Name change will not change so-so Camelback Golf Club's Phoenix problem

Scottsdale’s Camelback Golf Club is changing its course names and adding a newfangled GPS system in its carts.

The club announced it in one of those proud press releases that golf courses love. Which is all fine and dandy.

But it will not help Camelback Golf Club’s real issue: its golf courses are average blah in a Phoenix Valley that offers so much more. A real cynic - as opposed to this feel-good golf writer - might even wonder if Camelback’s going back to the original names for its two 18s (Indian Bend & Padre) because experienced Scottsdale visitors know Camelback’s Club Course & Resort Course aren’t that good.

You can only hope that new names and a GPS that gives sports scores are only the first step in a golf revamp.

The shame here is that Camelback Golf Club is connected with one of the best resorts in the West. JW Marriott Camelback Inn stands up as one of those places where you dread the day you have to check out. It ranks seventh on TravelGolf.com’s new list of Arizona’s top golf resorts. This despite the fact its actual golf courses are average at best for Scottsdale.

That’s how good the rooms and amenities are. Your best bet is to stay at Camelback Inn and golf somewhere else.

Name switches and cart computers cannot change that reality.