When talking about premier golf courses in Phoenix, Troon North Golf Club is often at the top of the list. Known for its stunning desert views and challenging course design, Troon North offers two 18-hole courses: the Monument Course and the Pinnacle Course. Each course is a masterpiece in its own right, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape, offering golfers a unique combination of natural beauty and strategic play. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, both courses provide a unique golfing experience with their rugged desert terrain and spectacular vistas. The well-maintained greens and fairways combined with excellent service make Troon North a must-play for any golfer visiting the Phoenix area.
The Monument Course is renowned for its dramatic boulder formations and elevation changes, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot selection from players. Meanwhile, the Pinnacle Course is equally challenging, with narrower fairways and fast greens that test even the most skilled golfers. Beyond the courses themselves, Troon North’s facilities are world-class, featuring a well-appointed clubhouse, practice areas, and a professional staff ready to enhance your golfing experience. Whether you’re tackling the Monument or Pinnacle Course, Troon North promises a golfing adventure that combines the best of Arizona’s natural beauty with top-tier golfing challenges.
2. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, located in the scenic Sonoran Desert, offers two award-winning courses: Cholla and Saguaro. Designed by Scott Miller and the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw respectively, these courses provide a true Arizona golf experience with no houses or roads to disrupt the natural beauty. The absence of residential development ensures that golfers can focus entirely on the game and the stunning environment around them, enhancing the feeling of playing in an untouched desert oasis. The Cholla Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, while the Saguaro Course offers a more traditional walkable layout. Golfing at We-Ko-Pa is about immersing yourself in the desert landscape and enjoying world-class golf.
The Cholla Course captivates players with its sweeping vistas and rugged terrain, requiring strategic thinking and precise execution. The Saguaro Course, on the other hand, is celebrated for its classic design that encourages walking, providing a more intimate connection with the natural surroundings. Both courses are meticulously maintained, ensuring that every round played at We-Ko-Pa is memorable. With its serene setting and challenging layouts, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a quintessential Arizona golfing experience that should not be missed.
3. TPC Scottsdale
Home to the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale features the Stadium Course and the Champions Course. The Stadium Course is renowned for its par-3 16th hole, where fans create a lively atmosphere during the tournament. This hole, often referred to as the “Coliseum,” transforms into a stadium-like environment, surrounded by thousands of cheering spectators, making it one of the most exciting holes in professional golf. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Stadium Course offers a challenging and memorable round of golf. The Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, provides a more forgiving layout while still delivering a top-notch golfing experience. Whether you’re playing the tournament course or its sibling, TPC Scottsdale is a highlight for golfing in Phoenix.
The Stadium Course challenges golfers with its strategic bunkering, water hazards, and undulating greens, requiring precise shot-making and strategic thinking. Meanwhile, the Champions Course offers wider fairways and larger greens, making it more accessible for players of all skill levels while still providing an engaging round of golf. Beyond the courses, TPC Scottsdale offers exceptional facilities, including a state-of-the-art practice area and a welcoming clubhouse, ensuring a comprehensive golfing experience. Playing at TPC Scottsdale allows golfers to walk in the footsteps of legends, experiencing the thrill of a course that hosts one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour.
4. Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club is another standout among the best golf courses in Phoenix. With its two championship courses, Talon and Raptor, Grayhawk offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. The Talon Course, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, features dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the McDowell Mountains. These natural elements are seamlessly integrated into the course design, offering players both a visual and strategic challenge. The Raptor Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is known for its strategic bunkering and fast greens. Both courses are meticulously maintained and provide a memorable golf outing.
The Talon Course requires golfers to navigate its varied terrain, with each hole offering a unique challenge and breathtaking views. Meanwhile, the Raptor Course tests players with its well-placed hazards and demanding greens, rewarding thoughtful play and precision. Grayhawk Golf Club is not just about the golf; it also offers a vibrant atmosphere with excellent dining options and a lively clubhouse, making it a popular destination for both golf and social gatherings. With its superb courses and welcoming environment, Grayhawk Golf Club promises an exceptional experience for all who visit.
5. Papago Golf Course
Papago Golf Course is a public gem located just minutes from downtown Phoenix. This municipal course underwent a significant renovation in 2008, transforming it into one of the best courses in the area. The renovation preserved the course’s classic layout while enhancing its playability and aesthetics, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Designed by William F. Bell, Papago offers a challenging layout with mature trees and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The course is known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable green fees, making it a favorite among local golfers and visitors alike.
Papago’s layout features wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers, ensuring that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a rewarding round. The course’s mature trees and scenic views create a serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beyond the course itself, Papago’s facilities include a well-appointed clubhouse and practice areas, enhancing the overall golfing experience. With its combination of challenging play, beautiful scenery, and welcoming environment, Papago Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a round of golf in Phoenix.
6. The Boulders Golf Club
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, The Boulders Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience with its two courses: the North Course and the South Course. Both courses, designed by Jay Morrish, are set against a backdrop of massive granite boulder formations, offering stunning views and a challenging layout. These natural features not only provide a dramatic setting but also influence the strategic design of each hole, demanding careful consideration from players. The North Course is known for its narrow fairways and large greens, while the South Course features dramatic elevation changes and scenic water hazards. A round at The Boulders is an unforgettable experience, blending the natural beauty of the desert with world-class golf.
The North Course challenges golfers with its tight fairways and undulating terrain, requiring precise shot-making and strategic planning. The South Course, on the other hand, offers a more varied landscape, with elevation changes and water features adding to the challenge and beauty of each hole. Beyond the courses, The Boulders offers luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa and upscale dining options, providing a complete resort experience. Whether you’re there for the golf or the relaxation, The Boulders Golf Club offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury in the heart of the desert.
7. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Located just south of Phoenix, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a hidden gem that should not be missed. This Fred Couples-designed course offers a challenging layout with wide fairways and large greens, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The course’s design encourages strategic play, with risk-reward opportunities that challenge even the most experienced golfers. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and friendly staff, providing a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. With its beautiful desert setting and top-notch facilities, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is a must-visit for any golfer in the Phoenix area.
The course’s expansive layout allows for a variety of playing strategies, with each hole offering unique challenges and stunning desert views. The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensure that every visitor feels welcome, enhancing the overall experience. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes also boasts a well-equipped practice facility and a comfortable clubhouse, providing everything needed for a perfect day of golf. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes offers a rewarding and enjoyable golfing experience that captures the spirit of Arizona golf.
8. Quintero Golf Club
Quintero Golf Club is often considered one of the best courses in Arizona, and for good reason. Designed by Rees Jones, this course offers a challenging yet fair test of golf with its elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and pristine conditions. Each hole is thoughtfully designed to offer a unique challenge, requiring precision and strategy from players. Located in the Hieroglyphic Mountains, Quintero provides breathtaking views and a serene setting, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Quintero Golf Club promises an unforgettable golfing experience.
The course’s elevation changes create dramatic vistas and varying playing conditions, adding to the challenge and enjoyment of each round. Quintero’s commitment to maintaining pristine conditions ensures that every aspect of the course, from the fairways to the greens, is in top shape. The tranquil setting and stunning views offer a peaceful retreat, allowing players to immerse themselves in the game and the natural beauty around them. With its combination of challenging play and serene environment, Quintero Golf Club is a must-play for anyone seeking a top-tier golfing experience in Arizona.
Conclusion
Phoenix is a golfer’s paradise, offering a wide range of public golf courses that cater to all skill levels. From the stunning desert landscapes of Troon North and We-Ko-Pa to the tournament-tested courses at TPC Scottsdale, there’s no shortage of exceptional golfing experiences to be had in the Valley of the Sun. Each course offers its own unique challenges and rewards, ensuring that every round played in Phoenix is memorable. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these best golf courses in Phoenix provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather while playing a round of golf. So grab your clubs and get ready to explore the premier golf courses that Phoenix has to offer. Whether you’re aiming for a challenging test of skills or a leisurely day on the greens, Phoenix promises an unforgettable golfing adventure that captures the essence of Arizona’s natural beauty and hospitality.
