Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona

With a reputation as a premier golf destination, Scottsdale boasts an astounding 114 golf courses within a 15-mile radius. The city’s golf scene makes it a true golfer’s paradise. Players can choose from 73 public and 36 private courses that provide diverse golfing experiences.

The courses excel in quality, not just quantity. TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course’s spectacular “Coliseum” welcomes 20,000 spectators. Troon North’s crown jewel, the Pinnacle Course, amazes players with its desert landscapes. Each venue creates unique challenges and memorable experiences. Quintero Golf Course ranks as the Phoenix-Scottsdale area’s best public golf course according to Golf Digest and Golfweek.

The best golf courses in Scottsdale for 2025 represent the finest public and private venues. Course design, playing conditions, amenities, and overall experience determined their selection. These exceptional courses demonstrate Scottsdale’s world-class golfing status. Also read “Best Golf Courses in Phoenix” before planning your next trip to this golf mecca.

TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course

The TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course ranks among professional golf’s most iconic venues. This championship course has hosted the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open since 1987. The course serves as the life-blood of professional golf in Arizona.

Course Overview

Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf’s 1986 design spans 7,261 yards with a par of 71. Tom Weiskopf led the course’s major renovation in 2014. The project moved four greens and brought complete updates to all tee complexes.

The Stadium Course’s signature hole is the par-3 16th, known as “The Coliseum.” This hole becomes one of professional sports’ most thrilling venues during tournaments. The course keeps PGA TOUR-quality standards throughout the year with TiffDwarf Grass on both fairways and greens.

The public course’s rating of 74.7 and slope of 142 creates the perfect challenge for pros and weekend golfers alike. Players of all skill levels can enjoy the course’s more forgiving fairways compared to other desert courses nearby.

Course Contact Information

Players will find complete facilities and professional services at their disposal.

Website: www.tpc.com/scottsdale 
Phone: (480) 585-4334  
Address: 17020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

To reach specific services:

• Tee Times: ext. 1
• Golf Shop: ext. 3
• Annual Passes: ext. 222
• Golf School: ext. 246
• Group Events: ext. 250

Troon North Golf Club – Monument Course

Troon North Golf Club’s Monument Course sits beautifully beneath Pinnacle Peak, capturing the true essence of Scottsdale desert golf. Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish created this masterpiece in 1990, and it remains one of Arizona’s top-rated public courses.

Course Overview

The Monument Course flows naturally through ravines and foothills. Giant granite boulders create challenging shots and spectacular views. The course’s standout feature is a massive boulder formation that sits right in the middle of the par-5 third hole, which earned its name “The Monument”.

Players just need to select their shots carefully on a course that features:

• Wide fairways with specific landing areas
• Pristine bentgrass greens
• Well-placed bunkers
• Dramatic elevation changes

The practice area features a full-length turf driving range. Players can aim at six target greens placed between 50 and 250 yards. The large practice putting green near the cart staging area has more than a dozen practice holes for players to perfect their game.

Course Contact Information

The Monument Course welcomes public and resort players from its location 20 minutes north of central Scottsdale.

Website: www.troonnorthgolf.com 
Phone: 480.585.7700 
Address: 10320 E Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85262

The practice facility opens from 5:30 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday, and 5:30 am to 12:00 pm on Monday. Only players with same-day tee times can access these facilities.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro Course

The Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club stands as a brilliant fusion of desert golf and traditional links-style design, created by the talented duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Golf enthusiasts can find this public-access gem just 25 minutes east of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, where it ranks among Arizona’s finest golf experiences.

Course Overview

Since its opening in 2006, the Saguaro Course has shown what makes it different from typical desert courses. The architects used the land’s natural flow by moving just 25,000 cubic yards of earth to create 68 acres of turf grass.

The course stands out as one of the few walkable layouts in the area. It spans 6,966 yards with a par of 71, course rating of 72.0, and a slope of 137. Players will find:

• Wide, forgiving fairways with TiffDwarf grass
• Strategically placed bunkers
• Greens close to the next tees
• Stunning 360-degree views of four mountain ranges: Superstition, McDowell, Mazatzal, and Four Peaks

Golf Digest ranks the Saguaro Course #1 in Arizona. The design blends with the Sonoran Desert’s natural contours while remaining playable for golfers at every skill level.

Course Contact Information

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club provides excellent facilities with a well-stocked pro shop and practice areas.

Players can take advantage of the club’s spacious driving range and putting greens. The professional staff stands ready to help with your golfing needs.

Grayhawk Golf Club – Raptor Course

The Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club stands out as a masterpiece of strategic design among Scottsdale’s championship venues. This 30-year old Tom Fazio creation ranks among Arizona’s finest daily fee golf courses.

Course Overview

The par-72 Raptor Course delivers a high-stakes game of risk and reward across the picturesque Sonoran Desert. Players face an impressive 7,151-yard challenge from the championship tees. The course showcases:

• Large, sweeping undulating greens
• Generous fairways with strategic bunkers
• Deep greenside bunkers and grass collection areas
• Natural arroyos throughout the layout

The course’s championship legacy shines through its prestigious tournament history. It became one of just two Scottsdale courses to host a PGA TOUR event – the Frys.com Open from 2007-2009. We hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships from 2021 to 2023, continuing its tradition of excellence.

Course Contact Information

Grayhawk Golf Club sits just 40 minutes from Sky Harbor Airport and provides complete facilities and services.

The club’s dining options include:

• Quill Creek Café: 480.502.1700
• Isabella’s Kitchen: 480.502.3100
• The Morning Joint: 480.502.3110

The property boasts extensive practice facilities with multiple putting greens, a short game area with practice bunker, and a targeted grass range that plays rock music through speakers.

Quintero Golf Club

Quintero Golf Club stands as a testament to master architect Rees Jones’s vision of desert golf excellence. The pristine Sonoran Desert landscape shapes this championship venue. Players can reach it in less than an hour from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. The club ranks among the finest public courses in the Scottsdale area.

Course Overview

This 12-year old public golf club opened its doors in 2011. The championship tees stretch an impressive 7,249 yards with a challenging slope rating of 148 and course rating of 75.3. Quintero’s versatility makes it unique. Each hole offers up to nine tees to accommodate players of all skill levels.

The course has got numerous prestigious accolades:

• Ranked #1 Best Public Course by Golf Digest (2017)
• Ranked #1 Best Public Course by GolfWeek Magazine (2017)
• Ranked #1 by Golf Advisor in Arizona

The layout features strategic bunker placement, generous landing areas, and smooth bentgrass greens. Players experience challenging golf and breathtaking desert vistas as the course winds through the dramatic Hieroglyphic Mountains.

Course Contact Information

Quintero Golf Club aims to raise the standard of golf experience through its dress code requirements and reservation policies. Players need collared shirts and soft spikes. The club doesn’t allow denim.

Arizona residents can enjoy special rates with proper identification. Players can book their tee times up to 90 days ahead.

The Boulders Golf Club – North Course

Ancient boulder formations, dating back 12 million years, surround the North Course at The Boulders Golf Club. This masterpiece combines desert beauty with smart golf design. Jay Morrish designed this course, which opened in 1985 as the first of the club’s two courses.

Course Overview

The North Course spans 6,959 yards and challenges players with a par 72. Players face a slope rating of 138 and a course rating of 73.3. The layout naturally flows through rough desert terrain and gives players amazing views of Black Mountain.

The semi-private course stands out with these features:

• Bentgrass greens that provide exact putting surfaces
• Bunkers that blend with age-old rock formations
• Bermuda grass covers the rolling fairways
• Desert washes and native plants add character

Wildlife makes this course special. Players often see bobcats, rabbits, coyotes, and javelinas during their game. Links Magazine recognized the course’s excellence by naming it one of the Top 25 Golf Resorts in the World.

Course Contact Information

The Boulders Club sits in Carefree, Arizona. Players enjoy complete golf facilities and expert services. The club features world-class amenities with a practice facility and pro shop.

Talking Stick Golf Club – O’odham Course

The O’odham Course at Talking Stick Golf Club stands as a perfect example of minimalist design in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s brilliant design opened to the public in 1998.

Course Overview

This public course spans 7,133 yards with a par of 70, and boasts a course rating of 72.6 and a slope of 124. The layout gives golfers:

• Broad, angular holes that reward smart play
• Low-profile, slightly crowned greens
• Strategic bunkering without water hazards
• Firm, fast playing conditions

The course’s links-style design has earned it the #48 spot for Best Casino Course in America by Golfweek (2024) and #10 Best Course in Arizona by Golf Magazine. Multiple tee options make the course available to players of all skill levels while keeping its championship-caliber challenge.

Course Contact Information

Talking Stick Golf Club sits just 15 minutes from central Scottsdale. The property has a complete pro shop, practice facilities, and dining options.

The club’s practice facilities include a driving range and putting greens. These facilities are open year-round for public play.

Desert Mountain Club – Chiricahua Course

The Chiricahua Course sits at Desert Mountain’s highest point and offers spectacular views of metropolitan Phoenix. Jack Nicklaus designed this private course in 1999, making it the fifth signature course in Desert Mountain’s collection.

Course Overview

The Chiricahua Course spans 7,347 yards with a par of 72 at elevations between 3,000 and 3,300 feet. The layout features a unique mix of holes:

• Eight holes playing downhill
• Nine holes playing uphill
• One hole playing sideways

Players just need strategic play since thick desert plants and shrubs line the fairways. The course has earned its place on Golf Digest’s Second 100 Greatest list and ranks among Arizona’s top courses.

An Old World-inspired clubhouse stands as the course’s centerpiece that captures traditional Tuscan olive vineyard architecture. Players should know that canyon and wash carries look more challenging from the tee, but landing areas provide more space than they appear.

Course Contact Information

Desert Mountain Club’s membership policies control access to this remarkable course. The club provides detailed practice facilities and professional services.

Silverleaf Club

Silverleaf Club is one of North Scottsdale’s most exclusive private golf sanctuaries. The club nestles in the McDowell Mountains canyons, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve surrounds it to create an unmatched backdrop for championship golf.

Course Overview

Tom Weiskopf designed this championship course that opened in 2002. The par-72 layout stretches across 7,322 yards of inspiring terrain and merges with the natural desert landscape. The course features:

• Varied green sizes with rolling undulations
• Strategic greenside bunkering
• Natural washes and gullies throughout
• Dramatic elevation changes

The course maintains excellent playing conditions throughout the year. Players find the front nine more forgiving, while the back nine ramps up the challenge from the tenth hole.

Course Contact Information

A spectacular 50,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse anchors the club and provides members with various amenities and services.

To ask about:

• Membership: (480) 515-3214
• Catering Services: (480) 515-3203

Estancia Club

The world-famous Estancia Club sits at the foot of Pinnacle Peak. This 26-year old private club, designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, ranks among Arizona’s finest golf destinations.

Course Overview

The championship course spans 7,314 yards of stunning Sonoran Desert. Its bent grass greens blend perfectly with desert views. Golf Digest ranks it #1 in Arizona, while Golfweek Magazine places it as the nation’s second-best residential golf course.

The course shows unique character at every turn:

• The front nine features dramatic elevations and carefully crafted fairways
• Holes 12-16 on the back nine create an exciting build-up
• The 17th and 18th holes deliver a spectacular finish

The club invested USD 2.30 million in 2007 to improve the playing experience. Natural rock formations weave through each tee and green. This creates strategic challenges while the course stays playable for golfers of all skill levels.

Course Contact Information

A 32,000-square-foot Tuscan-style clubhouse stands proudly at Pinnacle Peak’s base. Members enjoy access to detailed facilities and services.

Whisper Rock Golf Club – Lower Course

Phil Mickelson and architect Gary Stephenson created the Lower Course at Whisper Rock Golf Club, adding an innovative touch to Scottsdale’s golf scene. This private club opened in 2001 and marked Mickelson’s first design project, quickly becoming a favorite destination among golf purists.

Course Overview

The Lower Course spans 7,359 yards with a par of 72 and boasts a challenging course rating of 75.0 and slope of 147. The layout reflects Mickelson’s design philosophy that emphasizes strategic second-shot placement. Each hole presents unique approach challenges.

The course’s distinctive features include:

• Long, narrow greens edged by chipping hollows
• Recessed fairways creating natural elevation changes
• Shallow bunkers with wide landing areas
• Unique “ha ha wall” on the par-5 third hole

The course’s green complexes stand out and demand a precise short game to score well. The layout features trees like palo verde, juniper, and mesquite, offering a different view from typical desert courses.

Course Contact Information

The club’s private membership policies and practice facilities maintain high standards.

Desert Forest Golf Club

Desert Forest Golf Club, 1962 old, was the first desert-style links course that ever spread across the golfing world. This private club in Carefree, Arizona pioneered a revolutionary approach to desert golf design.

Course Overview

Architect Robert ‘Red’ Lawrence created this masterpiece by keeping the natural desert landscape intact. The construction required almost no soil removal. The course went through a USD 3.00 million renovation in 2013. David Zinkand led this project to improve the playing experience while preserving its original character.

The layout features several distinctive elements:

• Bentgrass greens with hybrid bermuda grass surrounds
• Natural terrain integration without fairway bunkers
• Double-sided driving range with practice facilities
• Two-acre short game area with four sand bunkers

The course’s natural minimalist design makes it one of the toughest challenges in the Scottsdale region. The rare joy of walking golf in Arizona’s landscape makes this course special.

Course Contact Information

Desert Forest Golf Club provides detailed facilities for its members, with dedicated contact numbers for different services.

Scottsdale National Golf Club – Other Course

The Other Course at Scottsdale National Golf Club stands out as one of modern golf’s most innovative designs. Its extraordinary layout breaks from tradition. Tim Jackson and David Kahn’s design team unveiled this private masterpiece in 2016.

Course Overview

The Other Course features a revolutionary 6-6-6 design concept that sets it apart. The layout includes six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s, and no back-to-back holes share the same par. The team moved 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt to transform a flat desert canvas into an exciting golf landscape.

The course’s distinctive features include:

• Wide-open fairways with no homes along the course
• Links-style design elements throughout
• Protected views of three million acres of desert land

PXG founder Bob Parsons owns this exclusive private club that follows one golden rule – “No member shall ever impinge upon another member’s enjoyment of the club”. The course stretches 7,165 yards from the championship tees and has a course rating of 73.3 with a slope of 136.

Course Contact Information

Members enjoy two distinctive clubhouses with stunning desert views and detailed amenities at this exclusive sanctuary.

Kierland Golf Club

The Westin Kierland Golf Club stands out with its 27-hole layout that gives golfers a chance to customize their game. Scott Miller designed this public course in 1996, and Golf Advisor ranks it among the “Top 10 Public Courses in Phoenix/Scottsdale”.

Course Overview

This Scottsdale gem spans 7,017 yards with a slope rating of 127 and a course rating of 73.1. The layout showcases:

• Emerald green fairways amid golden desert grasses
• Strategic bunker placement throughout the course
• TiffEagle grass on both fairways and greens
• Three distinct nine-hole configurations: Acacia, Ironwood, and Mesquite

The club’s innovative approach shows in its dynamic pricing system that helps players find rates that line up with their priorities. The course proudly maintains its status as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program certified facility.

Course Contact Information

Players will find complete amenities here. PING’s factory-trained fitters and a state-of-the-art teaching facility enhance the experience. The property’s multiple dining options and practice areas create an unmatched golf experience.

The Phoenician Golf Club

The Phoenician Golf Club has become one of the most player-friendly courses in Scottsdale after its major renovation in 2018. Architect Phil Smith reshaped the scene by converting the 27-hole facility into an 18-hole masterpiece that shows off Arizona’s Sonoran Desert’s beauty.

Course Overview

The par-71 layout extends 6,518 yards from the championship tees. Players can choose from four sets of tees starting at 4,594 yards. The course features new greens, tees, and fairways that went together with one another with flaired bunker styling. Players can see all hazards clearly with no surprise bunkers in the design.

The course delivers excellent playing conditions with:

• TiffEagle grass greens
• 419 Bermuda fairways and rough
• Natural rhythm and flow throughout the layout
• Dramatic mountain backdrops

Troon Golf Management, the world’s largest golf management company, runs this public course that gives players of all skill levels an available yet challenging experience.

Course Contact Information

The Phoenician Golf Club sits at Camelback Mountain’s base and offers complete facilities including a large golf shop and the 19th Hole dining venue.

Comparison Table

Course Name	Type	Length (Yards)	Year Opened	Course Rating/Slope
TPC Scottsdale Stadium	Public	7,261	1986	74.7/142
Troon North – Monument	Public	N/A	1990	N/A
We-Ko-Pa – Saguaro	Public	6,966	2006	72.0/137
Grayhawk – Raptor	Public	7,151	1994	N/A
Quintero	Public	7,249	N/A	75.3/148
Boulders – North	Semi-Private	6,959	1985	73.3/138
Talking Stick – O’odham	Public	7,133	1998	72.6/124
Desert Mountain – Chiricahua	Private	7,347	1999	N/A
Silverleaf	Private	7,322	2002	N/A
Estancia	Private	7,314	1996	N/A
Whisper Rock – Lower	Private	7,359	2001	75.0/147
Desert Forest	Private	N/A	1962	N/A
Scottsdale National – Other	Private	7,165	2016	73.3/136
Kierland	Public	7,017	1996	73.1/127
The Phoenician	Public	6,518	2018	N/A

Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Scottsdale known for golf?

Scottsdale is known for golf because it is home to many world-renowned golf courses, offering golfers a chance to play on some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale Arizona. The area boasts a combination of luxury courses with high-end golf carts, beautiful desert landscapes, and a year-round sunny climate that makes it a perfect golf destination.

Can the public play TPC Scottsdale?

Yes, the public can play TPC Scottsdale. While it is a private club, it offers tee times for non-members, allowing golfers to enjoy one of the top golf courses in Scottsdale. The course is also famous for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which attracts professional golfers and fans worldwide.

Which pro golfers live in Scottsdale?

Several professional golfers call Scottsdale home, including notable figures like Phil Mickelson and Gary McCord. The area’s fantastic Scottsdale golf courses, combined with its luxurious amenities, make it an attractive place for top-tier golfers to live and train.

Why is Scottsdale becoming so popular?

Scottsdale is becoming increasingly popular due to its combination of luxury living, a vibrant art scene, and outstanding outdoor recreation options. The city offers some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale, Arizona, along with a growing number of restaurants, resorts, and cultural activities that draw tourists and residents alike.

What course does the PGA play in Scottsdale?

The PGA Tour plays at TPC Scottsdale, specifically on the Stadium Course, which is one of the most famous golf courses Scottsdale has to offer. This course is known for its iconic 16th hole, which features a stadium-style setting for spectators during the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open.

What are best golf courses in Scottsdale for the money?

Some of the best golf courses in Scottsdale for the money include Grayhawk Golf Club and Troon North Golf Club. These courses offer excellent value for their stunning landscapes and high-quality play compared to more expensive options in the area.

Is there a dress code for TPC Scottsdale?

Yes, TPC Scottsdale has a dress code that golfers must adhere to. This typically includes collared shirts, no denim, and tailored shorts or pants, ensuring a professional and respectful atmosphere at one of the top golf courses in Scottsdale.

What is the famous hole in Scottsdale?

The famous hole in Scottsdale is the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, often referred to as the “coliseum” hole. It is famous for its massive seating area, where thousands of fans gather to watch golfers take on this challenging par 3 during the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

What is the nickname of Scottsdale?

Scottsdale is often referred to as “The West’s Most Western Town.” This nickname highlights its unique blend of desert landscapes, upscale amenities, and a nod to its historic Old West heritage, making it a popular destination for both leisure and business.

How much is a Scottsdale golf trip?

A Scottsdale golf trip can vary in price depending on the time of year and the courses you choose. On average, greens fees for some of the best public golf courses in Scottsdale range from $100 to $300, with luxury courses like TPC Scottsdale being on the higher end.

What is the best time of year to play golf in Arizona?

The best time of year to play golf in Arizona is during the cooler months, typically from late fall to early spring. This period, from November to April, offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for enjoying the scenic Scottsdale golf courses without the extreme heat of summer.

Can the public play TPC Scottsdale?

Yes, as mentioned earlier, TPC Scottsdale allows the public to play on its courses, especially the Stadium Course, where the Waste Management Phoenix Open is held each year. This is one of the best golf courses Scottsdale offers for non-members to experience world-class golfing.