Re: 2nd golf course review link...
When I went out there earlier this fall, I played two courses for the same basic amount -- $75 a round. The first was McCormick Ranch, which was a nice, well-kept course that I didn't find extremely difficult (or scenic). It's an OK place to play, but I just kind of felt like it was a bit overpriced for the walk.
The other place I played was called Dinosaur Mountain, and it's part of the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. The Dinosaur Mountain course is open to the public. It's quite challenging, but is immaculately kept and the scenery is second to none. You're actually playing within a mountain range and are surrounded by desert, cacti and mesas on all sides.
Like I said, it's pretty challenging. Lots of elevated tee boxes and landing zones and all the whole nine. I found the back nine easier than the front, but the guys I was playing with (including a golf pro) were very good and said they thought the back was tougher.
Anyway, Gold Canyon Golf Resort, is located Apache Junction, in the Superstition Mountains -- about 30 miles East of Phoneix. It's actually pretty easy to find. When I was there, it wasn't quite peak season (like it is now), so green fees for both Dinosaur Mountain and McCormick Ranch are probably steeper than the $75 range they were when I went.
If you can afford it, though ... I highly recommend The Dinosaur.
