Golfing in Phoenix is a fantastic experience. With its beautiful desert landscape, stunning mountain views and abundance of courses to choose from, it’s no wonder the city has become a popular destination for golfers from around the world. Whether you’re looking for a challenging round or just want to relax with friends on the green, there’s sure to be a course in the Phoenix area that will fit your needs. To help you narrow down your search, here are 15 of the best courses in and around Phoenix.
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
Nestled amidst the stunning mountain vistas of Arizona lies the iconic Stadium Course, a place of pilgrimage for every golf aficionado. Renowned for the PGA TOUR’s annual event, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, this course is built to PGA TOUR-quality standards, and is meticulously maintained throughout the year. The course offers spacious fairways and well-manicured bunkers, providing golfers with an opportunity to test their skills while enjoying the breathtaking scenic views.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Stadium Course is the fact that it is designed to be accommodating to golfers of all handicaps, with several teeing options at their disposal to ensure a fair challenge. Measuring over 7200 yards from the championship tees, it is an excellent place to put your golfing skills to the test.
Address: 17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a must-visit for anyone seeking to play the best courses in the Valley. What sets this club apart is the absence of homes on the site, which allows for an uninterrupted golf experience.
The original Cholla Course, designed by Scott Miller, offers players a challenging round with a length of over 7,200 yards from the tip. On the other hand, the Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, presents a slightly easier round with more interesting play. What’s striking about both courses is their beautiful, unobstructed scenery and excellent conditions. The tee’s elevated position allows for stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and surrounding mountains.
Unlike many other courses in the region, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club remains a true golfing experience with its courses expertly framed by the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.
Address: 18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, USA
Troon North Golf Club
Regarded as one of the premier public facilities in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, Troon North Golf Club boasts two incredible courses that showcase the stunning natural beauty of the desert landscape.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Pinnacle Course is a classic example of desert target golf, where strategically placed shots are essential to navigating its challenging layout. However, the Monument Course is the true gem of the property, featuring breathtaking panoramic views from its sky-high tees and a host of challenging forced carries.
Regardless of which course you choose, you’ll enjoy the unparalleled amenities and state-of-the-art practice facilities at Troon North. With a short course available for those looking to get in a quick round or warm up for the main event, Troon North Golf Club is more than just a place to play golf – it’s an experience like no other.
Address: 10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, USA
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is a course that has been revered as a top-10 course even before its recent renovation. The course has undergone some significant changes, including the modification of a couple of greens, the renovation of several bunkers, and an overall improvement in its routing. Designed by Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley Design, with input from Fred Couples, the course combines Scottish-like links and parkland, adding a unique flair to golfing experiences.
Nestled over 320 acres of desert land and owned by the Ak-Chin Indian Tribe, this course offers golfers a firm, fast playing surface that is as challenging as it is intriguing. It doesn’t just offer desert golf, but rather, it presents golfers of all skill levels and abilities with the very best of golf in the desert.
Address: 48456 AZ-238, Maricopa, AZ 85139, USA
Quintero Golf Club
Golf enthusiasts seeking the ultimate golfing experience in the Scottsdale Phoenix region need look no further than the Quintero Golf Club. Designed by the legendary Rees Jones, this course is widely recognized as one of the best public courses in the area.
Located northwest of Phoenix and bordering Lake Pleasant, the course seamlessly blends together the peaceful beauty of the desert landscape with a challenging and rewarding golfing experience. Immaculately maintained fairways, beautiful bunkering, and multi-level bentgrass greens serve as the setting for your golf round, all while surrounded by the stunning backdrop of majestic hills and wildlife. This is Arizona golf at its best, perfectly designed for the discerning golfer who demands only the highest standard of quality.
Address: 16752 W, AZ-74, Peoria, AZ 85383, USA
Talking Stick Golf Club
When it comes to 36-hole facilities in Arizona, Talking Stick certainly stands out as one of our favorites. What sets this course apart is the unique feeling that each of its 18-hole routings exudes. Even though the same team designed both courses, golfers will quickly realize that each has a distinct personality.
Undoubtedly, the O’odham Course at Talking Stick Golf Club is a masterpiece in the world of golf. Designed by Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore, this unique Scottish-links style course is a truly life-changing experience. The course offers a stunning view of desert landscapes stretching for miles, giving golfers a genuine sense of being in the heart of the desert. The greens have been slightly crowned with run-off areas, making approach play critical and deep bunkers guarding them. The golfers can choose from three different tees to play with the tips playing a challenging 7,100 yards. The lack of vegetation and real estate in the surrounding area provides golfers with a “true desert feel.”
Moreover, the Piipaash Course at Talking Stick Golf Club is also a must-play for any golf enthusiast looking for a challenging yet enjoyable round. Also designed by Bill Crenshaw and Bill Coore, this course perfectly complements its sister course, the O’odham, in terms of difficulty and design. The Piipaash Course is slightly easier to play than the O’odham but still offers a challenge with tree-lined fairways and raised greens on most approach shots. The back nine also brings in water hazards, and the expanses of the desert add to the course’s natural beauty while offering a stern test for shots that wander too far off the mark.
Whether you choose, both courses are an unforgettable experience that any golfer will love.
Address: East Talking Stick Way, 9998 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, USA
TPC Scottsdale Champions Course
Located on the site of the former TPC Scottsdale’s Desert Course, the Champions Course is a challenging golfing destination designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding desert terrain. Although it may not have quite the reputation of the Stadium Course, the Champions Course still presents a formidable challenge to test your golfing skills.
On this course, the McDowell Mountains serve as a stunning backdrop to several holes, while a wandering creek winds its way through other parts of the course. The scattering of birch and pine trees adds to the beauty of the gently rolling desert layout, which plays 7115 yards from the back set of four tee boxes. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, a round on the Champions Course will prove an unforgettable experience.
Address: 8243 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
If you’re searching for a challenging round of golf, Sunridge Canyon Golf Club should be on your list of must-play courses. Designed by Keith Foster, the course takes advantage of the rugged terrain of the McDowell Mountains to create a natural and exciting golf experience. With four sets of tee boxes, the course is accessible to golfers of all abilities. But beware, the “Wicked Six” finishing holes, including “Bear Trap” and “Amen Corner,” will put even the most competent players to the test.
Though there’s no hotel on site, Sunridge Canyon golf course is an excellent addition to your golf itinerary if you’re looking to get another 18 holes in during your trip. Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale, this course is well worth the trip for any golf enthusiast looking for a challenging yet rewarding round.
Address: 13100 Sunridge Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268, USA
Wigwam Golf Club
With its picturesque landscape and challenging course layout, The Wigwam resort undoubtedly offers golf enthusiasts an experience to remember. Interestingly, unlike many courses in the southwest, all of the 54 holes here are parkland and not desert golf. From the Gold Course to the Patriot Course, players are treated to lush green courses that are beautifully maintained and designed to test the skills of every golfer, regardless of their level of expertise.
Gold Course
The Gold Course is truly a masterpiece of design with a rich history. As one of the oldest courses in the area at 50 years old, it has undergone recent renovations that bring out its full potential. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the touch of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. — a name synonymous with expertise in creating some of the most iconic courses in the world. The course has also been updated by Tom Lehman, adding modern features and improving on the existing design. With strategic bunkers, water, doglegs, pines, and eucalyptus trees, the Gold is a true test of skill for any golfer. It’s no wonder why the Gold Course is considered a jewel in the area — it truly shines as one of the best golf experiences that any professional or amateur could ask for.
Blue Course
The Blue Course may be the shortest of the three courses, but players will quickly realize that distance is not the only challenge to overcome. Elevated greens require precise approach shots, and the creeks winding through the course create water hazards that can come into play on multiple holes. Additionally, there are strategically placed sand bunkers throughout the course that require strategy and skill to navigate. Don’t let the shorter length fool you – the Blue Course offers a formidable test for golfers of all levels.
Red Course
The Red Course, formerly known as the Heritage Course, is a must-play for serious golfers visiting the Wigwam Resort. Recently honored by Golf Magazine, this course features sweeping, rolling terrain that demands careful management of club selection and shot trajectory. The course is framed by mature trees, which add not only beauty but an added layer of challenge, and water hazards in the form of winding creeks come into play on several holes. Perhaps most exciting of all, the Red Course boasts three of the best finishing holes in the area, earning it a loyal following among local golf enthusiasts.
Address: 451 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA
Stonecreek Golf Club
Set in the heart of Phoenix, the Stonecreek Golf Club boasts a magnificent championship course that’s unlike any other. Designed by Gary Grandstaff and Roy Dye, this par-71, 6,871-yard course was etched into the desert on pristine terrain, with emerald green Bermuda fairways and hilly, elevated greens that are framed by mature trees. But this course is not just about aesthetics – it’s challenging for scratch golfers, with creek beds coming into play on five holes, adding to the course’s strategic diversity.
However, golfers of all ages can enjoy this stunning course thanks to the five sets of tees on each hole. This award-winning course has been modernized by Arthur Hills & Associates to keep up with today’s standards, incorporating numerous environmentally-friendly maintenance and agronomy practices.
Address: 4435 E Paradise Vlg Pkwy S, Phoenix, AZ 85032, USA
Wildfire Golf Club
Wildfire Golf Club is home to two breathtaking 18-hole Championship courses, each with its own unique charm.
The Faldo Championship Course spans 6,846 yards and boasts generous fairways, large greens and multiple tees, making for an inviting and enjoyable game. The course sits on a sprawling 174-acre site and is surrounded by majestic mountains and century-old saguaro cacti, providing a truly remarkable backdrop for your round. The 108 sand bunkers, inspired by Australian sand belt courses, add to the challenge of the course and keep even the most experienced golfers on their toes.
The Palmer Signature Course is equally as stunning, playing up to 7,145 yards and offering a very scenic desert experience. This course features expansive fairways that allow you to remain in play, even on a not-so-perfect shot. The exceptional flashed bunkering and undulating putting greens, characteristic of Arnold Palmer designs, will add an extra layer of excitement to your game.
In addition to these two world-class courses, Wildfire Golf Club also offers a complete practice facility, ensuring that you are fully prepared to tackle these breathtaking courses.
Address: 5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA
Lookout Mountain Golf Club
Situated amidst the stunning Sonoran desert and Phoenix North Mountains, Lookout Mountain Golf Course is a true gem for golf enthusiasts. As a nine-time winner of Golf Digest’s Four Star Award, we take immense pride in offering a world-class golfing experience for our guests. Our beautiful course, designed by renowned golf course designer Bill Johnston, has been recognized as one of America’s Best Golf Courses by Zagat and has been chosen as one of Arizona’s Top 10 Golf Courses by readers of Arizona Business Magazine.
When you’re playing 18 holes amidst the picturesque scenery, you’ll know why we are a top-rated golf course in the state. At Lookout Mountain Golf Course, we ensure that every aspect of your golfing trip is perfectly executed, providing you with an unparalleled golfing experience.
Address: 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020, USA
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
Positioned in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club boasts exclusive access to some of the most beautifully designed golf courses in the area.
Their Adobe golf course is a prime example of grand and stately golf course design from a pre-modern era, combining rare beauty with solid trickery. With 50-year-old fairways, lush greens, and a spacious layout, players can enjoy a round that is both relaxing and challenging. It’s a refreshing reminder of golf as it ought to be played, back in the glory days when graphite went into pencils and balls were only white. Measuring 6,430 yards from the white tees and coming in at par-71, the Adobe golf course at the Arizona Golf Club is a must-play for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Beside that, the Links at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is a golf course that commands respect and precision from both local and visiting golfers. As the “younger” of two golf courses on the Biltmore property, it offers intelligence and innovation, with a design that reflects reverence for the sport. Golfers can expect fairways that weave through dense pine trees and some of Phoenix’s most impressive houses, alongside greens so bunker-heavy that accuracy becomes a must-have skill. The contoured greens present a welcoming yet challenging feature, rolling as they come to test even the most seasoned golfers. With the Links at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, if you put the ball where it belongs, it’ll show up on the scorecard.
Overall, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise. From its two distinct golf courses to its picturesque scenery and challenging fairways, this course has something for every level of player.
Address: 2400 Biltmore Estates Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass
Whirlwind Golf Club, located just 30 minutes south of Scottsdale, is a public facility that often flies under the radar. However, the world-class practice facility and two truly spectacular courses make it hard to ignore. Formerly host to the Gila River Golf Classic for five years, the club pays homage to the surrounding Gila River Indian Reservation.
The Cattail and the Devil’s Claw courses traverse over 500 acres in total. With half of that being native vegetation, golfers are treated to a stunningly beautiful landscape. The courses feature wide fairways and immense greens while also offering hazards that reward brave golfers with shorter lines into the greens. The Whirlwind Golf Club’s natural setting, stunning golf experiences and Sivlik Grill make it a true standout within the Wild Horse Pass Destination.
Address: 5692 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226, USA
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club is a premier destination for golfers, offering two exceptional 18-hole courses in the heart of the desert.
The Raptor Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is a challenging layout with a mix of long and short par 4s and some standout par 5s that require both power and precision. This course, known for hosting a PGA Tour event, was renovated by Fazio in 2015 to add even more interest and intrigue to the final few holes.
Meanwhile, the Talon Course, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, is another masterpiece that delivers breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains and the Phoenix and Scottsdale skylines. With its tough island green on the par-3 17th and drivable par-4 13th, the back nine is a real thrill ride.
Both courses blend seamlessly into the surrounding desert landscape, making for an unforgettable experience for golfers of all levels. Grayhawk Golf Club is a must-visit for those who appreciate the finer things in life – including a world-class round of golf.
Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Conclusion
The Phoenix area is home to some of the most challenging and exciting golf courses in the world. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to take advantage of all that Phoenix has to offer – because it really is one of golf’s best-kept secrets.
