Phoenix offers golfers a range of excellent public courses set in the Sonoran Desert. Here's a quick overview of the top 10:
- We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) - Best-rated desert course
- Quintero Golf Club - Challenging elevation changes
- TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) - Home of the Phoenix Open
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes - Links-style desert golf
- Troon North (Monument) - Scenic desert views
- Troon North (Pinnacle) - Tougher sister course to Monument
- Grayhawk (Raptor) - Tom Fazio design with wide fairways
- Grayhawk (Talon) - Challenging course with canyon views
- Boulders Resort & Spa (South) - Features ancient rock formations
- Whirlwind Golf Club (Devil's Claw) - Native American-owned course
Quick Comparison:
| Course | Key Feature | Length (yards) | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) | Walking-friendly | 6,966 | $75-$235 |
| Quintero | Mountain views | 7,249 | $300+ peak |
| TPC Scottsdale | PGA Tour venue | 7,261 | ~$300 peak |
| Ak-Chin Southern Dunes | Links-style | 7,546 | $75-$200 |
| Troon North (Monument) | Desert terrain | 7,039 | $100-$300 |
These courses offer varied experiences from desert landscapes to championship layouts. Prices vary seasonally, with summer rates often discounted.
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1. We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)
Course Design
The Saguaro course at We-Ko-Pa, created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers a desert golf experience. It's designed for walking, with greens near the next tee. The course has wide fairways and different ways to approach greens, making it good for all skill levels.
Scenic Views
The course sits near the McDowell Mountains, giving players great views of the Sonoran Desert. It's in a quiet area with many saguaro cacti around. Every hole has nice desert views.
Amenities
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has good facilities:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Practice Area | Place to warm up before playing |
| Restaurant | For meals before or after golf |
| Pro Shop | Sells golf items |
| Carts | Available, but walking is suggested |
Accessibility
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort McDowell, Arizona |
| Green Fees | $75 - $235 (cart included) |
| Contact | (480) 836-9000 |
| Website | We-Ko-Pa Website |
The course is at 18200 East Toh Vee Circle, Fort McDowell, Arizona. It's easy to get to from Phoenix. Green fees are between $75 and $235, including a cart. Check their website for current prices. Call (480) 836-9000 for bookings or questions.
Golfweek has named Saguaro the best public golf course in Arizona for 13 of the last 14 years. It's a great choice for local and visiting golfers who want to play in the desert.
2. Quintero Golf Club
Course Design
Rees Jones designed Quintero Golf Club to fit into the desert landscape. The course has:
- Big changes in height
- Rolling ground
- Well-placed sand traps
These features make the course fun for all players. The fairways are wide, and the greens have different levels.
Scenic Views
The course is in the Hieroglyphic Mountains, giving players great views of the desert. Each hole shows off the beauty of Arizona's landscape.
Amenities
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Greens | Made of bentgrass, good for putting all year |
| Practice Areas | Driving range and short game area |
| Clubhouse | Has a pro shop and places to eat |
| Carts | Come with GPS and are included in the price |
Getting There and Playing
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Where It Is | Peoria, Arizona |
| How Far | About an hour's drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale |
| Cost to Play | Over $300 in busy times |
| When You Can Play | Open to everyone since 2011 |
| How Good It Is | Often listed as one of the best public courses in Arizona and the U.S. |
Even though it's far from big cities, many people still come to play at Quintero. Golf magazines like Golf Digest and GolfWeek say it's one of the best courses to play when visiting Phoenix.
3. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium)
TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course is a top choice for golfers in Phoenix. It's where the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open happens, so you can play on the same course as the pros.
Course Design
Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish made this course in 1986. Here's what you'll find:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,261 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Layout | Good for all skill levels |
| Special Holes | Par-4 17th (can be driven) and famous par-3 16th |
The course was fixed up in 2014 to keep it in good shape.
Views
When you play here, you'll see:
- Big desert mountains
- Green grass next to desert sand
- Water spots that look nice but make the game harder
What's There
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Practice Areas | Places to hit balls and work on short shots |
| Clubhouse | New shop and places to eat |
| Carts | Come with GPS |
| Help | You can get someone to help you play better |
Playing Here
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Cost | About $300 when it's busy |
| When to Go | All year, but it's cheaper at night or in summer |
It costs a lot to play here, but you get to play where the pros do. If you want the course to look its best, go near the Phoenix Open in January. But remember, it'll cost more then.
4. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona, is a top public golf course near Phoenix. It's known for its tough play and nice looks.
Course Design
Schmidt-Curley Design and Fred Couples made this course. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Like Australian Sand Belt courses |
| Length | 7,546 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Slope | 142 |
| Rating | 71.9 |
The course was fixed up to make it easier to play:
- Wider fairways
- Fewer sand traps
- Shorter 17th hole (par-3)
Some hard holes are:
- 6th hole: 248-yard par-3
- 13th hole: 606-yard par-5
- 15th hole: 496-yard par-4
What You'll See
When you play here, you'll get:
- Views of the desert all around
- Nice desert scenery on every hole
- A mix of park-like and links-style golf
What's There
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Practice Area | Place to hit balls and practice putting |
| Clubhouse | Relaxed place to eat |
| Who Runs It | Troon Golf company |
| How They Treat You | Many people say the service is very good |
How to Play
- It's about 30 minutes from Phoenix
- Anyone can play here
- Closed on Mondays from June 1 to August 31
Many people say Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is one of the best courses in Arizona and the U.S. If you like golf and you're in Phoenix, you should try to play here.
5. Troon North (Monument)
The Monument Course at Troon North Golf Club is a top public golf course in Phoenix. It offers desert golf with nice views and tough play.
Course Design
Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf made this course in 1990. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,039 yards |
| Slope | 145 |
| USGA Rating | 72.9 |
| Tees | 5 sets for different skill levels |
The course has some special holes:
- Par-5 3rd hole (564 yards) with a big rock in the fairway
- Wide fairways that look narrow
- Tricky greens
- High tees and hard shots
What You'll See
When you play here, you'll get nice views of:
- McDowell Mountains
- Saguaro cacti
- The Valley from high tees
- Desert wash areas
What's There
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Big building with a golf shop and place to eat |
| Driving Range | Has music playing while you practice |
| Practice Areas | Places to work on putting and short shots |
| Help | You can get someone to help you play |
How to Play
- It's in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Anyone can play here
- Costs about $300 when it's busy, less than $100 in summer
- Many people play here (60,000 to 65,000 rounds each year)
- Try to get early tee times, especially in summer
The Monument Course is one of the best public courses in Arizona. It's hard to play, looks nice, and has good service. If you like golf and you're in Phoenix, you should try to play here.
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6. Troon North (Pinnacle)
Course Design
The Pinnacle Course at Troon North Golf Club, made by Tom Weiskopf, is a tough course. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,044 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Slope Rating | 144 |
| USGA Rating | 72.8 |
The course has:
- Tricky tee spots that make holes seem curved
- Greens that change in size
- Holes that make you think about how to play
Players need to be careful when choosing clubs. The Pinnacle course is harder than the Monument course at Troon North.
What You'll See
When you play here, you'll see:
- Pinnacle Peak
- Big rocks
- Green grass next to desert sand
- Natural valleys and small hills
The course mixes golf with nice desert views.
What's There
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Big building with golf shop and food |
| Driving Range | Place to practice with music |
| Help | You can get someone to teach you golf |
| Food | Dynamite Grille restaurant |
How to Play
- It's in Scottsdale, Arizona
- You can book online or by phone
- Try to play early in the day, especially in summer
- It costs more when it's busy, less in summer
Many people say the Pinnacle Course is one of the best public courses in Arizona. It's hard but fun for all types of players.
7. Grayhawk (Raptor)
Course Design
The Raptor course at Grayhawk Golf Club, made by Tom Fazio, offers desert golf. It's known for being hard to play. The course has:
- Wide fairways on rolling desert land
- Many dry creek beds to cross
- Greens that are high up and have slopes
- Short grass areas around greens to test short shots
- About 57 sand traps placed to make play harder
Some holes to remember:
- 15th hole: 330-yard par-4, good players might try to hit the green in one shot
- 18th hole: 521-yard par-5, last hole with water on the right side
What You'll See
When you play the Raptor course, you'll see:
- Big views of the Sonoran Desert
- Many desert plants like Ironwood, Mesquite, and Palo Verde trees
- Desert land that fits well with the golf course
What's There
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Practice Area | Grass driving range, place for short shots, putting green |
| Golf Shop | Big shop with lots of golf stuff to buy |
| Food | More than one place to eat, including Phil's Grill near the last hole |
| Help | You can get golf lessons |
How to Play
- It's in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Anyone can play here
- Book online or by phone
- Costs over $200 when it's busy
- Look online for cheaper prices at the last minute
The Raptor course has had big golf events like PGA Tour games and college championships. Many people say it's one of the best public courses in Arizona.
8. Grayhawk (Talon)
Course Design
The Talon course at Grayhawk Golf Club was made by David Graham and Gary Panks in 1994. It's a tough course for good players.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 6,973 yards |
| Par | 72 |
| Slope Rating | 143 |
The course has:
- Many sand traps near greens and landing areas
- Greens with different levels
- Deep canyons on the back nine
- Lots of desert trees
Most players use the second tee, which is 6,400 yards long and has a slope of 134. This makes the course a bit easier but still fun.
What You'll See
When you play here, you'll see:
- Big views of the McDowell Mountains
- The Phoenix and Scottsdale skyline
- Desert scenery that fits well with the golf course
The high tee boxes make the fairways look narrow, which adds to the challenge.
What's There
Grayhawk Golf Club tries to give you a great day of golf. They have:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Pro Shop | Sells lots of golf items |
| Practice Areas | Driving range and putting greens |
| Food | Places to eat before or after golf |
| Course Care | Well-kept grass and greens |
How to Play
Anyone can play the Talon course at Grayhawk. It's good for different skill levels:
| Tee Set | Yardage |
|---|---|
| Longest | 6,973 yards |
| Shortest | 5,143 yards |
The course is in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is easy to get to if you're in Phoenix.
9. Boulders Resort & Spa (South)
Course Design
The South Course at Boulders Resort & Spa was made by Jay Morrish. It's a big course with 18 holes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 6,726 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Course Rating | 71.9 |
| Slope | 140 |
The course fits well with the desert around it. There are big, old rocks all over the course. These rocks are about 12 million years old.
Some things to know about the course:
- It has hills and desert land
- The 5th hole (par-5) has a big rock behind the green
- There are two big rock piles called "Boulder Pile" and "Rosie's Rock"
- The greens are big and a bit wavy
What You'll See
When you play here, you'll see:
- Big views of the desert
- Mountains in the distance
- Big rocks all over the course
- Desert plants and animals
The 7th hole (par-3) is special. You hit from next to a big rock pile called "Rosie's Rock."
What's There
The resort has many things for golfers:
| Thing | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Practice Area | Place to hit balls and work on short shots |
| Golf Shop | Sells golf stuff |
| Food | Place to eat before or after golf |
| Rooms | Nice places to stay |
| Spa | Place to relax after golf |
How to Play
- The course is in Carefree, Arizona, near Scottsdale
- Anyone can play, but people staying at the resort get first choice
- If you're staying at the resort, you can book up to 90 days early
- It's easy to get to if you're visiting Phoenix
10. Whirlwind Golf Club (Devil's Claw)
Course Design
Devil's Claw at Whirlwind Golf Club is a tough course that shows off Arizona's desert beauty. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 7,029 yards from back tees |
| Slope | 131 from back tees |
| Tee Options | 5 sets for different skill levels |
| Terrain | Gently rolling with small hills |
| Fairways | Wide with well-placed sand traps |
| Greens | Two levels with ridges, need good aim |
The course has nice tee areas and lots of sandy spots. You'll need to hit over desert areas often, but these shots are usually short. This makes the course good for many types of players.
What You'll See
When you play Devil's Claw, you'll enjoy:
- Beautiful mountain views
- Desert plants and scenery
- A mix of golf course and natural desert
The course fits well with the desert around it, giving players nice views during their game.
What's There
Whirlwind Golf Club has many things to make your golf day better:
- Clubhouse to get ready before and relax after golf
- Shop selling golf gear and clothes
- Places to practice, like a driving range and putting greens
- Locker rooms
- Restaurant for lunch and dinner
These things help make sure you have everything you need for a good day of golf.
How to Play
Devil's Claw is in Chandler, Arizona, near Phoenix. Anyone can play here - you don't need to be a member. It's easy to get to if you live nearby or are visiting Phoenix.
Course Comparison
Let's look at how the top public golf courses in Phoenix stack up against each other. Here's a quick overview of some key features:
| Course | Length (yards) | Main Feature | Cost (Busy Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) | 6,966 | Simple desert design | $250-$300 |
| Quintero Golf Club | 7,249 | Big ups and downs | $250-$350 |
| TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) | 7,261 | Hosts big PGA event | $300-$400 |
| Ak-Chin Southern Dunes | 7,546 | Links-style course | $150-$200 |
| Troon North (Monument) | 7,039 | Big rocks on course | $250-$350 |
These courses give golfers different ways to play. We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro course, made by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, has been named the best in Arizona for many years. People like it because it fits well with the desert and is easy to walk.
TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course costs more, but you get to play where the pros do. The 16th hole is famous for being loud during the big tournament.
If you want to save money, try Ak-Chin Southern Dunes. It's good golf for less money. Remember, prices drop a lot in summer. Some fancy courses cut prices by half or more.
When picking a course, think about more than just the golf. Places like Troon North and We-Ko-Pa have good practice areas, shops, and food. The Westin Kierland even lets you use Golf Bikes and Segways to get around.
Each course has its own mix of hard holes, nice views, and extras. No matter what you like - desert scenes, tough golf, or good deals - Phoenix's public courses have something for you.
Wrap-up
Phoenix has many good public golf courses. Each course is different and fun to play. Here's a quick look at what you can find:
| Course Type | What You'll See | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Courses | Cactus, rocks, sand | People who like nature |
| Famous Courses | Well-known holes, big events | Fans of pro golf |
| Value Courses | Good golf for less money | People on a budget |
Most courses show off the desert views. You'll see mountains, big rocks, and lots of cactus plants. Some courses, like Troon North, have big rocks right on the course.
If you want to save money, try playing in summer. Many fancy courses cut their prices a lot when it's hot.
When you pick a course, think about:
- How hard it is to play
- What it looks like
- What else they have (like places to eat)
Some courses have cool extras. For example, Westin Kierland lets you ride bikes or Segways instead of golf carts.
No matter what kind of golf you like, Phoenix has a course for you. Whether you want a hard game, nice views, or to play where the pros do, you can find it here.
