Scottsdale, Arizona, has earned a place among the world’s top golf destinations, attracting players from every skill level who seek stunning views, challenging play, and luxurious amenities. With a landscape rich in desert beauty, paired with the expertly designed greens of its courses, Scottsdale offers a golfing experience like no other. This guide unveils the best golf courses in Scottsdale, highlighting some of the area’s most exceptional courses, each known for its unique features, difficulty level, and scenic views.
The Breathtaking TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale is a must-play destination that draws visitors from around the globe. This course, situated in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by McDowell Mountain scenery, features two iconic courses: the Stadium Course and the Champions Course.
The Stadium Course, designed by renowned architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is famous for its challenging layout, particularly the par-3 16th hole, often referred to as "The Coliseum." Known for its high-energy atmosphere during the Phoenix Open, this hole is surrounded by a stadium filled with fans, creating a one-of-a-kind environment in golf.
For those seeking a less intense experience, the Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, offers a more relaxed but equally enjoyable round. The rolling fairways and natural desert vegetation make it a visually appealing and well-balanced course, suitable for players of all levels.
The Stadium Course, designed by renowned architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is famous for its challenging layout, particularly the par-3 16th hole, often referred to as "The Coliseum." Known for its high-energy atmosphere during the Phoenix Open, this hole is surrounded by a stadium filled with fans, creating a one-of-a-kind environment in golf.
For those seeking a less intense experience, the Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, offers a more relaxed but equally enjoyable round. The rolling fairways and natural desert vegetation make it a visually appealing and well-balanced course, suitable for players of all levels.
Troon North Golf Club: Pinnacle and Monument Courses
Recognized as one of the top-rated golf facilities in the Southwest, Troon North Golf Club offers golfers an unforgettable experience with its Pinnacle and Monument courses. Both courses are set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacle Peak, and each provides a unique challenge that reflects the natural terrain of the desert.
The Monument Course is known for its rugged beauty and thoughtful design. It incorporates natural rock outcroppings, towering saguaros, and expansive vistas, making it one of Scottsdale’s most scenic courses. Meanwhile, the Pinnacle Course is equally impressive and offers a slightly more technical game with narrow fairways and a series of elevation changes.
Golfers at Troon North are treated to an authentic desert golf experience that captures the spirit of Arizona's rugged landscapes, making it a top choice for visitors looking to test their skills while soaking in the scenery.
The Monument Course is known for its rugged beauty and thoughtful design. It incorporates natural rock outcroppings, towering saguaros, and expansive vistas, making it one of Scottsdale’s most scenic courses. Meanwhile, the Pinnacle Course is equally impressive and offers a slightly more technical game with narrow fairways and a series of elevation changes.
Golfers at Troon North are treated to an authentic desert golf experience that captures the spirit of Arizona's rugged landscapes, making it a top choice for visitors looking to test their skills while soaking in the scenery.
Grayhawk Golf Club: Talon and Raptor Courses
Grayhawk Golf Club is another Scottsdale favorite, offering two distinctive courses: Talon and Raptor. Both courses have earned national acclaim for their design, playability, and scenic appeal, making Grayhawk a popular spot among locals and visitors.
The Talon Course is considered one of the most visually impressive courses in Scottsdale. It features wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.
In contrast, the Raptor Course offers a more classic layout that combines a variety of play styles, elevation changes, and expertly crafted fairways. Known for its pristine conditions, the Raptor Course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events and continues to be a favorite among competitive golfers.
The Talon Course is considered one of the most visually impressive courses in Scottsdale. It features wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.
In contrast, the Raptor Course offers a more classic layout that combines a variety of play styles, elevation changes, and expertly crafted fairways. Known for its pristine conditions, the Raptor Course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events and continues to be a favorite among competitive golfers.
The Boulders Golf Club: North and South Courses
Set within the tranquil landscape of the Sonoran Desert, The Boulders Golf Club offers a unique experience that combines championship-level golf with the natural beauty of massive rock formations and ancient boulder outcroppings. Designed by Jay Morrish, the North and South courses are integrated seamlessly into the environment, creating a scenic and peaceful setting for golf.
The North Course is known for its rugged terrain and dramatic views, with several holes surrounded by large boulders and towering saguaro cacti. It provides a challenging game that tests accuracy and course management, with several risk-reward opportunities for the brave-hearted golfer.
Although slightly shorter than the North, the South Course is no less engaging. With water features, lush landscaping, and a series of elevated tees, this course offers a slightly different challenge that rewards careful planning and strategy. Both courses are well-suited for golfers looking for a course that emphasizes natural beauty and a sense of seclusion.
The North Course is known for its rugged terrain and dramatic views, with several holes surrounded by large boulders and towering saguaro cacti. It provides a challenging game that tests accuracy and course management, with several risk-reward opportunities for the brave-hearted golfer.
Although slightly shorter than the North, the South Course is no less engaging. With water features, lush landscaping, and a series of elevated tees, this course offers a slightly different challenge that rewards careful planning and strategy. Both courses are well-suited for golfers looking for a course that emphasizes natural beauty and a sense of seclusion.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Saguaro and Cholla Courses
Located on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers an exclusive and picturesque golfing experience without the presence of residential development or distractions. We-Ko-Pa features two celebrated courses: the Saguaro and Cholla, each offering distinctive layouts and spectacular views.
The Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, has earned praise for its links-style layout and walkable design, a rarity in desert golf. The course flows naturally with the terrain, offering wide fairways, minimal rough, and a design that encourages strategic shot selection.
The Cholla Course, designed by Scott Miller, is known for its undulating greens and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It provides a challenging game, with longer distances and narrower fairways that demand accuracy and control.
The Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, has earned praise for its links-style layout and walkable design, a rarity in desert golf. The course flows naturally with the terrain, offering wide fairways, minimal rough, and a design that encourages strategic shot selection.
The Cholla Course, designed by Scott Miller, is known for its undulating greens and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It provides a challenging game, with longer distances and narrower fairways that demand accuracy and control.
Make Scottsdale’s Golf Paradise Your Backyard
Imagine living just minutes from Scottsdale’s premier golf courses, where world-class greens and breathtaking desert landscapes are right outside your door. For personalized guidance on finding the perfect home near your favorite fairways, contact The Tackett Team today to begin your Scottsdale journey.
