Arizona is renowned for its vast desert landscapes, cactus-dotted horizons, and of course, some of the most spectacular golf courses in the United States. The state’s unique terrain and nearly year-round sunny weather make it a golfer’s paradise, appealing to amateurs and professionals alike. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best golf courses in Arizona, where the blend of challenging gameplay and stunning scenery creates an unforgettable golfing experience.
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is perhaps the most famous golf course in Arizona. Home to the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, it offers an unparalleled experience with its well-kept fairways and greens, strategic bunkering, and the iconic 16th hole—arguably the most exciting par-3 hole in golf. Playing at TPC Scottsdale offers not just a round of golf but a taste of professional tour life.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale represents desert golfing at its finest. With two 18-hole courses, the Monument and the Pinnacle, both designed by Tom Weiskopf, Troon North is set against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak, offering stunning views and a challenging game. The courses weave through natural ravines and foothills, featuring the native saguaro cacti and granite boulders, making for memorable plays.
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Also located in Scottsdale, The Boulders is renowned for its two golf courses, the North and the South, both of which blend seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape. The courses are named after the massive granite boulder formations on the property, creating not only an aesthetic spectacle but also adding to the challenge and uniqueness of each hole. Golfers here can enjoy not just the sport but also the tranquil beauty of the Arizona desert.
Quintero Golf Club
Nestled in the Hieroglyphic Mountains, just northwest of Phoenix, Quintero Golf Club is often described as a “pure” golf experience. The course is a Rees Jones design that is as challenging as it is beautiful, offering elevation changes, pristine conditions, and panoramic views that can distract even the most focused golfer. Quintero’s seclusion and layout make it a favorite among those seeking a serene golfing retreat.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale offers two courses: the Talon and the Raptor, each providing a distinct desert golf experience. The Raptor, designed by Tom Fazio, is known for its generous fairways, large greens, and strategic bunkering, while the Talon, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, presents more traditional challenges with unique touches such as box canyons and dramatic finishes. Grayhawk also boasts exceptional facilities and dining options, enhancing the overall experience.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Situated in the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers two award-winning golf courses: the Cholla and the Saguaro. Both courses offer breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert and the surrounding mountains, free from houses or urban development, providing a pure golf experience. The Saguaro course, designed by Coore & Crenshaw, is particularly noted for its fun, walkable layout that follows the natural contours of the land.
Arizona’s golf courses are as diverse as they are numerous, offering something for every golfer’s taste—from the lush, traditional layouts to the stark beauty of desert golf. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, impeccable course maintenance, and year-round playability makes Arizona one of the premier golf destinations in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a casual player, the golf courses of Arizona promise a memorable experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Southern Dunes Golf Club
Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa is a hidden gem that offers an exceptional golfing experience far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Designed by Schmidt-Curley in collaboration with Fred Couples, this course stretches over 7,500 yards, offering wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and rolling terrain that challenges golfers of all levels. Its minimalist design emphasizes the natural beauty of the Arizona desert, making every round here a serene escape.
Dove Mountain
Located in Marana, just north of Tucson, Dove Mountain offers 27 holes of golf that were once home to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. The courses, designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, are spread across three nine-hole layouts: the Tortolita, the Saguaro, and the Wild Burro. Each offers a unique challenge, with elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and stunning views of the Sonoran Desert. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect resort destination for golfers.
The Estancia Club
The Estancia Club, nestled in the northern Scottsdale foothills, is a private golf club that boasts a Tom Fazio-designed course known for its breathtaking beauty and challenging play. The course is seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, featuring undulating fairways, dramatic boulder outcroppings, and stunning views of Pinnacle Peak. Membership or an invitation from a member is required to play, making rounds here an exclusive experience.
Seven Canyons
Situated in Sedona, Seven Canyons presents a golf experience unlike any other in Arizona. The course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, is set amidst the red rock canyons and pine forests of Sedona’s high desert landscape. Its beauty is unmatched, with panoramic vistas at every turn. The course design leverages the natural topography to present a challenging yet fair game, with tight fairways and well-placed bunkers. It’s a course that demands strategy and rewards precision.
The Golf Club at Dove Mountain
Another Marana gem, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain offers 27 holes of Nicklaus-designed golf that have hosted some of the game’s greatest players during the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. With three nine-hole courses (Tortolita, Saguaro, and Wild Burro), players can mix and match for a varied golfing experience that leverages the rugged desert landscape, complete with saguaros, mesquites, and stunning mountain vistas. It’s a test of skill and strategy set against some of the most picturesque backdrops in Arizona.
Arizona’s golf courses offer a rich variety of experiences, from the serene and secluded to the prestigious and challenging.
Each course, with its unique blend of natural beauty and architectural genius, provides an opportunity for golfers to test their skills against the backdrop of some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. Whether you’re seeking the excitement of playing a course that hosts professional tournaments or the tranquility of a desert oasis, Arizona’s golf courses are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. With year-round sunshine and a wide array of courses to choose from, Arizona remains a top destination for golf enthusiasts around the world.
