TPC Scottsdale (Stadium & Champions Courses)
Scottsdale, AZ
1987, Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish
Greens Fees, Stadium Course: ~$275
Fat Guy Research, Stadium Course: You've seen the most raucous, college-football-esque crowds on the PGA Tour here year after year pulling for Mickelson on TV. Most of the mag and website reviews I've read make reference to: the prevalent surrounding mounds (i.e. the Stadium moniker), straightforward shot values, the front 9 being tougher but lacking memorable holes, the back 9 being among the most underrated in the SouthWest, 6 water hazards, desert vistas, surrounded by majestic Pinnacle Peak and McDowell mountains, Saguaro cacti, mesquite trees, mandatory carts, giant practice facility, and winning Golf Digest's Silver Medal Resort.
Most player comments I've read mention phrases like, "designed and maintained to host a PGA Tour event", "re-live Tiger's hole-in-one at the par-3 15th party hole", "expensive", "one of the better TPC layouts", "path only", "aggressive marshals forget the Tour isn't here 51 weeks a year", "great practice area", and "massive water hazards".
Links Magazine Review: If you're heading to TPC Scottsdale... Don't have your TOUR card yet? No problem -- an unforgettable PGA TOUR experience is closer than you think. Walk in the shoes of golf's greatest legends at TPC Scottsdale, home to the FBR Open, where two award-winning championship layouts and an array of exclusive amenities let everyday golfers emulate a day in the life of a PGA TOUR player.
Named by Conde Nast Traveler one of the "Top 50 Golf and Resort Destinations in the World," TPC Scottsdale's Jay Morrish/Tom Weiskopf-designed Stadium Course and the recently added Randy Heckenkemper-designed Champions Course were woven into the Sonoran Desert, with stunning panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.
Featuring beautiful desert fauna and immaculate conditioning, this exceptional pair of golf gems is complemented by a professional walking caddie program; the renowned TOUR Academy instructional facility.
Champions Course Review, per Golf Magazine's Travelin' Joe: Check out the Champions course at the TPC Scottsdale ($91-$130.50; 480-585-4334, www.tpc.com/Scottsdale), the redesigned little brother to the TPC Stadium course that's now all grown up.
Fat Guy Review, Former Desert Course: I once played the former Desert course here, before it was plowed under to be re-designed as The Champions. It was your basic resort course, a meager little sister to the Stadium. It was surrounded by mounding which kicked most of your wayward shots back towards the fairway, and greens so flat that I made a couple 30 foot bombs. I tied the best round of my life (at the time) with an 81 there. If memory serves, the clubhouse and former Desert layout were on the outskirts of the resort, so I didn't really even get a feel for what the resort is like.
Where To Booze & Grub Nearby: The Phoenix Examiner digs the on-site Grill at Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale.
This is a real hidden gem that you need to revisit. Remember that when the FBR Open isn’t in town, this is a tremendous venue for golf and dining 350 days a year. During evening hours, you’ll find white linen tablecloths and top-notch beef, chops and seafood at the #1 rated steakhouse in Arizona. But the Grill is casual enough that you can come in anytime in golf attire and enjoy sandwiches and expertly prepared cocktails. It’s also a hot spot for the “ladies who lunch” crowd. Secure a table near the bank of windows fronting the 18th green, the scene of all those great Phoenix Open moments. I can still see Mickelson’s kids running out to hug their daddy after he secured the win in 2005. The lobby is full of U.S. Open memorabilia and plaques. 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. (480) 585-4334.
Where To Booze, Grub, Crash, & Play, Phoenix: See Fat Guy's Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ Golf Weekend