But it's a dry heat ... actual applies in Arizona golf

May 07

But it's a dry heat ... actual applies in Arizona golf

Being a Midwesterner by birth and a East Coaster by choice most of my life, I always regarded that “But it’s a dry heat” line desert dwellers throw out there as holding as much truth as “Tastes Great, Less Filling” or a campaign promise.

Only after a recent trip to the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, I can report it’s actually valid. Or at least semi valid. Swinging the clubs in 92 degree Phoenix weather isn’t nearly as stifling as it sounds to us Northerners. Now, 120 degrees in July is another matter completely.

But 92 in Arizona, not that bad. Almost comfortable. This from an guy with Irish instantly vaporized skin that has me putting in a sunscreen snowsuit. Even with long sleeves and a ski mask, not that bad.

So there’s still a good window left to play fun, reasonable courses like Raven at South Mountain. And when it starts skyrocketing way over triple digits, it’s always a short 90-minute drive to temperate mile-high Prescott and its surprising excellent courses like Prescott Lakes and Stone Ridge.

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10 comments

§ Dan Falck said on : 2005-05-08 @ 07:21
Hi,

So me and my two brothers(we´re from Sweden) are planning a trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale in mid july. I know it can get very warm in july but can a round of golf still be enjoyable during the summer or is it just a torture?

Regards
§ Ray said on : 2005-05-10 @ 12:50
There is a reason why the course prices are so low in Phoenix in the summer. Come to Prescott and enjoy the golf and the great courses.
§ Rebel Blogger® said on : 2005-05-11 @ 06:16
Ray is right. Prescott is only an 80 minutes north of Phoenix. It is fantastic. The courses are wide open in the summer.

Yes, Phoenix is hot during the summer. No doubt. Many Europeans come to Phoenix for great deals. You will get them. I'll take Prescott any day.

Prescott is a sleepy retirement town with great scenery and beautiful views.

When you go, dine and drink on old Whiskey Row.

Rebel
§ Michael said on : 2005-05-14 @ 12:50
Prescott has 4 average golf courses. Do you guys work for the Chamber of commerce? You must be crazy....Phoenix has much better golf courses......Legend Trail, Las Sendas, Raven at South Mountain, Grayhawk......the list goes on and on and on and on and on.......
§ RS said on : 2005-05-14 @ 16:12
Phoenix by far has more courses to choose from than Prescott. Take precautions for the heat (wear a hat, put on sunscreen, drink plenty of water) and you'll be fine. All the golf carts will have a roof, so you can control some of the direct sun. There is no better place in the country to play golf than Phoenix in the summer. Where else can you play a course for only 20 bucks that may cost you 6 times that much in the winter.
§ Dan Falck said on : 2005-05-15 @ 17:22
Ok, so we should stay in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area then and look for courses to play. My brothers are talking about the TPC of Scottsdale. Anyone that has any experience of that course? Worth the money?

Is a early tee-time necessary to avoid most of the heat and sun?

Dan
§ Michael Ryan said on : 2005-05-20 @ 10:12
There isn't much difference between a 9 a.m. and an 11 a.m. tee time in Phoenix during summer months....YES, it's hot but drink a lot of water. A cold wet towel over your head goes a long way. Play only the courses that are 90 degree cart rule and hand out the cold towels. The Raven hands out mango scented towels and some of the other courses are following suit. I like the TPC....they do a deal in the summer that is $80 for both the desert and stadium where the Phoenix Open is played. Legend Trail and Gold Canyon Dinosaur are other fav's of mine. Stay away from Grayhawk unless you do the $50 golf and dinner special they promote in the summer. Raven at South Mountain does a $45 with a Golf Hat....lots of specials out there..
§ Brian said on : 2005-05-21 @ 20:44
Don't worry about the summer here. Play early AM and you will be fine. I'm of Irish heritage and summer is by far my favorite time of the year here. It is actually cooler in July temp wise but it feels hotter as it will occasionally be slightly humid. No kidding, the worst days are the overcast ones. No air movement and humid but that only happens about 1/month in the summer.

It'll be 112* tomorrow and I'll be playing and enjoying it.
§ michael said on : 2005-05-24 @ 20:38
play the boulders in the summer, its a beautiful course and there are summer specials. worth the $
§ Dan Falck said on : 2005-05-26 @ 09:52
Hi,

I just want to thank all u people for the information and help about Scottsdale weather and courses.

Hopefully it will be a good stay for us during the summer.
Cheers,

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Chris Baldwin