Star Craven TR #2 Corporate networking aka Golf in the USA

[serfty]

I'm enjoying the report.

I was just keen to get to lounge for a drink lol. Finally found the AA lounge and only had time to use the 2 drink coupons in record time before heading off to gate 53B IIRC. We had located the gate prior to heading for lounge and it was very close so we weren't stressing. I didn't realise however that this gate only took us to a bus for a long ride to a satellite terminal out in the boonies.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing - but there is a small AA lounge 'out in the boonies' where you would likely have been much more relaxed.

 

[craven morehead]

A 20 minute taxi ride and I'm safely at our accommodation for the next 8 nights. This place turned out to be perfect for our situation with each villa having 2 king size bedrooms with ensuites, walk in robe and work station. Also a decent lounge area and kitchenette. Although it's about 11.30pm first impressions are good. The location (Old Town Scottsdale) turns out to be excellent as we can walk to many restaurants and bars or if needed we catch a Golf Cart taxi which seem to be all the go here. Don't think I saw any normal taxis. As luck wouldn't have it on this occasion I had missed drron & mrs.drron being in the area by a matter of days. It would have been fantastic to catch up for coffee or a meal and chat with some of AFF's most respected and well travelled members.





4245 N Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA

Complimentary shuttle within a 5 mile radius

 

[craven morehead]

The check in desk which has a small kiosk attached mostly just cold drinks, snacks and toiletries available.


Small bar area to the right of check in :

Breakfast buffet area : Breakfast was included in room rate but I only availed myself of it twice I think as the offering was very ordinary. They seem to cremate the bacon over here so I tended to walk down the street most days or actually have brekky at one of the golf clubhouses.

The well set out villa. So the entrance to the second bedroom is located over the end of the sofa behind cushions.



Very happy with the standard of accommodation provided. There were coin operated laundry facilities onsite which got a work out by weeks end.

 

[craven morehead]

Some random shots from around the place :
This area was adjacent to pool area a good place to relax in the air con with beverage in hand. Daily temps for the duration of our stay were 34-35c with almost no humidity (6-8%) you've never seen so many blokes getting around with lip balm


Opposite side to pool area

There was no shortage of places to relax

Looking from my second floor balcony



Typical gardens for this area

 

[craven morehead]

After check in I caught up with some of the other lads who had arrived the day before for welcome drinks even though it was late and I flown straight through from EMD. I had what would turn out to be the only sleep in for the trip after an early morning finish as all concerned were suffering start of tour fever ! To be fair some of the boys were on their first trip OS. The next morning I set off on foot to check out the local area. We have also hired SUV's and split costs in groups of 4.

Our rig for the next 2 weeks a Chevy Tahoe

One of the Golf Cart taxis getting around it was only about $5 per person maybe $10 pp for longer rides


After a bit of a stroll it was time for brunch. This place looked fine with a nice patio area where one could relax, eat and people watch.


I decided on the Breakfast burrito with rib eye and it appeared potatoes are served in one form or another with just about everything !! The burrito was quite good.

 

[craven morehead]

The next 6 days are back to back golf. For those that aren't fond of golf hopefully some of the photos of the courses and surrounding areas maybe of interest. The first course we are playing is Talking Stick - Piipaash course (South). There is another course here called O'odham (North). There is large resort casino here as well. This place was only a 20-30 minute drive from our hotel.








A good choice for the first game and an opportunity to blow off the cobwebs. A nice open course with a bit in it for all levels. Outside the fence line the desert is sitting there waiting. One of the guys saw a coyote on course and there were hundreds of desert/ground squirrels that look just like miniature Meerkats in the sandy areas. We also saw quite a few Roadrunners.

 

[Major]

What colour tees did you play from ?

 

[craven morehead]

What colour tees did you play from ?

Yellow on this course Major

 

[craven morehead]

So the routine was very quickly established ; Breakfast, travel, golf, travel, drinks, dinner and potentially more drinks for some !! Tonight we caught the golf cart taxi to this place : EVO is an Italian influenced restaurant and lounge in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Can't remember if it was recommended or we just stumbled on it. I went for the RIBEYE with pancetta-garlic whipped potatoes, roasted sweet peppers, balsamic butter @ US$30. Ordered medium rare but received medium. Too hungry to argue. Bill ended up about US$60/hd with drinks & tips.




Nice little outdoor section

Forgot to take picture prior to eating ..... fatigue setting in already !


Happy enough with the quality of the food and wine for what we paid.

 

[craven morehead]

Slight cough up with chronological order ! This was the previous nights venue and dinner at Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila a nice easy 15 minute stroll from the hotel.


May as well have a crack at a Margarita never had one before : (A Margarita is a coughtail consisting of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The drink is served shaken with ice, blended with ice) not too bad !


So I had the CARNITAS (tender slow roasted shredded pork topped with Cilantro / Coriander and onion) on soft tacos with rice & black beans.

Good, simple and tasty food that wasn't expensive.

 

[craven morehead]

The second course for the trip is Kierland Golf Club, definitely a step up from yesterday. Once again only about a half hour drive. I'll let the photos do the talking.




Practice green with driving range over the back

Some weird looking golf buggy's !!

 

[craven morehead]

Dinner tonight was at a fast food joint " Cold Beers & CheeseBurgers" CBCB. Typical sports bar type place that the Yanks seem to love. We had to wait about 15 minutes to get a seat.



I went for the Hangover Burger served with chips. Very sweet bun that looked like it had been glazed. It was average at best.

Washed down with Blue Moon a Belgian White Beer decent drop at about 5.4% strangely enough served with a slice of orange perched on the lip of the glass. The locals seem to enjoy eating the orange before imbibing. Not for this black duck! I quickly explained that I wasn't a vegan and didn't need fruit in my beer

I forgot to take a picture of the burger but it was pretty much like this :

A little advertising for next door :


Verdict : I wouldn't go out of my way to return. Plenty of decent food out there with out dining on this nonsense.

 

[craven morehead]

Finally a decent breakfast @ Breakfast Club 4400 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Once again a gentle 15 minute stroll (10 mins if you're starving) from the Hyatt House. Our accommodation really is well positioned.




A very large and well presented premises with an outdoor option. The place was immaculately clean and the service was top notch. Considering how many people this place can seat the speed the meals came out was excellent. It also offers an extensive breakfast menu.:Breakfast Club

For today's brekky I went with "The Bird" Omelet : turkey, avocado, mushrooms, garlic herb cream cheese, topped with crème fraiche served with fresh fruit. Naturally it was served up with potatoes and peppers for $11.00. As per most meals I've encountered here so far they are large serves. A very nice breakfast and considering I was a little dusty, it was a great way to start the day and ready myself for another 18 holes. The coffee was average but not unexpected. No problems recommending this place.


Righto off to golf again !!

 

[craven morehead]

The third round for the trip : Grayhawk Golf Club Raptor Course : 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA Raptor Course | Scottsdale Golf | Grayhawk Golf Club






Constantly reminded that you are in the desert.


Had to play over the water to finish on the 18th green over on the left. Then back in for an update on everyone's round and a quick beer.

The courses seem to get ever so slightly better each day.

 

[Major]

What was the water carry ?

 

[JohnM]

Late aboard. Sitting quietly in my usual seat...

I'm not a golfer but I like a scenic and well-groomed golf course and that desert country .

 

[JohnK]

Enjoying the trip report.

Phoenix has been a dream of mine for over 20 years. Love the desert theme.

Waiting to see if you end up at TPC Scottsdsle.

 

[craven morehead]

What was the water carry ?

Major from memory the angle we came in from was only 80m water carry. I was just happy to not lose my ball.

 

[craven morehead]

Enjoying the trip report.

Phoenix has been a dream of mine for over 20 years. Love the desert theme.

Waiting to see if you end up at TPC Scottsdsle.

Hang tight JohnK !! and yes it seems to be a golfing must do. Such an abundance of top notch courses within such a small area 20-40 minutes drive from accommodation.

 

[craven morehead]

Dinner tonight was at Blanco Taco & Tequilas about 15 minutes by golf cart taxi from Hyatt House. Even though the place appeared it would seat a few hundred it was absolutely chockers and we had to wait 20 minutes to be seated. My phone had gone flat so I've had to pinch a few pictures. All in all a nice tasty meal and good value for money.



Menu :

I went for the Tiger Shrimp & Carne Asada Fajitas @ 2 for $20 it was a nice feed.