Golf Course Guide for Scottsdale & Phoenix
When it comes to world-class golf destinations, Scottsdale and Phoenix stand out as a golfer's paradise. With stunning desert landscapes, abundant sunshine, and a variety of top-notch courses, Scottsdale and Phoenix attract players of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a challenging course or a relaxing round with breathtaking views, local courses offer something for everyone. Here's a guide to some of the best golf in the area.
1. TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course
- Location: Scottsdale
- Highlights: Home of the WM Phoenix Open, the "Greatest Show on Grass."
- What to Expect: Famous for its electric atmosphere during the Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course is a must-play. The par-3 16th hole, surrounded by grandstands, provides a unique stadium-like experience. Outside of tournament time, golfers can enjoy pristine conditions, rolling fairways, and dramatic views of the McDowell Mountains.
2. Troon North Golf Club
- Location: Scottsdale
- Highlights: Pinnacle and Monument courses, consistently ranked among the top public courses in the country.
- What to Expect: Troon North blends desert beauty with challenging play. Both courses offer undulating greens, massive granite boulders, and stunning Sonoran Desert vistas. The Pinnacle course tends to be slightly more challenging, while Monument offers a slightly more forgiving layout.
3. Grayhawk Golf Club
- Location: Scottsdale
- Highlights: Two outstanding courses – Talon and Raptor.
- What to Expect: Grayhawk delivers a mix of playability and challenge. The Raptor course, designed by Tom Fazio, is known for its strategic bunkering and pristine conditions, while Talon offers panoramic views and thrilling elevation changes. Both courses are great for golfers who appreciate scenic beauty.
4. Boulders Golf Club
- Location: Carefree (just north of Scottsdale)
- Highlights: Two jaw-dropping courses – North and South.
- What to Expect: Nestled against massive rock formations, Boulders Golf Club offers a surreal golf experience. The courses are integrated seamlessly with the natural desert terrain, providing not just a challenging round but also an unforgettable setting. Golfers often describe the South Course as a spiritual experience due to its serene environment.
5. Papago Golf Club
- Location: Phoenix
- Highlights: Affordable championship golf.
- What to Expect: Papago is a gem for those seeking a great course without the hefty price tag. Known for its wide fairways and challenging greens, this municipal course offers spectacular views of Papago Buttes and downtown Phoenix. It's also home to the Arizona State University golf teams.
6. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
- Location: Fort McDowell (near Scottsdale)
- Highlights: Two award-winning courses – Cholla and Saguaro.
- What to Expect: Free from residential development, We-Ko-Pa provides a pure golf experience. The Saguaro course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is walkable and strategically designed. Cholla, on the other hand, offers a more dramatic and rugged desert golf experience.
7. The Phoenician Golf Club
- Location: Scottsdale
- Highlights: A luxurious and scenic resort course.
- What to Expect: Recently renovated, The Phoenician features 18 holes of lush fairways set against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain. While not as challenging as some of the other courses, it's perfect for a relaxing round and is complemented by the resort's five-star amenities.
Ready to Tee Off? Things to consider:
- Seasonality: Winter and spring are the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and ideal course conditions. Summer offers discounted rates but requires early tee times to beat the heat.
- Reservations: Many of these courses are in high demand, so book your tee times well in advance.
- Accommodations: Several courses are attached to luxurious resorts, making it easy to combine a golf trip with a relaxing vacation.
Scottsdale and Phoenix boast some of the most beautiful and diverse golf courses in the world. From the electric energy of TPC Scottsdale to the serene beauty of Boulders Golf Club, there's something for every golfer in this desert oasis. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, pack your clubs and get ready to take in some unforgettable courses.
