdale Arizona.  It's the perfect city to visit when you want to get away for 3 days...why?

First is the weather!  The weather in Arizona ranges from warm to hot.  I prefer the month of March for a few reasons.  Depending on where you live, March in Arizona will have better weather than where you live.  Make sure to check the average temperature in Scottsdale before you book your flight.  You'll want to verify that you're not traveling during the hottest AZ months (July & August) if you're not used to it.

Second are the resorts!  There are a ton of terrific options for hotels & resorts.  Pick the resort based on what you plan to do.  Check out the resorts on Scottsdale Road.  These resorts are so nice that you may not want to leave the property!  They have great restaurants, bars, usually a spa, and terrific pools.  Yes, you can swim in AZ in March!

If you're going to Arizona to play golf, make sure you find a resort near the courses you want to play.  Driving time in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area can be a factor.  If you are not planning to play golf, I highly recommend staying near the Old Town Scottsdale area so everything will be in walking distance.  I've found some of my favorite shopping places in Arizona.  Don't miss the Fashion Square Mall!  Park at the Neiman Marcus store as they offer free valet parking in the garage.  Important to keep the car cool and you don't have to hassle to find a spot yourself.

Third reason is Spring Training for baseball.  Even if you're not a baseball fan, you will enjoy the experience in March.  The stadiums are great and you can get lawn seats pretty cheap.  My favorite stadium is Salt River Fields.  Beautiful complex where the Diamondbacks and Rockies play their Spring Training games.  They have terrific food options (not just peanuts and popcorn) including gourmet treats and Sangria's for $10.  Best part, at this stadium, they bring the food to you.  It's really nice so you don't waste time standing in lines trying to get food instead of enjoying the game & sunshine.

Salt River Fields - 2014

Happy Traveling!

# 4 - San Francisco Bay Area, California

Our 4th favorite city, is the San Francisco Bay Area in California.  Part of the reason why is because it's where we grew up, met and eventually got married.  But why should you like visiting the area?

San Francisco is a beautiful city on the ocean, so there are great views in every direction.  There are two areas in the city that I enjoy most:  Union Square and Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf.  I really enjoy spending the day shopping and eating in the Union Square area.  It has everything in walking distance - from high end shopping to affordable.  If I'm not in SF for shopping, then I want to be a tourist and there's no better place to do that than Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf.  You can't take a bad photo in this area.  On the left of you will see the Golden Gate Bridge, in front of you will the Alcatraz and to the right will be the Bay Bridge.  

Where to stay?  I personally feel that it's too expensive to stay in SF.  I prefer to travel up north to the town of Sonoma.  There's a quaint square in the center of Sonoma with LOTS of restaurants, bars and somewhat affordable hotels.  I'd launch from Sonoma to do a little wine tasting; either Alexander Valley or Napa Valley.  I prefer Alexander Valley, but you can't go wrong with either area.  It's too much to do both, so you should pick based on the wine you like when you're home.  

For me, I prefer the Coppola Winery.  It's not just a winery!  It has wine pairings, a restaurant and pool area.  You can spend the entire day at just this one winery.

Changing rooms at the pool - Coppola Winery

After you've had your fill of wine tasting, the next place that I would travel to and finish your vacation is Bodega Bay.  You'll be right on the Sonoma Coastline.  The water is too cold to swim in, but the views are gorgeous!  Try to stay 1 night in this area.  Have a romantic dinner at one of the many ocean front restaurants and enjoy the view.  The next morning you will find it just a short drive back to SF to head back home. 

Happy Traveling!