jja79 said:
Bond is right about Dinosaur IMO. Las Sendes in east Mesa off the 202 isn't far from there and it's underrated I think. I'm a cheapskate so I like the $160 saturday morning rate. It's in a neighborhood which isn't my favorite but I like it.
I also like Verrado Founder's course in Buckeye and it's cheaper than Las Sendes. It's right up against the White Tank mountains and has good views.
These and a lot of other really good course like We Ko Pa, Quintero, Whirlwind, etc are not in Scottsdale so you don't always have to go to the same places.
I've not chimed in here, but since you brought up Verrado I will second your opinion of the course.
I'm going out to Phoenix with a group in February. We have stayed/played in Scottsdale a few times, but all of the courses on that side of town are getting a little pricey. We've started staying in Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear and playing Golf Club of Estrella a couple of times, and then venturing further for a couple of rounds. We're playing Quintero this year and one other course that we haven't yet decided on. Estrella is a Troon Golf course, is always in good condition, and is a fair test. And, it's at a great price for February in Phoenix. Makes us okay with paying a little more for the other rounds.
Here's Estrella #17.

And, here's a pic of a bobcat right by the 18th tee. Looked to us like he has a quail in his mouth.