Scottsdale, Arizona is a golfer's paradise with over 200 courses. Here's a quick overview of the top 10:
- Troon North Golf Club - Desert-style, challenging
- TPC Scottsdale - Home of Phoenix Open
- Grayhawk Golf Club - Two pro-level courses
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Target-style Cholla Course
- Boulders Golf Club - Unique boulder backdrops
- Talking Stick Golf Club - Native American land
- Quintero Golf Club - Ranked #1 public course
- McDowell Mountain Golf Club - Wide fairways, big greens
- Kierland Golf Club - 27 holes, air-conditioned carts
- Gainey Ranch Golf Club - Three 9-hole courses
Best time to play:
- Winter: Perfect weather, busy, expensive
- Summer: Hot, big discounts (up to 75% off)
Quick Comparison:
| Course | Standout Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Troon North | Desert target golf | $$$$ |
| TPC Scottsdale | PGA Tour venue | $$$$ |
| Grayhawk | Two distinct courses | $$$ |
| We-Ko-Pa | No homes on course | $$$ |
| Boulders | Dramatic rock formations | $$$$ |
Scottsdale offers year-round golf with unique desert landscapes, top-notch facilities, and courses for all skill levels.
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1. Troon North Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
Troon North Golf Club has two courses:
- Pinnacle Course
- Monument Course
Tom Weiskopf designed both, with Jay Morrish helping on the Monument Course. These courses offer desert-style golf that can be played at different skill levels.
The Monument Course is known for its tricky tee shots. The fairways look smaller than they are, which makes players think carefully about each shot.
Standout Holes
Some holes at Troon North are famous for their looks and how they play:
- 3rd Hole ("The Monument"): This par-5 has a big rock in the middle of the fairway.
- 11th Hole ("Dynamite Ridge"): An uphill par-5 with a very narrow fairway.
- 15th Hole ("Canyon Pass"): A par-4 that goes uphill. Some players might be able to reach the green with their first shot.
The back nine of the Monument Course has great views of the desert.
Course Conditions
Players say the courses at Troon North are in great shape:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fairways | Green and well-kept |
| Rough | 4-6 inches long |
| Greens | Smooth, get faster as the day goes on |
Playing Experience
Troon North can be tough to play. The narrow fairways and tricky angles mean you have to think about each shot. But the views of the desert make it worth it.
Many people think Troon North is one of the best places to play golf in Scottsdale. It costs more than some other courses, but many golfers say it's worth the price.
2. TPC Scottsdale
Course Design and Layout
TPC Scottsdale has two golf courses:
- Stadium Course
- Champions Course
Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed both courses. The Stadium Course, which opened in 1987, is 6,992 yards long. It was built to host the Phoenix Open, a big PGA Tour event.
Key Features
- Spectator-friendly: The Stadium Course has special mounds for easy viewing. It can hold up to 500,000 people during the Phoenix Open.
- Pro-level play: Regular golfers can play on the same course as PGA Tour pros.
- Top-rated shop: The TPC Scottsdale Golf Shop is one of the best in America, according to Golf Shop Operations Magazine.
- Good food: The Grille in the clubhouse is known for great food in the Phoenix area.
Course Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Courses | Stadium Course, Champions Course |
| Designers | Tom Weiskopf, Jay Morrish |
| Stadium Course Length | 6,992 yards |
| Opened | 1987 |
| Main Event | Phoenix Open (PGA Tour) |
Awards and Recognition
- Conde' Nast Traveler named TPC Scottsdale one of the Top 20 Resort/Golf Destinations worldwide.
- In 1996, it got the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certification.
- Links Magazine/Audubon International gave it the 'Best of 1996' award.
Playing Experience
The Stadium Course is tough but fair. It's ranked as one of the best public courses in Arizona and the U.S. Players can test their skills on a PGA Tour-level course, which is rare for public golf courses.
"Conde' Nast Traveler has included the TPC of Scottsdale among the Top 20 Resort/Golf Destinations in the world." - Team Fore
TPC Scottsdale offers a mix of challenge and fun for all skill levels, making it a must-play course in Scottsdale.
3. Grayhawk Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
Grayhawk Golf Club has two 18-hole courses. We'll focus on the Raptor Course:
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Length: 7,151 yards
- Slope rating: 140
The Raptor Course has wide fairways and big greens. This makes it fun for all players, but it's still tough enough for pros.
Big Events
The Raptor Course has held some important golf tournaments:
- PGA Tour's Frys.com Open
- NCAA Men's and Women's Division I Golf Championships
These events show that the course is good enough for top players.
How Hard Is It?
The Raptor Course is pretty tough:
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Slope | 140 |
| Rank in Arizona | 37th best (2023-'24) |
It has ups and downs in the land and some water hazards. This mix makes the game more fun and hard.
What Players Say
Here's what some golfers think about the Raptor Course:
"Great desert golf course; challenging. If you don't like desert golf course, do not play here. In excellent shape with great practice facility (grass, short game area, putting green). First rate." - Anonymous Review, 2018
Another player in 2019 said it's "The more playable and better of two courses at Grayhawk."
Cost and Type
- Price: $309
- Type: Public course
This means anyone can play here if they pay, not just members.
What Makes It Special
- Good practice areas
- Well-kept course
- Nice desert views
- Mix of flat and hilly holes
- Some holes have water hazards
The Raptor Course at Grayhawk gives players a real taste of desert golf. It's hard but fair, and the views are great. If you like a challenge and don't mind paying more, it's worth trying.
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has two 18-hole courses:
- Saguaro Course
- Cholla Course
The Cholla Course, made by Scott Miller, is a target-style course. It's different from the Saguaro Course, which is longer and more open.
Cholla Course Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Target-style |
| Designer | Scott Miller |
| Greens | Large with slopes |
| Fairways | Look hard but are easy to hit |
| Tee shots | Most greens not visible |
Standout Holes
- 18th Hole: Split fairway, plays over a hazard with waste bunkers
- 15th Hole: Short par-4, can be reached from the tee
- 14th Hole: Known for great views
Player Experience
Many golfers like the Cholla Course better than the Saguaro. One player said:
"I think I have to add myself to the list of people who actually prefer Cholla over Saguaro."
Course Conditions
Players often say the course is in good shape:
- Green fairways
- Well-kept greens
Playing Tips
- Plan your shots carefully, as you can't see most greens from the tee
- Don't be scared by how the fairways look - they're easier to hit than they seem
- Try to drive the green on the 15th hole if you're feeling brave
We-Ko-Pa's Cholla Course gives golfers a fun mix of challenge and beauty in Scottsdale's desert setting.
5. Boulders Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
The Boulders Golf Club has two 18-hole courses designed by Jay Morrish. We'll focus on the South Course:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Par | 72 |
| Back tees length | 6,726 yards |
| Red tees length | 4,684 yards |
| Tee options | 5 sets |
| Sand bunkers | Over 70 |
| Water hazards | On 4 holes |
The course fits players of all skill levels with its different tee options.
What Makes It Special
1. Boulder Backdrops: Big rocks sit behind some greens, making the course look different from others in Arizona.
2. Ups and Downs: Some tees are high up, and some greens are much lower. This makes the game more fun and hard.
3. Desert Views: Players can see the Sonoran Desert all around while they play.
How Hard Is It?
The South Course can be tough or easy, depending on which tees you use:
| Tee Set | Slope Rating |
|---|---|
| Back tees | 140 |
| Red tees | 117 |
A slope of 140 from the back tees means it's pretty hard for good players. But from the red tees (117 slope), it's easier for most golfers.
Course Conditions
Players say the course is in great shape:
- Fairways are well-kept and roll nicely
- Greens are big and have small slopes
- The whole course looks neat and tidy
Extra Golf Stuff
The Boulders offers more than just the course:
- Grass driving range
- Areas to practice short game
- Several putting greens
These extras help golfers warm up or work on their skills.
Where to Find It
The Boulders Resort & Spa, which includes the golf club, is in Carefree, Arizona. It's known for being fancy and having top-notch golf.
For more details about playing at the South Course or staying at the resort, check out the Boulders website.
6. Talking Stick Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
Talking Stick Golf Club has two 18-hole courses made by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 1997. The O'odham Course is seen as the better one:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Par | 70 |
| Length (Black Tees) | 7,133 yards |
| Rating/Slope (Black Tees) | 72.6/124 |
The course has tees for all skill levels:
| Tee Set | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,133 | 72.6 | 124 |
| Gold | 6,510 | 69.9 | 119 |
| Gold/Jade | 5,945 | 67.0 | 116 |
| Jade | 5,532 | 65.2 | 111 |
| Rust | 4,677 | 65.7 | 109 |
What Makes It Special
- Native American Land: It's on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land.
- Two Different Courses: Offers variety for golfers.
- Top Teachers: Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, ranked #1 and #2 female golf instructors in the U.S., lead lessons here.
- Big Clubhouse: 26,000 square feet with a good golf shop, locker rooms, and dining.
Views and Scenery
- No Houses: The O'odham Course has clear views of the desert.
- Mountains: You can see Pinnacle Peak and the McDowell Mountains.
- Nice Dining View: The Wildhorse Grille looks out at the mountains.
How Hard Is It?
The O'odham Course is fair for all golfers:
- Wide Fairways: Easy to hit from the tee.
- Firm Ground: Balls roll well.
- Tricky Greens and Bunkers: These make the course harder.
- Easy to Walk: The land is flat.
Rankings and Prices
The O'odham Course has gotten good ratings:
| Ranking | Position |
|---|---|
| Best Public Course in North America (Golf Magazine, 2021) | #82 |
| Best Casino Course in America (Golfweek, 2023) | #43 |
| Best Course in Arizona (Golf Magazine, 2023) | #10 |
Prices:
- Afternoon play costs less than $100
- Arizona residents get discounts
Tips for Players
- Good for public course fans
- Well-kept course
- Interesting greens and bunkers
- Nice desert and mountain views
- Can be walked easily
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7. Quintero Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
Quintero Golf Club, made by Rees Jones, is a top public golf course near Scottsdale. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Peoria, AZ (about 1 hour from Phoenix/Scottsdale) |
| Opened | 2000 |
| Length (Black Tees) | 7,249 yards |
| Slope Rating | 148 |
| Course Rating | 75.3 |
The course has tees for all skill levels, from 5,807 to 7,249 yards.
What Makes It Special
- Ranked #1 "Best Public Course" by Golf Digest and GolfWeekly Magazines in 2017
- No houses around, giving clear desert views
- Smooth bentgrass greens
- Big landing areas for tee shots
Standout Holes
- 6th Hole (Par 3): 110-foot drop from tee to green
- 8th Hole (Par 5): Tough second shot over desert and uphill
Playing Experience
- Hard but fun for good players
- Different tees make it okay for less skilled golfers
- Weekend rates up to $385 with cart
What Players Say
"Quintero Golf Club is bucket list worthy, and a true must-play for golf enthusiasts visiting the Greater Scottsdale area." - WiscoGolfAddict
Tips for Your Visit
- Book early, it's popular
- Bring a camera for the views
- Try different tees based on your skill
- Plan for a full day, it's far from Scottsdale
Quintero Golf Club gives you great desert golf without houses in the way. It's tough but fair, with views that make the trip worth it.
8. McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Course Layout
McDowell Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale offers an 18-hole course designed by Randy Heckenkemper. The course spans 7,072 yards from the back tees.
| Tee | Yards | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,072 | 73.0 | 137 |
| Gold | 6,624 | 71.2 | 132 |
| Blue | 6,151 | 69.2 | 127 |
| White | 5,668 | 66.9 | 120 |
| Red | 5,221 | 69.8 | 122 |
Key Features
- Wide fairways for different play styles
- Big greens with slopes
- Desert plants part of the course
- Golf carts with GPS
Views
- McDowell Mountains in the background
- Desert plants and animals
- Good spots to watch the sunset
Playing the Course
The course can be hard but fun for different skill levels:
- Choose from five tee sets
- Sand traps make shots trickier
- Water hazards on some holes
- Hills and slopes affect shots
McDowell Mountain Golf Club gives players a mix of challenge and desert beauty in Scottsdale.
9. Kierland Golf Club
Course Layout
Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale offers a 27-hole layout designed by Scott Miller. The course is split into three 9-hole sections:
- Acacia
- Ironwood
- Mesquite
Players can choose from four tee sets:
| Tee Set | Yardage |
|---|---|
| Longest | 7,017 |
| Shortest | 4,898 |
The course has 300 sand bunkers and well-kept fairways.
Special Features
Kierland Golf Club stands out with:
- Air-conditioned golf carts (cool air by up to 50°F)
- Segway Golf Transporters for easy movement
- Free grass range
- Putting and chipping greens
- La Bauve Golf Academy (started in 2003)
Views and Setting
The club is part of the 730-acre Kierland Community, giving players nice views of Scottsdale. The course mixes golf with desert plants for a natural look.
Playing Experience
Kierland is known for being easier than other desert courses:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fairways | Wider |
| Rough | Minimal |
| Slope rating | 112-131 |
The course lets players make choices on most holes, balancing risky and safe plays.
Recognition
Kierland has earned praise:
- Named one of the "Top 10 Public Courses in Phoenix/Scottsdale" by Golf Advisor
- Ranked as one of "America's 9 Most Cheerful Golf Courses" by Golf Digest
Amenities
The club offers:
- Full bar and grill
- Custom club fitting
- Caddie service
- Club rentals
- Troon Golf shop
Expert Opinion
"Kierland Golf Club is a hidden gem in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Its combination of strategic play and visually pleasing holes makes it a must-visit for golfers in Scottsdale."
Booking Info
For tee times and more details, check the Kierland Golf Club website.
10. Gainey Ranch Golf Club
Course Design and Layout
Gainey Ranch Golf Club offers three 9-hole courses:
| Course | Key Features | Yardage |
|---|---|---|
| Lakes | 5 lakes, 8 holes along water | Not specified |
| Dunes | Shortest, undulating fairways | Not specified |
| Arroyo | Longest, small arroyo throughout | Over 3,400 yards |
These courses can be combined for different 18-hole games. Each course has five tee sets for players of all skill levels.
Standout Features
- Ranked in Golf Digest's Top 75 U.S. Golf Courses
- Listed among Golf Magazine's Top 100 Resort Golf Courses Worldwide
- Located 6 miles north of downtown Scottsdale
- Set in the Sonoran Desert with mountain views
The Lakes Course has a waterfall at the 9th hole. The Dunes Course tests players with tight fairways and many bunkers.
Playing Experience
Each course offers its own challenges:
- Lakes Course: Water comes into play on most holes
- Dunes Course: Needs careful tee shots due to narrow fairways
- Arroyo Course: The longest, with a natural water feature
The multiple tee options let players adjust the difficulty to their liking.
Course Highlights
- Lakes Course: Green scenery stands out against the desert backdrop
- Dunes Course: Deep bunkers around greens demand precise shots
- Arroyo Course: Longest of the three, offering a different challenge
Location and Views
Gainey Ranch Golf Club gives players clear views of the surrounding mountains. The mix of desert plants and well-kept greens creates a striking visual contrast.
Course Comparison
To help golfers choose the right course in Scottsdale, here's a comparison of some top golf clubs:
| Club Name | Golf Cost | Monthly Dues | Courses | Designer | Golf Members | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulders | $80,000 | $564-$736 | 2 | Jay Morrish | 400 | Clubhouse, tennis, pool, spa |
| DC Ranch | $275,000-$320,000 | $1,894 | 1 | Tom Lehman | 400 | Clubhouse, tennis, fitness |
| Desert Mountain | $200,000 | $2,242 | 7 | Jack Nicklaus | 2050 | 7 clubhouses, hiking trails |
| Troon North | $65,000 | $535 | 2 (Public) | N/A | 50 | Clubhouse, restaurant |
| Whisper Rock | $130,000 | $1,283 | 2 | Mickelson & Fazio | 580 | Clubhouse, guard gate |
This table shows the range of options in Scottsdale's golf scene. Here are some key points:
- Cost Range: Membership costs vary from $65,000 at Troon North to $400,000 at Silverleaf.
- Course Variety: Desert Mountain tops the list with 7 Jack Nicklaus courses.
- Exclusivity: Whisper Rock offers courses by Phil Mickelson and Tom Fazio.
- Accessibility: Troon North provides public courses with a small membership option.
When picking a club, think about:
- Your budget for membership and monthly dues
- The number and type of courses you want
- Extra amenities like fitness centers or restaurants
- How many other golfers you'll share the course with
For example, if you want lots of course options and don't mind higher costs, Desert Mountain might be a good fit. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option with good courses, Troon North could work well.
Wrap-up
Scottsdale, Arizona, is a top golf spot with over 200 courses for all skill levels. Here's why it stands out:
Top Courses
| Course | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Troon North Golf Club | Desert-style golf, tricky tee shots |
| TPC Scottsdale | Hosts Waste Management Phoenix Open |
| Grayhawk Golf Club | Two 18-hole courses, pro-level events |
| We-Ko-Pa Golf Club | Target-style Cholla Course |
What Makes Scottsdale Special
- Views: Courses offer looks at mountains and desert plants
- Weather: Sunny all year, good for golfing anytime
- Pro Events: TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course hosts a big PGA Tour event
- Hidden Gems: Quintero and Wickenburg Ranch, just outside the city
After Golf
Old Town Scottsdale is great for food and fun after playing. It's close to many courses.
Tips for Golfers
1. Best Time to Play:
- Winter: Perfect weather, but busy and pricey
- Summer: Hot, but big discounts (up to 75% off)
2. Finding Courses: Use the Places to Play website to pick courses that fit your game and budget.
3. Save Money: Play in summer for deals, or look for twilight rates year-round.
"Playing the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is unforgettable. The atmosphere during the Waste Management Phoenix Open is unlike any other tournament in golf." - Professional golfer
Scottsdale's mix of great courses, nice views, and good weather makes it Arizona's top golf spot and one of the best in the U.S.
FAQs
Does Scottsdale have good golf courses?
Yes, Scottsdale is known for its excellent golf courses. Here's why:
-
Quantity and Quality: Scottsdale has over 200 golf courses, including:
Course Notable Feature TPC Scottsdale Hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open Troon North Ranked #25 in Golf Magazine's Top 100 You Can Play We-Ko-Pa Two highly-rated courses with no homes on-site -
Year-round Play: Scottsdale averages 330 sunny days per year, allowing for golf in any season.
-
Unique Landscapes: Courses offer desert and mountain views. For example, Boulders Resort features fairways winding through 12-million-year-old rock formations.
-
Professional Events: The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale draws over 700,000 spectators annually.
When is the best time to golf in Scottsdale?
The best time depends on your preferences:
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov-Apr) | Perfect weather (65-75°F) | Peak rates, crowded courses |
| Summer (May-Oct) | Low rates (up to 75% off) | Very hot (100°F+) |
Tip: For a balance of good weather and value, consider booking in October or early November.
How much does it cost to play golf in Scottsdale?
Costs vary widely:
| Course Type | Price Range (18 holes) |
|---|---|
| High-end resort | $150-$350+ |
| Mid-range public | $75-$150 |
| Municipal | $25-$75 |
Example: TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course costs $384 in peak season but drops to $79 in summer.
Are there any budget-friendly options for golfing in Scottsdale?
Yes, try these strategies:
- Play municipal courses like Coronado Golf Course ($25-$39).
- Book twilight tee times for discounts up to 50%.
- Visit in summer for the lowest rates.
- Use websites like GolfNow for last-minute deals.
Do I need to be a member to play at Scottsdale's top courses?
No, many top-rated courses in Scottsdale are open to the public:
| Public Courses | Private Courses with Public Access |
|---|---|
| TPC Scottsdale | Troon North |
| We-Ko-Pa | Grayhawk |
| Talking Stick | Boulders Club |
Note: Some private clubs offer limited public play during off-peak times.
