Scottsdale, Arizona is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States. With its picturesque desert landscape and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder that Scottsdale has become an international destination for golfers from around the world. Here are some of the top golf courses in Scottsdale for 2023:
We-Ko-Pa Cholla Golf Course
The Cholla golf course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is one of two amazing golf courses in We-Ko-Pa club. Designed by Scott Miller, the course spans 7,225 yards and is one of the most scrupulously crafted courses in the Sonoran Desert. Since its opening in 2001, the course has received numerous accolades. It was included in Sports Illustrated’s list of the 10 best new public courses and earned Golfweek’s No. 2 best Arizona public course in 2006. It also received the highest rating in Arizona on the 2006-07 Zagat Survey.
Situated on the territory of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, this course has been built amidst and around the scenic Four Peaks mountain range, providing a stunning backdrop. While the course is a challenging one, it rewards players with breathtaking views at every turn.
Address: 18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, United States
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of We-Ko-Pa, the Saguaro golf course offers players a unique experience that takes them on a journey through rolling hills and stunning landscapes. Designed as a walker golf course, this par 71, 6966-yard course offers golfers of all skill levels the chance to take their game to new heights.
Renowned golf architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore have crafted a course that is both challenging and strategic, with wide fairways and multiple alternative routes into the greens. Dry wash areas and a plethora of bunkers make each shot adventure, giving golfers the chance to unleash their full potential. With firm and fast greens and the opportunity for the longer hitters to reach the second green in one drive, it’s no surprise that the Saguaro course has been ranked among the best public options in the state by Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public.
Address: 18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264, United States
Kierland Golf Course
The Kierland Golf Club is a Troon managed facility located in the heart of the Sonoran desert. With a Championship layout of 27-holes, the facility boasts three unique courses: the Acacia, Mesquite, and Ironwood courses.
Designed by Scott Miller, the courses feature rolling terrain with dramatic elevation changes and picturesque views of the surrounding resort. The emerald green fairways, resplendent in their golden-coloured desert grasses, offer golfers of all abilities an exciting and challenging experience. The grass is fast and the Bermuda greens are immaculately kept, making Kierland one of the most beautiful and well-maintained Scottsdale golf courses.
While it may not be the toughest course around, Kierland is a highly recommended choice for those looking for a memorable resort golf experience. Notably, this Scottsdale resort hosted the USGA’s 1997 Women’s State Team Championship, further emphasizing its status as one of the top golf courses in the area.
Address: 15636 N Clubgate Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, United States
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium course, a Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish design, is a well-known golfing destination that boasts an incredibly popular, par-three sixteenth hole. This particular hole is distinguished by the fact that it’s the only green on the USPGA Tour golf that’s surrounded by spectator stands, accommodating as many as 20,000 fans who come to watch the action unfold over the course of four days.
The back nine of the course is also notable for its risk-and-reward layout, which offers a unique golfing experience. Designed to satisfy players at all skill levels, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course underwent renovations in 2014, reflecting a commitment to continually improving its facilities. The nearby Champions Course provides a separate, uniquely challenging experience for guests looking to diversify their golfing experience.
Address: 17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, Az 85255, Maricopa County, United States
TPC Champions Course
The TPC Champions golf course in Scottsdale reigns as a challenging and scenic course, with many golfers choosing this layout over the notorious Stadium course. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, this 18-hole championship challenge offers a walkable layout and more forgiving features than its Stadium counterpart. However, don’t let its lenience fool you – the Champions course still presents golfers with awe-inspiring aesthetics and shot options.
Moreover, it was revamped in 2007 to harmonize with the natural terrain and provide a captivating experience for players of all levels. The final four holes of the Champions Course are unparalleled and enough to give golfers chills down their spine. Once the Desert course, TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course offers the excitement of playing on a brand-new course, making it a must-play for any golfer who visits Scottsdale.
Address: 8243 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, United States
Estrella Golf Course
In the heart of Phoenix’s master-planned community of Estrella, lies the Golf Club of Estrella, the very first Jack Nicklaus II-designed golf course to be offered on a daily-fee basis. With desert and wash spaces requiring golfers to vary their shots, and framing the Sierra Estrella Mountains in the background, the 18-hole par-72 championship golf course offers 7,102 unique yards.
Kicking off on Morning Star, a par 4 that measures 359 yards, the course offers a challenging game, with The Arroyo, a par 5 that measures 605 yards, posing a serious test of your stamina. The fairways are crafted in line with the natural surroundings, almost overlaying the golden desert grasses with its rolling green. Although a public course, The Golf Club of Estrella offers a first-class service, treating all players as if they are members of a private golf club.
Address: 11800 S Golf Club Dr, Goodyear, AZ 85338, United States
Quintero Golf Course
Quintero Golf Course, designed by renowned golf course designer Rees Jones, has earned a well-deserved reputation for being one of the best public golf courses in the United States. Golf Advisor, for instance, voted Quintero as the best public golf course in 2019, and it landed in the top 40 US public golf courses in the same year.
The course’s topography is both diverse and breathtaking, featuring holes that are located across mountain ridges and the Sonoran desert, as well as those that are bordered by man-made irrigation lakes or natural desert washes. While the par-5 eighth and par-4 14th holes climb up long slopes, the par 3s at the sixth and 16th holes are known for plunging dramatically downhill.
The most challenging hole, however, is the par-5 eighth hole, which plays uphill alongside three large bunkers. The third hole is also noteworthy, featuring a beautiful lake to the left that can tempt some golfers to play closer to it for an easier shot to the green. Quintero Golf Course is truly a fantastic golf course that should be on every golfer’s wish list.
Address: 16752 W, AZ-74, Peoria, AZ 85383, United States
The Boulders Golf Club
The Boulders golf club in Carefree Arizona is a semi-private golf club that offers two esteemed golf courses. The North and South courses, both designed by the renowned golf architect Jay Morrish, are nothing short of world-class. Each course boasts 18 holes, and golf enthusiasts can attest to the fact that these holes offer a unique, challenging and fulfilling golfing experience.
Golfers looking for a round surrounded by natural beauty will not be disappointed by the North Course. This older of the two courses measures almost 7,000 yards and is located in the stunning Sonoran desert landscape, complete with Black Mountain’s backdrop and panoramic vistas. As the name suggests, the North Course winds its way between impressive boulders, providing a unique golfing experience.
However, those looking for an even more impressive spectacle should seek out the South Course. While shorter than the North Course, this course is still a championship course spanning 6,421 yards from the White tees. The South Course boasts stunning rock formations, including the signature “Boulder Pile” and “Rosie’s Rock,” making it a must-see for golf enthusiasts. Many of the South Course holes even go deep into rock foundations, providing a golfing experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
Address: 34631 N Tom Darlington Dr, Carefree, AZ 85377, United States
Grayhawk Talon Golf Course
Grayhawk Talon Golf course is a remarkable course that is sure to excite any golf enthusiast. Designed by the well-respected Gary Panks and opened in 1981, this course is considered one of the most thrilling tests of golf in the Southwest. Measuring just shy of 7,000 yards from the back tees, the course winds its way through the Sonoran, providing golfers with stunning views of the McDowell mountains and the Phoenix/Scottsdale skyline.
The back nine is particularly noteworthy, built around a series of deep box canyons and featuring thick stands of Ironwood, Mesquite, and Palo Verde trees that require utmost precision off the tee. It’s no wonder the Talon has hosted the final of the Anderson Consulting World Championships of golf several times. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking for a fun challenge, the Talon is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North golf club is undoubtedly one of the shining stars in the Scottsdale area. With 36 holes on-site, players have their pick between the Pinnacle and Monument courses, both of which boast immaculately groomed fairways and bentgrass greens. But what truly sets Troon North apart is its breathtaking location nestled in the Sonoran Desert. The courses wind their way through natural ravines under the shadows of Pinnacle Peak, with giant granite boulders and a plethora of cacti dotting the rugged landscape.
And while both courses are exceptional, the Pinnacle course is generally considered to be the crown jewel of the two. As for the design, Troon North pays homage to Open Championship-style golf with a touch of desert flair, all thanks to infamous designer Tom Weiskopf. Recently renovated, the courses offer not only beauty but also a fantastic and challenging gameplay experience. It’s no wonder that Troon North has been consistently revered as the best golfing spot in Scottsdale, and we hope it continues to stay firmly on the map of the US golf scene.
Address: 10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, United States
Camelback Golf Club
The Camelback Golf Club boasts two stunning courses, Padre and Ambiente (formerly known as Indian Bend Course), each with its distinct character.
Ambiente Course
Ambiente underwent a significant renovation in 2013, with eco-friendliness being its major focus, along with enhancing the course’s playability for various skill levels. The renovated course now features creatively shaped greens, offering golfers an array of putting options that present exciting risk-reward opportunities. The addition of 100 acres of native desert and grass areas has not only added to the course’s beauty but also necessitates a third less water. Ambiente’s rolling terrain with its undulating fairways and dramatic elevation drops is its defining characteristic, making it a must-play for golfing enthusiasts of all levels.
Padre Course
Arthur Hills, the legendary golf course designer, truly outdid himself with the Padre Course. Boasting a remarkable par-72 layout that stretches up to 6,903 yards, this golf course is renowned for offering players a fun yet challenging round that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. With towering trees, subtle landforms, and strategically placed bunkers, each hole requires a game plan that’s unique to itself. From the formidable 553-yard par-5 fifth hole to the post-round celebration at the 547-yard 18th hole, each shot on the Padre Course is a test of skill and strategy. Indeed, a game on this premier golf course is one that golf enthusiasts wouldn’t want to miss.
Address: 7847 N Mockingbird Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85253, United States
Talking Stick Golf Club
The Talking Stick Golf Club, a beautifully designed course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers golf enthusiasts two unique courses to choose from.
The Piipaash Course
The Piipaash Course, formerly known as South at Talking Stick Golf Club, is a popular choice for those who prefer a more straightforward style of play. With tree-lined fairways and greens raised at the sides, this course offers many options that cater to every playing skill level. Teeing off on the first hole, a 405-yard par-4, golfers are presented with a challenging yet enjoyable game. The three long par-5 holes make the course a haven for power golfers, with the fifth hole measuring 516 yards, the fourth coming in at 541, and the 16th playing to 548 yards. A shorter par-4 measuring 323 yards concludes the round of golf, leaving golfers feeling fulfilled and satisfied with their experience.
The O’odham Course
The O’odham Course, previously known as the North Course, is a masterpiece designed by the renowned team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The course tests the accuracy of golfers with strategically placed brush and waste areas surrounding the fairways and greens. The course offers a blend of long and shorter holes, with the second hole being a challenging par 5 measuring 552 yards from the Black tee. The 17th hole is another long par 5 measuring 582 yards from the same tees. Although less daunting, the 18th hole is shorter, with a distance of 471 yards from the Black tees. Playing on the O’odham Course is more than just a round of golf; it’s an opportunity to experience the artistry of exceptional golf course design.
Address: East Talking Stick Way, 9998 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256, United States
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club presents an exceptional golfing experience, weaving through 320 acres of Southwest terrain. This course offers a challenging layout that is double the size of a standard course, utilizing towering mounds and deep valleys that provide breath-taking views. The Brian Curley and Fred Couples design is not an easy one by any means, incorporating deep and strategically placed sand bunkers, multi-tiered greens, and native grass roughs.
Encapsulating the sand-belt style, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club requires precision from tee to green. Furthermore, the course is ingrained with a rich history, as its location was home to the Ak-Chin Indian Community until 1912 and later unveiled to all as their sacred ground. This annual U.S. Open qualifying site remains popular among collegiate tournaments, perfect for any skilled golfer seeking a challenging course in a scenic location.
Address: 48456 AZ-238, Maricopa, AZ 85139, United States
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
McDowell Mountain Golf Club is an esteemed eco-friendly option for golf enthusiasts in Scottsdale. Situated on the western slope of the McDowell Mountains, the golf course offers a picturesque setting that seamlessly integrates with the natural environment. Designed by renowned architect Randy Heckenkemper, the course spans 6,624 yards with a par-71 layout that emphasizes the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna.
The signature hole of the course is the 18th, a stunning 516-yard par 5 that presents a risk-reward challenge to golfers. A narrow landing area guarded by a bunker on the right and a daunting wash on the left makes the hole all the more enticing, as hitting the green in two invites a chance for an eagle or birdie. If you’re up for the challenge, McDowell Mountain Golf Club is the perfect destination.
Address: 10690 E Sheena Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, United States
Conclusion
Scottsdale is a golfer’s paradise, offering a wide range of golf courses to choose from. From the championship-style Troon North Golf Club to the picturesque Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, each course offers its own unique take on desert golfing that caters to all playing levels and skill sets. For those looking for a great game on a top-notch course, Scottsdale is the place to be. No matter what your preference or skill level may be, there’s sure to be something for everyone in Scottsdale’s vast selection of golf courses. Whether you’re a novice looking to sharpen their game or an experienced pro searching for a challenge, Scottsdale awaits you!
