Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses around. Arizona has something for every type of golfer, from beautiful desert landscapes and stunning mountain views to lush rolling fairways and challenging championship layouts. Here’s a look at 15 of the best golf courses in Arizona
Forest Highlands Golf Club
Forest Highlands Golf Club boasts two exceptional championship courses – the Canyon Course and the Meadow Course – created by the legendary Tom Weiskopf.
The Canyon Course
The Canyon Course, unveiled by Weiskopf and Jay Morrish in 1986, has received numerous accolades, including being named among the top 100 courses worldwide by Golf Magazine and is ranked as the #2 private golf courses in Arizona by Golf Digest. This masterful course boasts three par 5s over 600 yards, a par 4 spanning 478 yards, and six par 3s – a remarkable array of holes.
What sets the Canyon Course apart is its location at an elevation of 7,000 feet, which results in the course playing shorter than its yardage. Additionally, the course’s holes are framed by stately ponderosa pines and routed along mountain ridges to provide golfers with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. One of the standout holes is the ninth, which descends an escarpment into a narrow stream valley to a double green shared with the 18th hole.
The Meadow Course
The Meadow Course opened in the late 1990s, is a picturesque and inviting parkland layout that plays among tall pines, wildflowers, and scenic wetlands. Its relatively flat surface makes for an easily walkable course with breathtaking views. In fact, the Meadow Course has hosted three USGA championships, including the 2019 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and boasts a #8 ranking in Arizona’s Best Courses by Golf Digest. The course’s signature holes offer stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks and provide a traditional golfing experience for avid players.
If you’re seeking a challenging and rewarding round of golf, the Forest Highlands Golf Club is a perfect destination.
Address: 2425 William Palmer, Flagstaff, AZ 86005, United States
Scottsdale National Golf Club
Scottsdale National Golf Club is a breathtaking destination for any golf enthusiast, with its wide-open fairways stretching across forty-five holes without any homes lining the courses.
The Other Course
The Other Course, which is the second 18-hole course at the club, is built by David Kahn and Tim Jackson and features a creative and exciting design that presents a physical and psychological journey through golf. Despite its incredible course, few people have seen it owing to the club’s extreme privacy.
The Mineshaft Course
The Mineshaft course is the original of the three courses at Scottsdale National, and it boasts a true desert-golf experience with panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks, particularly on the tee at the downhill par-3 16th.
The Bad Little Nine
Finally, the Bad Little Nine is a destination for those who desire a challenge, with its deep bunkers, gnarly hazards, and wicked greens making it the most challenging nine holes in golf.
Scottsdale National Golf Club is a premium destination for exclusive golfing experiences in the Grand Canyon State, and it is nothing short of a delight for any golfer who is fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play there.
Address: 28265 North Scottsdale National Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
The Troon North Golf Club
Troon North Golf Club has become a symbol of Scottsdale’s desert golf landscape. The club boasts two 18-hole courses that navigate the rugged landscape of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, showcasing picturesque ravines and foothills shadowed by Pinnacle Peak. With its unmatched iconic golf combined with a breathtaking visual sensation, Troon North represents the gold standard in the American Southwest.
The uniquely crafted Monument and Pinnacle courses are widely acclaimed as some of the top golf courses in the country, offering an exclusive golfing experience that excites any golfer. Under the renovation expertise of British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf, Troon North has introduced two new layouts that bring the original vision to the forefront. From exceptional customer service to award-winning courses, Troon North Golf Club is unquestionably Scottsdale’s crown jewel.
Address: 10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
Pine Canyon Club
The Pine Canyon Club boasts an array of captivating holes that will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Towering ponderosa pines, meandering streams, tall native grasses, and pristine ponds all come into play, adding a picturesque touch to the course. The front nine is known for its impressive par three holes, including the 238-yard “Crosswind” and the uphill 5th hole, “Pine Meadow,” which features a challenging, two-tiered green.
The back nine is just as impressive, with two terrific par threes. The 152-yard “Eagle’s Nest” protects a small lake on the front and left of the green, while the putting surface of the 204-yard “Sweet Serenity” hangs on the hillside on the other side of a deep gulf. Finally, for those looking for a little friendly wagering, the “Double or Nothing” 19th hole offers an island green where ties can be settled. Overall, The Pine Canyon Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts who appreciate challenging and scenic courses.
Address: 3210 S Links Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, United States
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
We-Ko-Pa is undoubtedly one of Arizona’s most stunning golf destinations, home to two courses that are sure to impress even the most discerning golf enthusiasts.
The Saguaro Course
The Saguaro course, in particular, boasts a Coore and Crenshaw design that perfectly incorporates the beauty and challenges of a desert course while maintaining a traditional, walkable feel. With greens that are situated close to the following tees and forgiving fairways that cater to both amateurs and professionals alike, the Saguaro course is easily one of the best public options in the state.
The Cholla Course
Meanwhile, the Cholla course is also to be noticed, as it winds through the arroyos and ridges of the Sonoran Desert, offering players a unique and challenging experience that is sure to stay with them for a long time. No wonder the Cholla course has won a place in the top 10 among public courses in Arizona.
When golfers head to We-Ko-Pa, they’ll find both courses designed with a deep appreciation for the natural contours of the land, which ensures that they’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the beautiful surrounding mountains: Superstition, McDowell, Mazatzal, and the Four Peaks.
Address: 18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, United States
Quintero Golf Club
Quintero Golf Club is a breathtaking course in the Sonoran desert’s heart. With its diverse topography, golfers will experience a range of challenges throughout their rounds as they navigate around mountain ridges, irrigation lakes, natural desert washes, and long slopes. This former private club is an absolute delight, both scenic and playable, where every hole offers something different.
The par-3s at six and 16 plunge dramatically downhill, while the par-5 eighth and par-4 14th require a strategic approach. Even the most experienced players will find their skills put to the test, as precision and accuracy are demanded on every shot. After a challenging but rewarding round, players can take in the spectacular views and reflect on the highlights of their round. Only 90 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Quintero Golf Club is the perfect destination for any enthusiast seeking an unforgettable experience.
Address: 16752 W, AZ-74, Peoria, AZ 85383, United States
TPC Scottsdale Champions Course
The Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale is a golfing gem that offers an ideal desert golf experience. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, the course was crafted to balance both strategic and aesthetic considerations with a layout that flows seamlessly within the naturally rugged terrain.
Meandering between natural ravines and through picturesque foothills, each hole can be played in many ways, thus offering golfers of all skill levels a different challenging and dynamic experience each time they play. The quartet of challenging finishing holes adds an acclaimed ending stretch that will leave even the best players with goosebumps. Rivaling its better-known sibling golf course, the Stadium Course, the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale certainly lives up to the expectations of the Scottsdale area’s reputation for good looks and good golf.
Address: 8243 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
Silverleaf Golf Club
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course at the Silverleaf Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise. With its natural contours and elevation changes, each hole provides an immersive experience for golfers and spectators alike. Located just a few miles away from the renowned TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, Silverleaf boasts a challenging course that weaves through the canyons of the McDowell Mountains.
Its greens are well-bunkered and display significant, occasionally severe undulations challenging even the most hardened golf veterans. The package includes top-notch amenities, such as the 50,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse and expansive practice facility (where tour pros like Jon Rahm practice). Golfers come here to test their skills and marvel at the stunning scenery that Tom Weiskopf’s brainchild offers.
Address: 18701 N Silverleaf Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club’s Raptor and Talon courses are a pair of masterfully designed golf courses that any golf enthusiast should have on their radar.
Raptor Course
The Raptor is an exceptional course designed by Tom Fazio that tantalizes players with its broad fairways. However, keep the broad fairways from lulling you into a false sense of security, as misplaced shots will cruelly find their way into the punishing bunkers along the way. The PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open was hosted here between 2007 and 2009, and the Raptor course received high praise for its superb conditioning, generous fairways, and greens. Additionally, the Raptor Course will serve as the host of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Division I Golf Championships from 2021 through 2023, further cementing its place as a course of outstanding repute.
Talon Course
Meanwhile, the Talon course, with its unique design focused on the breathtaking McDowell Mountains and surrounding canyons, is an experience not to be missed. Talon’s back nine features a series of deep box canyons with a handful of holes laid out along steep drop-offs and thick stands of Mesquite, Palo Verde, and Ironwood trees, providing players with an unrivaled picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course
The Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course, also known as the Wick, is a renowned championship course that boasts some of the best playing conditions in the United States. Located in the picturesque town of Wickenburg, Arizona, this course is a true gem for any golfer. With spectacular views of the local natural landmarks such as Vulture Peak and Prescott National Forest, the course offers an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts.
What sets the Wick apart is its reputation for having the finest Bentgrass greens – a result of the manageable summer temperatures at high elevations. Moreover, Wickenburg Ranch is home to a relaxed 9-hole par-3 course known as “Li’l Wick,” which offers a pleasant respite from the challenges of the championship course. Overall, the Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course is an ideal destination for those who seek a well-manicured course set amidst beautiful natural surroundings.
Address: 3430 Club Terrace Way, Wickenburg, AZ 85390, USA
Mirabel Golf Club
Mirabel Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, offers a beautiful desert layout highlighted by its deep-green, generous fairways that gradually tighten the farther you hit it. This layout plays host to massive undulating greens, allowing for varied hole locations while requiring a deft touch and strategic shot selection to avoid the imposing bunkers and lurking Sonoran desert.
With consistently high marks in conditioning, it’s no wonder that Mirabel sees some testing holes that remain long in memory, highlighted by the 472-yard fourth and 466-yard 13th. But it’s the 449-yard 10th that steals the show, with its picturesque fairway routed around the only water hazard. The traditional layout features some room off the tee, giving golfers a chance to ponder their strategic approach shots to the well-protected greens. Fast greens with subtle breaks are the cherry on top, providing ample, but fair challenge to golfers of varied skill levels.
Address: 37100 N Mirabel Club Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
Desert Mountain Club – Chiricahua Course
Desert Mountain is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Known for its world-renowned collection of private Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses and distinct par-54 championship course, this desert oasis offers unparalleled golfing experiences.
Among its six Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, Chiricahua truly stands out. The course ranges in elevation from 3000 to 3300 feet, creating several dramatic drop-offs from tee to fairway. While visually intimidating due to deep-faced bunkers and desert, the landing areas often play wider than they appear. Offering scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains, Chiricahua has previously been ranked on the Second 100 Greatest list and is currently among the top courses in Arizona. At 7347 yards, this course has a perfect mix of uphill, downhill, and sideways holes, providing an exhilarating experience for any golfer.
Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this world-class golf destination and other amazing courses at Desert Mountain.
Address: 37700 N Desert Mountain Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, USA
Papago Golf Club
The Papago Golf Club offers a challenging but enjoyable course for golfers of all skill levels. Designed by William Francis Bell, the course features undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers, and subtle but tricky mounding. Water hazards add an extra challenge to some holes. Situated in tranquil Papago Park, just a few minutes from downtown Phoenix, the location provides a serene environment to play a game of golf.
Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Phoenix skyline beyond the rugged red rocks while improving their game on the course. The Men’s and Women’s teams of the Arizona Sun Devils call Papago Golf Club their home course. Over the years, the course has hosted numerous events, including the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and Phoenix Open Qualifying. Book your tee time today and take this challenging yet enjoyable course open to the public!
Address: 5595 E Moreland St, Phoenix, Arizona 85008, USA
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best golf courses in Arizona. Designed by Brian Curley and Fred Couples, the course sits on over 320 acres of land in the southwest area. A unique feature of the course is that it stretches for a length of 7546 yards, using more than twice the amount of land of a standard course. The land used was once home to the Ak-Chin Indian Community until an Executive Order in 1912 removed the reservation.
Now, the area is transformed into a challenging course that incorporates stunning landscaping with towering mounds and hollow valleys, providing an interesting and scenic game. With its wide fairways and generous landing areas, the dune-style layout requires precision from tee to green. The course’s difficulty level is elevated with strategically placed sand bunkers, multi-tiered greens, and native grass roughs. It is no wonder that the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is consistently ranked among GolfWeek’s top 10 golf courses in Arizona.
Address: 48456 AZ-238, Maricopa, AZ 85139, United States
Sewailo Golf Club
Located in Arizona, the Sewailo Golf Club is an impressive course designed by the famous Notah Begay III. What makes it unique is that the land is owned and maintained by Native Americans, who wanted to give back to the surrounding natural beauty. Featuring natural hazards and water streams, the course seamlessly blends into the environment while challenging even the most experienced golfers.
The greens, though smooth, are designed to be unpredictable, leaving players to ponder the best way to navigate the course. With a length of 7283 yards, Sewailo provides different tee options for players with different abilities. Its open, linked golf feel sets it apart from other Arizona courses, providing players with ample forced carries and obstacles to overcome. The Sewailo Golf Club is a must-visit for those looking for an unforgettable golfing experience.
Address: 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85757, United States
Conclusion
Arizona is a golfer’s paradise. There are many great options for golfers of all skill levels, from championship-level courses to more casual 9-hole layouts. Whether you’re looking for stunning views of the desert landscape or well-maintained greens and fairways, Arizona has something for everyone. From Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course to Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, the Grand Canyon State has some of the best golfing experiences in the country. Grab your clubs and head to one of these courses for an amazing golfing experience!
