Fountain Hills, AZ offers world-class golf in a stunning desert setting. Here are the top 5 golf communities:
- FireRock Country Club
- Eagle Mountain Golf Club
- SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
- Desert Canyon Golf Club
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Quick comparison:
| Community | Course Type | Difficulty | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| FireRock | Private | Tough | Gary Panks design |
| Eagle Mountain | Public | Mid-Tough | Elevation changes |
| SunRidge Canyon | Public | Tough | "Wicked 6" finish |
| Desert Canyon | Public | Tough | High tee views |
| We-Ko-Pa | Public | Varies | Two unique courses |
Key takeaways:
- Courses blend challenging play with desert beauty
- Home prices start around $670k, up to multi-millions
- Year-round golfing with seasonal pricing
- Communities offer amenities beyond golf
- Fountain Hills provides small-town feel near big city perks
Why Golfers Like Fountain Hills
Fountain Hills is a golfer's dream. Here's why:
The views are INCREDIBLE. Imagine teeing off with the McDowell Mountains behind you. Or sinking a putt while looking at the Tonto National Forest. It's not just golf - it's golf with scenery.
Location is key. Fountain Hills sits right next to Scottsdale and only 33 miles from Phoenix. You're close to the city, but far enough for that quiet desert feel.
And then there's the fountain. This isn't a little water feature. It's a 560-foot-high jet that shoots up every hour. It's like a giant, watery clock for your game.
Here's what makes Fountain Hills special:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Courses | 5 full 18-hole courses |
| Views | Mountains and forest |
| Location | Near Scottsdale, close to Phoenix |
| Climate | Cooler than the valley |
| Landmark | Massive hourly fountain |
One Tripadvisor user said: "Some of the views are nice of Fountain Hills." Talk about underselling it!
But it's not just about golf. It's the whole package. Desert beauty, great courses, small-town feel - all near big city perks.
So whether you're a pro or just play on weekends, Fountain Hills has you covered. It's where desert meets golf, and it's pretty much perfect.
FireRock Country Club
FireRock Country Club isn't just Fountain Hills' first private course. It's a whole experience.
The golf course? It's the main event:
- 18 holes by Gary Panks
- Par-72, 6,984 yards (back tees), 5,346 yards (forward tees)
- Arizona Golf Association rating: 72.9, slope 134 (back tees)
But here's the kicker: the views. You're teeing off with the Red Mountains as your backdrop. Each hole? A new vista.
The community's no slouch either:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Membership | 395 golf spots |
| Location | 20 min from Scottsdale Rd & Shea |
| Amenities | Swim, tennis, fitness, dining |
| Homes | Condos to estates |
It's not all about golf. The clubhouse? Social central. Mountain and fairway views included. Grab a pub bite or fancy dinner on the patio.
House hunting? Check these out:
| Property | Price | Beds | Baths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16210 E LINKS Drive | $675,000 | 2 | 2 |
| 16101 E Powderhorn Drive | $1,649,000 | 4 | 4 |
| 9749 N Fireridge Trail | $2,700,000 | 5 | 6 |
From condos to multi-million dollar digs, FireRock's got range.
Bottom line? FireRock Country Club is more than golf. It's a place to play, chill, and live in Arizona's desert beauty.
2. Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a golfer's paradise. Opened in 1996, this Scott Miller-designed course stretches 6,800 yards with a par-71 layout.
The course blends seamlessly with the Sonoran Desert:
- Contoured fairways
- Strategic bunkers
- Water features
- Undulating greens
With four tee options (5,000 to 6,700+ yards), it's perfect for all skill levels.
The 17th hole, "Sunset Point", is a standout. It's tough but rewards you with amazing views.
| Course Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 6,800 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Tee Options | 4 (5,000 - 6,700+ yards) |
| Designer | Scott Miller |
| Opening Year | 1996 |
Eagle Mountain's not short on praise:
- 4 1/2 stars from Golf Digest's Places to Play
- #1 Public Course by Ranking Arizona (2006)
- Golf for Women's Top 100 Fairways (2000)
The surrounding community offers diverse housing:
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Townhomes | From $200,000s |
| Patio Homes | Mid-range |
| Luxury Homes | Up to mid $2 million |
| Custom Estates | Premium |
Residents get:
- Guard-gated security
- The Inn at Eagle Mountain with spa
- City and desert views
- Nearby dining (Bone Haus Brewing, Pietro's/Ferrarese Family)
Want to up your game? The club's got:
- Driving range
- Putting green
- PGA pro lessons and clinics
Green fees? $85 to $195, depending on the season. The clubhouse has a pro shop, practice areas, and a restaurant with mountain views.
Managed by OB Sports Golf Management, Eagle Mountain isn't just golf. It's a community that mixes challenging play, luxury living, and Fountain Hills' natural beauty.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a Keith Foster-designed course that'll test your skills. This 6,823-yard, par-71 public course is set against the McDowell Mountains, offering a mix of challenge and beauty.
The course follows the land's natural flow. You'll start by descending into a valley and finish by climbing back up. Each hole? A new challenge.
| Course Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 6,823 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Slope | 140 |
| Rating | 72.3 |
| Built | 1995 |
The "Wicked 6" - the last six holes - are SunRidge's claim to fame. They're tough, they're beautiful, and they can make or break your game.
SunRidge has earned some bragging rights:
- #42 on Golf Magazine's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in the U.S."
- Hosted the 1997 USGA State Team Championship
- One of Arizona's "Best You Can Play" (Golfweek, 2013)
Golf architect M. James Ward says:
"SunRidge Canyon would likely stand out more so if an area where there is no so much golf. For those looking for something with plenty of design details a visit to SunRidge Canyon can certainly be worth your time and effort."
But it's not just about golf. SunRidge offers:
- A Spanish-style clubhouse with mountain views
- The Wicked 6 Bar and Grill (try the wood-fired pizza)
- Friday night live music and bagpipes
- Top-notch club fitting at Hot Stix
Want to live here? There are about 800 homes and homesites. Residents get desert views and access to this tough course.
Summer rates run $40 to $65. Not bad for a chance to test your game on this desert challenge.
4. Desert Canyon Golf Club
Desert Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona is a golfer's paradise. This John Allen-designed course from 1971 packs a punch with 18 holes over 6,415 yards.
What makes it special? It's all about the Sonoran Desert setting:
- Natural arroyos and canyons
- Tricky doglegs
- Big elevation changes
- Rolling fairways
- Tee boxes with a view
The 17th hole is where it's at. This par-3 makes you shoot over a desert canyon. Nail it, and you're rewarded with killer mountain and desert views.
| Course Stats | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Yards | 6,415 |
| Par | 71 |
| Rating | 69.9 |
| Slope | 126 |
Desert Canyon's not just good - it's top-notch. It's been Fountain Hills' #1 public course for 11 years straight and made the top 25 in Phoenix/Scottsdale in 2015.
Want to live here? You've got options:
- 4 bed, 5 bath, 4,358 sq ft at $1,899,000
- 5 bed, 3.5 bath luxury home from $1,400,000
- Custom home on a prime golf lot for $1,125,000
The clubhouse has it all - pro shop, practice areas, and food. PGA pros are on hand to up your game, no matter your skill level.
Prices change with the seasons. November to December? You're looking at $39 for twilight play up to $69 for a full round. Monthly memberships start at $79 in November.
Bottom line: Desert Canyon Golf Club serves up a tough round with views that'll knock your socks off. It's a win-win for golfers and homebuyers in Fountain Hills.
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5. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a golfer's paradise near Fountain Hills. It's got two killer courses: Cholla and Saguaro.
Cholla, opened in 2001, is Scott Miller's brainchild. It's a target-style course that'll keep you on your toes. Most greens are hidden from the tee, so bring your A-game.
Saguaro, designed by Coore and Crenshaw in 2006, is a bit more forgiving off the tee. But don't get cocky - its strategic bunkers and tricky greens will test you. Bonus: you can actually walk this course.
Both courses serve up jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains. And get this: no houses or buildings in sight. Just you and the desert.
| Course | Designer | Opened | Style | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cholla | Scott Miller | 2001 | Target | Hidden greens |
| Saguaro | Coore & Crenshaw | 2006 | Strategic | Walkable |
These courses aren't just pretty faces. Saguaro's been Arizona's #1 public course for 14 out of 15 years, according to Golfweek. Golf Magazine ranked it #52 in North America in 2021.
Pricing? It depends:
- Summer: $120 for 36 holes
- Peak season (Jan-Apr): $380 for 36 holes
Want to live nearby? Homes range from $670,000 to $799,000.
We-Ko-Pa isn't just about golf. It's part of a resort and casino complex, so there's plenty to do off the course.
"Both courses are excellent and beautiful. The fact that there even can be a debate goes to show how great this golf facility is."
This golfer's quote sums it up nicely.
For the die-hards, the We-Ko-Pass offers perks like free casino play and pro shop discounts. And the practice facility? Top-notch.
Bottom line: We-Ko-Pa offers pure desert golf without distractions. Two distinct courses, natural beauty, and a challenge for any golfer. If you're in Fountain Hills, you'd be crazy to miss it.
How the Golf Communities Compare
Let's break down these top Fountain Hills golf spots:
| Golf Community | Course Difficulty | Membership | Home Prices | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FireRock | Tough | Private | Not listed | Gary Panks design |
| Eagle Mountain | Mid to Tough | Public | Not listed | #1 Public Course (Ranking Arizona 2006) |
| SunRidge Canyon | Tough | Not specified | Not listed | "Wicked 6" finish |
| Desert Canyon | Tough | Family-owned | Not listed | Killer views from high tees |
| We-Ko-Pa | Varies (2 courses) | Public | $670k - $799k | Two unique courses |
Eagle Mountain's got something for everyone:
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 6,800 | 136 | 71.2 |
| Green | 6,269 | 129 | 69.0 |
| White | 5,900 | 121 | 66.5 |
| Purple | 5,065 | 118 | 68.2 |
SunRidge Canyon? It's all about that finish. The "Wicked 6" can make or break your round. No wonder GolfWeek's been calling it one of the "Best Courses You Can Play" for five years straight.
We-Ko-Pa's got two flavors. Cholla's all about target golf, while Saguaro gives you more room off the tee but tests your strategy.
Prices? They're all over the map. Peak season at We-Ko-Pa could set you back $380 for a full day. One golfer dropped $271 (with tax) for a round at an unnamed Fountain Hills course in March 2023.
Want to join a club? FireRock's your private option, with perks beyond golf. Desert Canyon and Eagle Mountain are open to all, with Eagle Mountain offering a $199 Mountain Club Card for discounts.
For homes, We-Ko-Pa's the only one with prices listed ($670k to $799k). But let's be real - none of these spots are gonna be cheap.
Other Things to Do in These Communities
Fountain Hills isn't just about golf. Here's what else you can do:
Art and Culture
Every Thursday from October to April, the Avenue of the Fountains hosts Art on the Avenue and Farmer's Market (11 am-5 pm). It's a mix of local art and fresh produce.
Big art events include:
- Fountain Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts (February)
- Great Art Fair (February)
- Thunderbird Artists Fine Art & Wine Affaire (March)
Outdoor Activities
The town's famous fountain shoots water 500+ feet high every hour. But there's more:
- Hike the Lake Overlook trail for a good climb and nice views
- Picnic in one of the many family-friendly parks
Music and Entertainment
Music lovers, check out:
- Jazz in the Hills (starts October at CopperWynd Resort)
- Concerts in the Park (Sundays in March, Fountain Park Amphitheatre)
- Fountain Hills Music Fest (April, Fountain Park)
- Concerts on the Avenue (Thursdays in April)
Seasonal Events
| Event | Date | Location | What's It About? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concours in the Hills | February | Fountain Park | Car show for charity |
| Irish Fountain Fest | March | Fountain Park | Family fun with Irish flair |
| St. Patrick's Day | March 17 | Fountain Park | Green fountain at noon |
| Dark Sky Festival | March | Community Center | Celebrates dark sky status |
| Paws Around the Fountain | April | Fountain Park | Pet adoption event |
Dining and Entertainment
Try The Inn at Eagle Mountain for a nice meal. For nightlife, Casino Arizona and Fort McDowell Casino are nearby.
Fitness
- Mountain to Fountain 15K (March)
- Turkey Trot 5K Run and Fitness Walk (Fall)
With 50+ events a year, there's always something happening in Fountain Hills. It's not just golf - it's a full lifestyle.
Buying a Home in These Communities
The Fountain Hills housing market is hot, especially in golf communities. In 2023, average house prices hit $686,000, up 11.1% from last year. Luxury properties? Think $1,375,000 median list price.
Here's the scoop on buying in Fountain Hills golf communities:
1. Market Dynamics
It's somewhat competitive (31/100). You've got wiggle room, but prime spots go fast.
2. Golf Membership Madness
Golf's booming. Andrew Beardsley, Real Estate Agent, says:
"Everybody looking to buy a house is also looking to join a club."
Result? Years-long waitlists. Now, sellers are throwing in memberships to sweeten the deal.
3. Investment Potential
Golf properties hold value well. But selling might take time - it's a niche market.
4. Community Perks
Look beyond the greens:
| Amenity | Why It's Cool |
|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Eat, meet, repeat |
| Fitness Centers | Sweat without leaving home |
| Social Events | Make friends, not just neighbors |
| Course Proximity | Better views, better value |
5. HOA Heads-Up
Check the fine print:
- Annual fees
- Rules (yes, there are always rules)
- What your money gets you
6. Money Matters
Find a mortgage pro who knows luxury homes. They'll guide you through the high-end home maze.
7. Rent It Out?
Fountain Hills is vacation rental heaven:
- 270 properties up for grabs
- Nightly rates from $30 (pre-tax)
- Families and pets welcome
- Got a pool? You're golden (210 properties do)
8. Realtor Reality
Pick someone who knows golf communities inside out. They'll help you dodge the bunkers.
Connor Sabanosh, Real Estate Agent, spills:
"The sellers that are including memberships with their property tend to get a premium."
Wrap-up
Fountain Hills, Arizona is a golfer's dream. Here's why it's a win for golf fans and home buyers:
Diverse Courses
Each community offers something unique:
| Golf Club | Standout Feature |
|---|---|
| FireRock | Private club, elevated tees |
| Eagle Mountain | Big elevation changes |
| SunRidge Canyon | Tough "Wicked Six" finish |
| Desert Canyon | Tight fairways, canyons |
| We-Ko-Pa | Views of untouched land |
Luxury You Can Afford
Golf homes start at $995,000, up to 4,551 square feet. Want something smaller? The Overlook at FireRock has villas from 1,700 to 3,600 square feet.
Play All Year
Golf doesn't stop when summer hits:
- SunRidge Canyon: $130 in May
- Eagle Mountain: Evening rates from $60
- We-Ko-Pa: AZ locals pay as low as $69
More Than Just Golf
Fountain Hills has:
- A huge fountain (world's fourth largest)
- Phoenix and Scottsdale nearby
- Great for active retirees
- McDowell Mountains and Tonto National Forest views
Smart Investment
Golf properties here keep their value. The average golf course home lists for $1,375,000.
Fountain Hills gives you great golf, amazing views, and lots of housing choices. It's perfect if you want an active life in a beautiful place.
