: Top 9 Picks
Looking for the best country clubs in Scottsdale? Here's a quick rundown of the top 9:
- Whisper Rock Golf Club - Two pro-level courses, golf-focused
- DC Ranch Country Club - Family-friendly, diverse amenities
- Troon Country Club - Challenging course, excellent dining
- Desert Highlands Golf Club - Nicklaus course, strong community
- Estancia Golf and Country Club - Exclusive Fazio course, intimate setting
- Desert Mountain Golf Club - Six courses, extensive amenities
- The Mirabel Club - Fazio course, personalized service
- Ancala Country Club - More affordable, active social scene
- Silverleaf Golf Club - Fast play, luxury amenities
Quick Comparison:
| Club | Best For | Initiation Fee | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whisper Rock | Serious golfers | Not public | Not public |
| DC Ranch | Families | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Troon | Skilled golfers | High | High |
| Desert Highlands | Golf enthusiasts | $75,000 | $1,395 |
| Estancia | Exclusivity seekers | $150,000 | $22,750 (annual) |
| Desert Mountain | Variety lovers | $85,000 | $1,450 |
| Mirabel | Service-oriented golfers | High | Not public |
| Ancala | Budget-conscious | $7,000 (Full Golf) | Varies |
| Silverleaf | Luxury golf experience | $5,000 - $100,000 | $1,000 - $10,000 (annual) |
When choosing, consider:
- Your golf skill level
- Family needs
- Budget
- Desired amenities
Most clubs require an invitation to join. Visit multiple clubs before deciding to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
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1. Whisper Rock Golf Club
Golf Course Details
Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers two 18-hole golf courses:
- Lower Course: Designed by PGA Tour pro Phil Mickelson
- Upper Course: Crafted by golf architect Tom Fazio
The club stands out with over 30 professional golfers among its members, making it a top spot for serious golf fans.
Focus on Golf
Unlike other country clubs, Whisper Rock keeps things simple:
- No tennis courts
- No swimming pools
- All resources go into golf
This approach sets Whisper Rock apart from other Scottsdale clubs. It's all about golf, all the time.
Membership and Community
It's important to note:
- Whisper Rock Golf Club is near Whisper Rock Estates, an 800-acre gated community
- Living in Whisper Rock Estates doesn't mean you're a club member
- The club and the community are separate entities
This setup keeps the club exclusive and focused on golf.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Number of Courses | 2 (Lower and Upper) |
| Course Designers | Phil Mickelson, Tom Fazio |
| Pro Golfer Members | Over 30 |
| Additional Amenities | None (golf-focused) |
| Nearby Community | Whisper Rock Estates (separate entity) |
Whisper Rock Golf Club offers a pure golfing experience without extras. It's a place where the game takes center stage, attracting those who want to focus solely on improving their golf skills.
2. DC Ranch Country Club
Golf Course Details
DC Ranch Country Club offers a top-notch golf experience in North Scottsdale. The course features:
- Par 71
- 6,888 yards
- Designed for both challenge and enjoyment
- Suitable for various skill levels
Club Facilities
The club is upgrading its facilities:
| Feature | Current | Planned Addition |
|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse Size | 37,000 sq ft | +1,900 sq ft |
| New Addition | - | U-shaped bar lounge |
Beyond golf, members enjoy:
- Tennis courts
- Swimming pools
- Social events
Member Experience
DC Ranch focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere:
- Emphasis on "fun, family, and friendliness"
- Diverse social events calendar
- Junior programs, including golf
A member of the Long Range Planning Committee stated: "We're always looking for ways to improve member satisfaction and grow our community."
Membership Information
While exact fees aren't public, recent trends show:
- Golf membership resale prices reaching mid-$90,000s
- Strong demand for memberships
The club offers various plans for:
- Residents
- Non-residents
Upcoming Events
For golf enthusiasts:
| Event | Date | Entry Fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale Golf Club Round-Up | 2015 | $1,400 per team | $700 |
Tips for Prospective Members
When considering DC Ranch Country Club:
- Review the different membership plans
- Consider the ongoing facility improvements
- Attend a social event to experience the club atmosphere
- Speak with current members about their experiences
"DC Ranch is more than just a golf club. It's a community where families and professionals come together to enjoy top-notch facilities and a welcoming environment," says a club representative.
3. Troon Country Club
Golf Course
Troon Country Club's golf course is a standout in Scottsdale:
- Designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf
- 18 holes, ranging from 5,160 to 7,040+ yards
- Hosted big events like U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship and Arizona Open
- Certified Audubon Sanctuary, blending with the Sonoran Desert
The course has some cool features:
- GPS-equipped golf carts with distance info and scorekeeping
- Practice area with double-sided driving range, chipping spots, and putting green
- On-course perks like cold water, fresh fruit, and scented towels
Club Amenities
Troon offers more than just golf:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Recently updated |
| Wellness Center | 9,000 sq ft |
| Pool | 25-meter lap pool |
| Tennis | Lighted courts |
| Pickleball | Dedicated courts |
| Bocce | Available for members |
Extra touches:
- Free valet parking
- Shoe service
- Morning continental breakfast
Membership Options
Troon has different memberships to fit your needs:
1. Full Golf (Non-Equity)
- All golf and club perks
- Covers main member, spouse, and kids under 23
2. Associate Golf
- For members 45 and under
- Lower initiation fee
- Full club access
3. Signature
- Sports and social focus
- Access to facilities and events
Social Scene
Troon keeps things lively with:
- Events for men, women, and couples
- Various dining spots with views of Pinnacle Peak
- Pro staff in the Golf Shop to help improve your game
- Service to ship your clubs when you travel
"Playing the first round with members after finishing the course was a special moment," said Tom Weiskopf, reflecting on the course's opening.
4. Desert Highlands Golf Club
Golf Course
Desert Highlands Golf Club features an 18-hole, par 72 Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. The course offers:
- Five sets of men's tees (7,108 to 5,815 yards)
- Three sets of ladies' tees (5,815 to 5,008 yards)
This range of tees makes the course playable for golfers of all skill levels.
A standout feature is the 60,000-square-foot Putting Course, the first of its kind in the U.S. This large putting area helps members improve their short game.
Membership and Costs
Desert Highlands offers a single membership type that includes both golf and social privileges:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| One-time membership fee | $75,000 |
| Monthly dues | $1,395 |
Monthly dues cover both club dues and HOA fees. The club doesn't offer separate social or alternate memberships.
Club Facilities
The club provides top-notch amenities:
- 30,000 square foot clubhouse
- Separate men's and ladies' locker rooms
- Multiple dining options
- Pro shop
- 90 electric golf carts (private carts not allowed)
Golfing Community
Desert Highlands fosters a close-knit golfing environment:
- 376 members play 98% of all rounds
- Average male handicap: 16.33
- Average female handicap: 28.63
The club hosts regular events:
- Two weekly Men's Leagues (during season)
- One weekly Ladies' League (during season)
- 29 scheduled golf events throughout the year
These activities help members socialize, compete, and improve their game.
5. Estancia Golf and Country Club
Golf Course
Estancia's golf course is a standout in Scottsdale:
- Designed by Tom Fazio
- 18 holes, 7,314 yards
- Bent grass greens
- Set against Pinnacle Peak
The course has earned high praise:
- #1 Private Golf Course in Arizona (Golf Digest)
- #2 Residential Golf Course in the U.S. (Golfweek Magazine)
Course features:
- Mix of uphill and downhill shots
- Five grass tees
- Short game practice area
- Grass putting green
Membership and Costs
Estancia keeps things exclusive:
| Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initiation Fee | $150,000 |
| Annual Golf Dues | $22,750 |
| Social (Residential) Fee | $10,000 |
| Annual Social Dues | $7,584 |
Note: You need an invite to join.
Club Amenities
Estancia offers more than just golf:
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- 25-meter heated pool
- Private dining spots
- Massage services
- Fitness center
- Outdoor areas with Pinnacle Peak views
The clubhouse has separate dining rooms for formal and casual meals.
Member Experience
Estancia aims to give members and guests a top-notch experience:
- Focus on high-quality service
- Emphasis on golf, dining, and amenities
While we don't have specifics on social events, the club likely offers a busy calendar to keep members engaged.
"Estancia proudly holds the title of '#1 Private Golf Course in Arizona,' as rated by Golf Digest, reflecting our unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional golfing experience." - Estancia Club
Key Facts
- Open since 1995
- Located on Pinnacle Peak's north slopes
- Custom homes blend with the landscape
- Gated community for privacy
Estancia stands out as a top choice for those seeking a high-end golf and living experience in Scottsdale.
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6. Desert Mountain Golf Club
Golf Courses
Desert Mountain Golf Club stands out with its seven golf courses:
- Six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses: Renegade, Cochise, Apache, Geronimo, Chiricahua, and Outlaw
- One par-54 championship course: 7 Desert Mountain™
This makes it the only club worldwide with such a large collection of courses. The club also hosts the PGA Schwab Cup, adding to its prestige.
Membership Options
Desert Mountain offers different membership types:
| Type | Initial Fee | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|
| Equity Golf | $85,000 | $1,450 |
| Club Lifestyle | $15,000 | N/A |
| Golf Junior | $5,000 | N/A |
Members can also join by buying a home or lot with an existing membership.
Club Features
Beyond golf, the club provides:
- Sonoran Fitness, Tennis and Spa facility
- Desert Mountain Tennis Complex
- Swimming pools
- Volleyball courts
- 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails
- Youth Center with activities for kids
- 10 restaurants and grills
- Spa services
- Luxury camping experiences
The club also has a modern indoor/outdoor teaching area to help members improve their golf skills.
Social Activities
Desert Mountain keeps members busy with:
- Members-only events throughout the year
- Various dining options across multiple clubhouses
- Bocce ball, pickleball, and croquet facilities
- Horseback riding options
Recent Developments
In 2020, Desert Mountain saw big changes:
- Over 200 new members joined across all membership types
- The club had a record number of membership sales
- 81% of members voted for a new membership program
Damon DiOrio, CEO of Desert Mountain Club, said: "This is an exciting change for all who call Desert Mountain home... We remain committed to creating exceptional experiences for our members and their families to enjoy for generations to come."
Recognition
Desert Mountain is highly regarded in the golf world:
- Ranked as the #1 private country club in Arizona
- Placed 14th among Platinum Clubs of America
- Only Arizona club in the top 100 private clubs in the U.S.
Membership Growth
The club has seen steady growth:
- Serves over 2,000 total members
- Welcomed 150+ new members across all categories in the current year
- 15% year-over-year increase in golf rounds, totaling nearly 130,000
Real Estate
Desert Mountain's real estate market is thriving:
- $225 million in custom-home sales in 2019
- 78 custom home closings totaling $174,923,892 since January of the current year
- 24 additional sales pending
For those interested in joining, contact the membership sales department at 480-595-4110 or email membership@desertmountain.com. More details are available at www.desertmountain.com.
7. The Mirabel Club
Golf Course
The Mirabel Club's golf course, opened in 2001, was designed by Tom Fazio. It's known for:
- Wide fairways
- Large greens
- Few hazards (mostly bunkers)
The course layout:
| Tees | Par | Yards | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 71 | 7,147 | 72.8 | 136 |
| Players | 71 | 6,845 | 71.4 | 134 |
| Blue | 71 | 6,688 | 70.7 | 132 |
| Mirabel | 71 | 6,449 | 69.7 | 128 |
| Gold | 71 | 6,314 | 69.2 | 126 |
Key holes:
- 10th: Signature hole with the course's only water hazard
- 4th: Par 4 requiring a 275-yard carry to avoid a bunker
Club Features
Mirabel focuses on top-notch service:
- On-course chefs for food
- Caddie services
- Practice areas
- Modern clubhouse
Location and Membership
The club is in a high-end area of north Scottsdale. It aims to give members a great experience, likely with social events and activities beyond golf.
"Our goal at Mirabel is to provide an outstanding golf experience through excellent course conditions and high-quality service," says a club representative.
Contact Info
Address: 37100 N Mirabel Club Dr, Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
For more details, check out Mirabel Golf Club's website.
8. Ancala Country Club
Membership Options
Ancala Country Club offers four membership tiers:
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Monthly Dues | Annual F&B Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Golf | $7,000 | Not provided | $1,000 |
| Young Professional (21-39) | $7,000 | $415 | Not provided |
| Sports | $2,500 | $450 | Not provided |
| Social | $500 | $75 | $500 |
What You Get
Each membership tier comes with different perks:
1. Full Golf Membership
- Unlimited access to the Dye golf course and practice facility
- 10 free guest passes
- Use of all club amenities (dining, fitness, tennis, pool)
- Join club leagues and events
2. Young Professional Membership
- Same golf perks as Full Golf
- Access to all club facilities and events
3. Sports Membership
- Tennis and pool access year-round
- Unlimited golf from May to September (pay cart fees)
- Two tee times per month from October to April (pay cart fees)
- Use of dining facilities
4. Social Membership
- Access to dining areas
- Attend all social events
- Host private events at member rates
Club Facilities
Ancala boasts a range of top-notch amenities:
- Dye championship golf course
- Golf practice area
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center with classes
- Swimming pool
- Dining options
- Clubhouse for events
Is It Worth It?
Ancala's tiered system lets you pick what fits your lifestyle and budget. If you're big on golf, the Full Golf or Young Professional memberships offer the most value. For those more interested in the social scene, the Social membership provides a taste of club life without the hefty price tag.
9. Silverleaf Golf Club
Golf Course
Silverleaf Golf Club's 18-hole course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, opened in 2002. It sits at the base of the McDowell Mountains, offering great views.
| Course Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Designer | Tom Weiskopf |
| Opened | 2002 |
| Length | 5,000 to 7,300 yards |
| Tee Options | 8 different blocks |
| Target Pace | 4 hours or less |
Brock Mackenzie, Silverleaf's Membership Ambassador, says:
"We really want a quick pace of play. We pride ourselves in four hours or less. We don't care if you play in a two-some, a four-some, a six-some, a seven-some or an eight-some. We want you to play ready golf and enjoy the experience."
Club Amenities
Silverleaf offers many features for members:
- 50,000-square-foot clubhouse
- Two swimming pools (one for relaxing, one for laps)
- Sports bar called The Dawg House
- Redesigned driving range
- Comfort stations every five holes
- On-site spa with treatments based on ancient labyrinths
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
Social Events
The club hosts various activities:
- Holiday parties
- Wine tastings
- Art shows
- Charity events (e.g., auctions for the Michael Phelps Foundation and Devon Booker Starting Five foundation)
Thomas France, a reporter for Scottsdale Living, notes:
"With all that Silverleaf provides for its members, it feels safe to say that one comes for the golf but stays for everything else."
Membership
Silverleaf offers two types of memberships: golf and clubhouse. While exact costs aren't public, here's what we know:
| Membership Detail | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Initiation Fee | $5,000 - $100,000 |
| Annual Fees | $1,000 - $10,000 |
Joining requires an invite. You can book a tour with a week's notice to see the club.
Good and Bad Points
Let's break down the pros and cons of Scottsdale's top country clubs:
| Club | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Whisper Rock Golf Club | • Two top courses • Exclusive membership • PGA pro members |
• Few non-golf amenities • High fees |
| DC Ranch Country Club | • Family-friendly • Diverse amenities • Desert views |
• Less prestigious • Can get busy |
| Troon Country Club | • Tough course • Great food • Big fitness center |
• Pricey dues • Strict dress code |
| Desert Highlands Golf Club | • Nicklaus course • Strong community • Lots of events |
• Older facilities • Limited tee times in season |
| Estancia Golf and Country Club | • Fazio course • Small-club feel • Pinnacle Peak views |
• Fewer members • Less variety in amenities |
| Desert Mountain Golf Club | • Six courses • Tons of amenities • Flexible memberships |
• Complex membership rules • Can feel overwhelming |
| The Mirabel Club | • Fazio course • Great practice areas • Personal service |
• Only 18 holes • Higher entry fees |
| Ancala Country Club | • More affordable • Family programs • Active social scene |
• Less well-known • Smaller course |
| Silverleaf Golf Club | • Weiskopf course • Fast play • Luxury amenities |
• Hard to join • Can be costly |
When picking a club, think about what matters most to you. Some focus on golf, while others offer more for families. Costs and exclusivity vary too.
For example, Whisper Rock is great for serious golfers. It has two top-rated courses and many pro members. But if you want a pool or tennis courts, look elsewhere.
On the flip side, Desert Mountain has six courses and loads of amenities. It's great if you want options, but some find it too big or confusing.
DC Ranch might be your pick if you have kids. It's more laid-back and has lots of family activities. But it's not as fancy as some other clubs.
Troon stands out for its tough course and great food. But be ready for higher dues and a strict dress code.
Remember, most clubs need an invite to join. Fees can range from $500 to over $150,000 to start, plus yearly dues.
Before you decide, visit a few clubs. See which one feels right for you and your family. Think about how often you'll use the amenities to make sure it's worth the cost.
Wrap-up
Scottsdale's country clubs offer a range of options for golfers and families. Here's a quick look at some top clubs:
| Club | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Whisper Rock Golf Club | Two courses, PGA pro members | Serious golfers |
| DC Ranch Country Club | Family activities, desert views | Families |
| Troon Country Club | Tough course, great food | Skilled golfers who enjoy fine dining |
| Desert Mountain Golf Club | Six courses, many amenities | Those wanting variety |
| Silverleaf Golf Club | Fast play, luxury amenities | Golfers who value quick rounds |
When picking a club, think about:
1. Your golf skill level 2. Family needs 3. Budget
Costs vary widely. For example:
- Whisper Rock: Invite-only, fees not public
- Desert Mountain: $85,000 initiation fee, $1,450 monthly dues
- Ancala: $7,000 initiation fee for full golf membership
Jim Goodman, a local golf pro, says: "Scottsdale's clubs are top-notch. The courses are great, and the extras are hard to beat. That's why many pros choose to live and play here."
Before joining, visit a few clubs. See which one fits your needs and budget. Remember, most need an invite to join.
