: Top 5 Picks for Every Golfer
Looking to tee off in Phoenix? Here's a quick guide to 5 top courses:
- Desert Ridge: Strategic layout, $85-$175
- Biltmore Greens: Classic parkland style, $64-$137
- Moon Valley: Budget-friendly, $45-$125
- Anthem Country Club: Scenic desert views, $75-$150 (guest fees)
- DC Ranch: Exclusive play, $150-$250 (guest fees)
Quick Comparison:
| Course | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Ridge | Challenging play | Water hazards | $85-$175 |
| Biltmore Greens | Classic experience | Mature trees | $64-$137 |
| Moon Valley | Budget golfers | Undulating greens | $45-$125 |
| Anthem CC | Scenic views | Elevation changes | $75-$150 |
| DC Ranch | Exclusive play | Links-style mix | $150-$250 |
Book early for peak season (Oct-Apr). Consider twilight rates for better deals.
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1. Desert Ridge
Location and Accessibility
Desert Ridge Golf Course is in northeast Phoenix, off Loop 101 at Tatum Boulevard. It's easy to reach from most parts of the city. The course has plenty of parking and a well-designed clubhouse.
Course Design and Difficulty
Nick Faldo designed Desert Ridge in 1997. It's a par-71 course that's 6,966 yards long from the back tees. The course is known for:
- Tricky bunkers and water hazards
- Fairways with ups and downs
- Big, well-kept greens with small slopes
- Desert scenery built into the course design
Golfers of all skill levels can play here because there are different tee options.
Amenities and Facilities
Desert Ridge offers:
- Pro shop with top golf brands
- Driving range and practice putting green
- Golf lessons for individuals and groups
- Restaurant and bar overlooking the course
- Locker rooms with showers
Pricing and Membership Options
Desert Ridge's prices are in line with other high-quality Phoenix courses. Prices change based on the season:
| Season | Weekday | Weekend | Twilight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $150 | $175 | $95 |
| Off-Peak | $85 | $110 | $65 |
Note: Check the course website for current prices.
The course also offers yearly memberships. Members get perks like better tee times and discounts on golf gear.
Desert Ridge mixes tough golf with nice desert views. Its smart layout, good facilities, and easy-to-reach location make it popular with both locals and tourists who want a good round of golf in Phoenix.
2. Biltmore Greens
Location and Accessibility
Biltmore Greens, also known as the Links Course at the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, is at 24th St & E Missouri Ave in Phoenix, Arizona. It's easy to get to for both locals and tourists.
Course Design and Difficulty
The Links Course opened in 1979. Bill Johnston, Forrest Richardson, and Jack Snyder designed it. Here's what you'll find:
- Rolling fairways and desert ravines
- Greens with lots of bunkers
- Modern design with shaped greens and wavy fairways
- Five lakes that act as water hazards
- Fairways lined with pine trees
The course has different tee options for all skill levels:
| Tee | Par | Yardage | Slope | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 71 | 6300 | 124 | 69.7 |
| White | 71 | 5726 | 116 | 67.2 |
| Yellow | 71 | 5255 | 111 | 64.9 |
| Orange | 71 | 4747 | 100 | 62.7 |
Amenities and Facilities
Biltmore Greens offers:
- Year-round golfing
- Bermuda grass fairways and greens
- Tee time bookings
- Open policy for guests
- Views of Squaw Peak
- Course winds through upscale Phoenix homes
Pricing and Membership Options
Green fees change based on when you play:
| Day | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | $64 - $113 |
| Weekends | $64 - $137 |
You can book tee times for as low as $19.29. The course is open to both members and the public.
3. Moon Valley
Location and Accessibility
Moon Valley Golf Club is at 151 W Moon Valley Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85023. It's in north Phoenix, easy to reach for locals and visitors.
Course Design and Difficulty
Bob Cupp designed this 18-hole championship course. Key features:
- Par 72
- 7,216 yards from back tees
- Multiple tee options for all skill levels
The course is known for its tough layout:
- Wavy fairways
- Well-placed bunkers
- Water hazards on many holes
| Tee | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,216 | 74.5 | 137 |
| Blue | 6,726 | 72.2 | 132 |
| White | 6,309 | 70.3 | 127 |
| Gold | 5,816 | 67.8 | 120 |
| Red | 5,325 | 70.5 | 122 |
Amenities and Facilities
Moon Valley offers:
- Pro shop with golf gear
- Driving range and putting green
- Clubhouse with food and drinks
- Locker rooms
- Golf lessons
Pricing and Membership Options
The club has public play and membership choices:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Rates | $45-$125 (varies by season) |
| Membership | $3,500-$5,000 yearly |
| Twilight Rates | From $35 (after 2 PM) |
Members get:
- Better tee times
- Special events
- Pro shop discounts
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4. Anthem Country Club
Location and Accessibility
Anthem Country Club is at 2708 W Anthem Club Dr, Anthem, AZ 85086. It's about 30 miles north of downtown Phoenix. You can get there easily by taking I-17.
Course Design and Difficulty
Greg Nash designed this 18-hole course. It's known for:
- Par 72 layout
- 7,219 yards from back tees
- Big changes in elevation
- Desert scenery
The course has different tees for all skill levels:
| Tee | Yards | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,219 | 74.0 | 140 |
| Blue | 6,744 | 71.9 | 135 |
| White | 6,289 | 69.9 | 129 |
| Gold | 5,775 | 67.3 | 122 |
| Red | 5,193 | 69.5 | 125 |
Amenities and Facilities
Anthem Country Club offers:
- Pro shop
- Driving range and putting green
- Clubhouse with food
- Locker rooms
- Golf lessons
Pricing and Membership Options
You can play as a guest or join as a member:
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Guest fees | $75-$150 (changes by season) |
| Joining fee | $25,000 |
| Yearly dues | $7,500 |
| Late day rates | From $60 (after 2 PM) |
Members get:
- Better tee times
- Special events
- Discounts on golf gear and food
5. DC Ranch
Location and Accessibility
DC Ranch golf course is at 9290 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. It's about 25 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix. You can get there easily using Loop 101 Freeway.
Course Design and Difficulty
Tom Lehman and John Fought designed this 18-hole course. Here's what you need to know:
- Par 71
- 7,281 yards from back tees
- Desert-style layout
- Mountain views
The course has different tees for all skill levels:
| Tee | Yards | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,281 | 74.5 | 145 |
| Blue | 6,813 | 72.4 | 139 |
| White | 6,351 | 70.3 | 133 |
| Gold | 5,725 | 67.2 | 124 |
| Red | 5,173 | 69.4 | 126 |
Amenities and Facilities
DC Ranch offers:
- Pro shop
- Driving range and putting green
- Clubhouse with food
- Locker rooms
- Golf lessons
Pricing and Membership Options
DC Ranch is a private club. Here are the membership choices:
| Membership Type | Initiation Fee | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|
| Golf | $75,000 | $1,350 |
| Sports | $40,000 | $800 |
| Social | $25,000 | $500 |
Members get:
- Full golf access (Golf members)
- Some golf access (Sports members)
- Club events
- Discounts on gear and food
Guest fees are $150 to $250, depending on the season. Guests must play with a member.
Good and Bad Points
Let's compare the strengths and weaknesses of the five Phoenix golf courses:
| Golf Course | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Ridge | - Strategic bunkering and water hazards - Well-maintained greens - On-site restaurant and bar |
- Higher green fees ($150-$175 peak season) - Can get busy during tourist season |
| Biltmore Greens | - Classic parkland-style layout - Mature trees - Central Phoenix location |
- Shorter course (6,458 yards) - Fewer practice areas |
| Moon Valley | - Budget-friendly rates (from $45) - Hosted LPGA tournaments - Undulating greens |
- Less challenging for low-handicap golfers - Older clubhouse facilities |
| Anthem Country Club | - Dramatic elevation changes - Desert views - Greg Nash design |
- 30 miles from downtown Phoenix - Membership required ($25,000 joining fee) |
| DC Ranch | - Tom Lehman & John Fought design - Links-style and target golf mix - High-end amenities |
- Expensive membership ($75,000 initiation fee) - Limited public access |
Each course has its own appeal and drawbacks:
Desert Ridge offers a tough Nick Faldo design with good amenities, but it's pricier and can get crowded.
Biltmore Greens boasts a historic feel in a prime location, though it's shorter and has fewer practice options.
Moon Valley is wallet-friendly and good for casual players, but might not test skilled golfers enough.
Anthem Country Club provides stunning views and a top-notch layout, but it's far from the city and requires membership.
DC Ranch stands out with its design and facilities, but comes with a hefty price tag and limited public play.
When picking a course:
- Beginners might prefer Moon Valley's friendlier setup
- Skilled players seeking a test should try Desert Ridge or DC Ranch
- History buffs will enjoy Biltmore Greens' 1928 William P. Bell design
- Those after desert scenery should head to Anthem Country Club
Remember:
- Book tee times early, especially from October to April (peak season)
- Check current rates, as they change based on season and demand
- Consider twilight rates for better deals (e.g., Desert Ridge offers $65-$95 twilight rates)
Wrap-up
Phoenix's golf scene offers a range of options for players of all levels. Here's a quick guide to help you choose:
| Course | Best For | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desert Ridge | Challenging play | Strategic bunkering, water hazards | $85-$175 |
| Biltmore Greens | Classic experience | Parkland-style, mature trees | $64-$137 |
| Moon Valley | Budget-friendly | Undulating greens, LPGA history | $45-$125 |
| Anthem Country Club | Scenic views | Elevation changes, desert landscape | $75-$150 (guest fees) |
| DC Ranch | Exclusive play | Links-style and target golf mix | $150-$250 (guest fees) |
Tips for your Phoenix golf trip:
- Book early, especially from October to April
- Check for twilight rates (e.g., Desert Ridge offers $65-$95 after 2 PM)
- Consider membership requirements for Anthem and DC Ranch
- Match the course to your skill level and budget
Remember:
- Desert Ridge and DC Ranch offer tough tests for skilled players
- Biltmore Greens provides a historic feel in central Phoenix
- Moon Valley is good for casual rounds and beginners
- Anthem Country Club boasts stunning desert scenery
FAQs
How many golf courses are in Phoenix?
The Greater Phoenix area is home to approximately 200 golf courses, making it one of the top golf destinations in the United States. This high concentration of courses offers players a wide variety of options to suit different skill levels and preferences.
Here's a breakdown of the golf courses in the Phoenix area:
| Course Type | Approximate Number |
|---|---|
| Public | 100 |
| Semi-Private | 60 |
| Private | 40 |
What's the best time of year to golf in Phoenix?
The peak golfing season in Phoenix is from October to April when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, this also means higher green fees and busier courses.
| Season | Months | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | Oct-Apr | Mild weather | Higher prices, crowded courses |
| Off-peak | May-Sep | Lower prices, less crowded | Very hot temperatures |
Are there any famous golf tournaments held in Phoenix?
Yes, Phoenix hosts several notable golf tournaments:
1. Waste Management Phoenix Open
- Venue: TPC Scottsdale
- Held annually in February
- Known for its raucous 16th hole, dubbed "The Coliseum"
2. Charles Schwab Cup Championship
- Venue: Phoenix Country Club
- Season-ending event on the PGA Tour Champions
What's the average cost to play a round of golf in Phoenix?
Golf costs in Phoenix vary widely depending on the course and season:
| Course Type | Peak Season (Oct-Apr) | Off-Peak Season (May-Sep) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50 - $75 | $25 - $50 |
| Mid-range | $100 - $150 | $50 - $100 |
| High-end | $200+ | $100 - $150 |
Are there any golf courses in Phoenix suitable for beginners?
Yes, several Phoenix courses cater to beginners:
These courses offer:
- Shorter layouts
- Wider fairways
- Fewer hazards
- Affordable green fees
Do I need to be a member to play at Phoenix golf courses?
While there are private clubs in Phoenix that require membership, many courses are open to the public. Here's a quick overview:
| Course Type | Membership Requirement |
|---|---|
| Public | No membership needed |
| Semi-Private | Limited public access |
| Private | Membership required |
Some high-end courses like DC Ranch and Anthem Country Club are private but may allow limited public play during off-peak times or through stay-and-play packages at nearby resorts.
