Finally! Back at the Computer
Call it being lazy or call it writer’s block, but this piece was started nearly two months ago.
I prefer to call it “just too many other things to do and plan for.” Three more trips to and from Rancho Bernardo, mother-in-law Eleanor Fisher’s 90tj birthday party attended by 21 family members, CSU, Chico graduations of grandsons Shawn and Eric, an annual outing to Arizona with 19 fellow golfers, the Butte Creek Country Club Invitational, son Marty’s birthday, the 21st birthday of granddaughter Kayla and the PVHS graduation of granddaughter Morgan had much to do with the tardiness.
By the way, Kayla did invite this old man to join her for the celebration but common sense prevailed. Come Aug. 2, the merry-go-round continues when Eric and fiancée Sarah Dehaan tie the knot
There has been plenty of bad golf in this span of 2008. But, there are times when it’s OK to play bad golf. Most of us cringe when thoughts of a golf ball flying off the hosel run through our minds. Or, a three-putt. Maybe even a four-putt.
So why did I have such a good time when sons Mark and Matt (Marty has gone through four back surgeries and they have hampered his links efforts), along with Pat Clements, joined me in our annual outing to Phoenix and Scottsdale? It’s always good to travel anywhere with your offspring.
Our early March outing was blessed with golden sunshine, coming after what seemed to be a long, cold winter. Desert golf has always been a favorite and this year it was even more so. Because of the more than usual rain, the terrain was covered with flowers and green plants. For Pat and me, it also meant a few extra strokes as we tried to extricate our golf balls from less than desirable lies. Not even Mark and Matt got away clean, but they didn’t have half the fun. I accused Pat of “going into the tank” when we were partners. Actually, we both better be making reservations for lessons.
Friends from my days at the Northern California Golf Association, Mike Petty and Rob Myers from Communication Links, helped set up our three-day agenda. There was a single round at SunRidge Canyon, 36 holes at the private Whisper Rock courses, another 36 at We-Ko-Pa and then a closing 18 at ASU Karsten.
There are many, many fine courses in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Finding a place to stay and play in March can be difficult. It also will cost more. Major League spring training is big. We did not make it to any of the camps but thousands of others were there. If you can take the heat, and I mean hot, going into Arizona in late May, June, July and August will definitely be easier on the pocketbook. Fees can be as much as 50 percent less.
SunRidge Canyon is located in Fountain Hills. It is a must. The first hole, which barely measures 300 yards, sets the tone. You must hit the ball straight. From that starting point, the course gradually becomes tougher and more spectacular. The par-3s, including a 220-yarder, are fantastic. Each has its character. There is a long carry on the par-3 17th, where Mark almost made an ace. When you’ve finished that one, No. 18 might be one of the finest closing holes I have ever played. The second shot must carry a barranca to an elevated green. We also played this course with the larger group in early May and it beat down nearly everyone. Each hole gets tougher and tougher the more you get into the round.
If you can find a club member, try to get an invite to play the Upper and Lower Courses at Whisper Rock. This is pure golf with so many outstanding holes it is difficult to pick one. A large percentage of the members are single-digit players and there’s a reason for that. Hackers like me, beware. Director of Golf Trent Rathbun took time from his busy schedule to join us for the morning round.
Petty is a member there. He had a pair of sub-par rounds that made my 95s feel even worse. Playing conditions were excellent. My golf was no where near that description. Another plus for Whisper Rock members is Mike Marranzino. He’s the epitome of a guy in charge of the men’s locker room and grille manager. Thanks, Mike.
Don’t get confused when you play at We-Ko-Pa and then the Karsten Course. Derek Crawford is the Director of Sales and Marketing at We-Ko-Pa. Twin brother Daryl is the Director of Golf at ASU Karsten.
We-Ko-Pa is located on the Fort McDowell (Fountain Hills) and is part of the Yavapai Nation. The renowned Cholla Course now has a sibling. The Saguaro opened last year. Both are great tests of golf but are played under immaculate conditions. The fairways and greens were perfect in March and again in May.
The downside is having to remain on cart paths throughout the round. That’s OK if you are good enough to hit it path side all the time but not when you need to carry your bag or three or four clubs across a big fairway. We were told carts are allowed on the fairways once the temperature hits three digits. If you go now that should be the norm.
Karsten, the Arizona State University course in Tempe, is not a desert course. It may not rank in difficulty as some of the others mentioned here, but should not be skipped if you’re in the area.
Karsten is a great place to play the day you get to town or the day you leave. It certainly is cost-worthy and fun, fun, fun. The par-3 16th is as good a golf hole as any in the country. A tee shot must carry more than 200 yards over an imposing lake. Put a little wind in the face and, well, good luck. Water also is a huge factor on the ninth and 18th holes. Both are par-4s but settle for a five. Trying anything fancy will mean a few more strokes.
We’ve also had the pleasure to play the Raven at South Mountain, Raven at Verrado (a bit of a drive but well worth it), Grayhawk Raptor and Talon (fabulous course conditions and eating facilities), TPC of Scottsdale (a bit pricier but worth it), Eagle Mountain and Legend Trail on many occasions. These also are good venues. The Raptor Course at Grayhawk proved to be exceptionally tough for my team in May. Of the 180 holes (10x18), only E-R golf columnist Ed Anderson made a birdie.
Of course, there are numerous resorts in the area. Our groups have and still are extremely pleased with Resort Suites. It is a haven for golfers with just the right amenities – good rooms, swimming pools, a bar and restaurant.
If you can take the heat go now. Play early or play late. Just go play.
Next, let’s go play in Hawaii. Can we afford it? Getting there will be “more” than half the fun. There’ll also be more Chico athletics nostalgia in the future.
(Do you have a trip you’d like to tell me about – good or bad? Send an e-mail to grampsblof@aol.com)