Max Adler, a longtime writer at Golf Digest, made a bold move recently. He took a golf trip to Phoenix.

I know what you’re thinking: “Big deal. Phoenix is one of the most obvious places on earth for a golf vacation.”

Yes and no. As Adler’s article points out, when most people think Phoenix golf, they really mean golf in the northern suburb of Scottsdale. Adler’s task was to stay within the bounds of the city proper – not exactly difficult, but it certainly limits the options.

The moral of the story is, Adler found plenty of top-notch courses within easy reach of the airport and downtown. I’m happy to report that four of these gems offer discounted rates through TeeTimes.net, where you’ll find a database loaded with great tracks – and bargains – across Arizona and beyond.

Golf Digest recommended these four courses inside the Phoenix city limits, and we second their selections:

Scroll down to find four more favorites, with a coast-to-coast flavor, all bookable via TeeTimes.net.

Until next time, hit ’em long and straight.

If there’s a course, resort or region you’d like to see featured in a future newsletter, drop us a line and we’ll make sure to include it!

Note: All prices within this newsletter represent the lowest available on Sunday, February 19, unless otherwise noted, and may have changed by the time you read this. Please check TeeTimes.net for updated rates or different days.
Key: Upscale — $75 and up; Mid-range — $40-$74; Value — Less than $40
Featured Course:UpscaleStrawberry Farms GC 
Irvine, Calif.
From $160

With apologies to John Lennon, we’d love to play Strawberry Farms forever. Such is the charm of this Orange County dazzler, whose every nook and cranny screams “must-play!” The rural setting is lovely and sublime, while the holes themselves form one of SoCal’s most challenging tests. The water-heavy finish of 16 — 18 is a doozy.
Featured Course:
Mid-rangePalm Valley GC 
Las Vegas, Nev.
From $55

Golf great Billy Casper spent a lot of time in the Las Vegas area, mostly designing golf courses like Palm Valley. The 51-time PGA Tour winner was known as a deadly putter in his playing days, but he showed keen eye for golf’s other elements, too – witness Palm Valley’s elevated, view-enhancing tee boxes and carefully pitched fairways.

 

  

Featured Course:
Mid-rangeThe GC at Johnson Ranch
Queen Creek, Ariz.
From $42.12

Johnson Ranch is really two courses in one. The front nine is a desert-golf delight tracing a broad path across the base of the San Tan foothills. The homeward half elevates the experience into a mountain setting, completing an excellent 18-hole adventure through the best of Arizona golf. Lesser-known designer Kenny Watkins must be mighty proud of this one.
Featured Course:ValuePalisades CC 
Clermont, Fla.
From $19

Architect Joe Lee knew the Sunshine State like the back of his hand, so his description of the Palisades CC site as “the most spectacular piece of golf property I have seen in Central Florida” carries some weight. The course’s rolling terrain offers honest-to-goodness views, not to mention shot variety, while Spring Lake is an ever-present joy-slash-nuisance.