The course just reopened after a grand redesign. It was in perfect shape as it is high season in Arizona for the snowbirds. The entire round was an experience. I admit I was pampered. After checking in I met my forecaddy for the group. Beiderwolf. I decided wolf would do. German from Wisconsin. Normally I play terrible with a caddy. Find myself playing for them psychologically. And it takes time for them to learn your game. Luckily wolf had some great reads on the greens and was clubbing me correctly. Having a forecaddy also improved our pace of play. He had yardages when we arrived at our balls and kept us playing while he took care of the details. We finished in 4 hours. And that is the whole point: play golf fast, an oxymoron IF there ever was one!
The course is well thought out. The redesign made it longer and more challenging. Playing the blues from 6600 yards played closer to 7000 as there was no roll out. The fairways and greens we're emaculate. The greens were stimping around 11 and rolling true. The signature holes at 15, 16, 17, 18 are a great finish and I parred the last 5 holes. 14 is the most drastic redesign with an elevated green, the only such green on the course making it feel out of place.
The first hole is the easiest at 360 yards and follows the philosophy of starting your round with an easy hole. The fourth is a par three to a new green that overlooks the Fairmont princess hotel. The entire course as with all tpc courses is designed for spectators with large rolling hills and seating areas throughout. The stands on 16 were going up and it was as big as a football stadium. Great fun during the tournament. I'd recommend it as the experience was a truly memorable and positive one. It sucks when the round ends and you want to keep playing.