Those of you know that follow this blog regularly know that I "heart" the Gold Canyon Golf Resort which is in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains just east of Phoenix. It is perhaps the absolute best dollar value of any package we sell at Gateway Golf Vacations!
Despite the fact that I totally imploded last time I was there, it is still my favorite golf venue if you leave out Hawaii and Cabo San Lucas! Of course the difference is $$$$$$! If cost is no object, I'm at one of those two destinations in heartbeat! But, of course price IS crucial - especially these days. So, here's my take... If given the chance to play Troon North or Gold Canyon's Dinosaur Mountain course in The Valley of the Sun on someone else's dime, I might go with Troon. I say "might" because, having played both, I would put them on an absolute par.
But, since I'm a little short on friends that will "pop" for my greens fees my choice is to pay $260 at Troon North or $140 at Gold Canyon (prime season rates)... okay, let me think about it!
It's all about location! Gold Canyon is such a value because it's in the boonies where land is cheap. But, for the savings, I'll take the 35 to 40 minute drive from the airport! My only hesitation, when advising our golf clients, is that beyond the restaurant and the sports bar at the resort, you need to go a long way back toward the city for any dining and nightlife.
So, about my Gold Canyon Meltdown... playing a big money game (like a buck a hole!) an opposing player - such a friend - got into my head with penalties on quite obscure rules violations. I let it get to me and the grip tightened a little more with each shot.... not only that day but the rest of the trip. Anyone out there who knows the feeling?
Cheers,
Dick
