Nestled in the heart of Arizona, Scottsdale is a beacon for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the most picturesque and challenging golf courses in the United States. This article explores the top golf courses in Scottsdale, each offering unique features and exceptional golfing experiences.
TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale stands as one of the most prestigious courses in Scottsdale, famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. The Stadium Course, known for its superb condition and spectator-friendly design, offers the thrill of playing in a professional tournament atmosphere. The course is renowned for its par-3 16th hole, which transforms into “The Coliseum” during the tournament, providing an unrivaled golfing spectacle.
Troon North Golf Club
Set against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak, Troon North Golf Club offers two 18-hole courses: the Monument and the Pinnacle. Both courses are widely celebrated for their scenic vistas, lush fairways, and pristine greens. The natural terrain presents a blend of challenge and beauty, making it a must-play for serious golfers and nature lovers alike.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club features two highly acclaimed courses: the Talon and the Raptor. The Talon course is known for its thrilling risk-reward holes and stunning desert scenery, while the Raptor course provides a rigorous test of golfing skill with its strategic layout. Both courses have hosted numerous high-profile golf events, affirming their status as top-tier golf destinations.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Offering panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, free from residential sites, providing an unspoiled natural golfing experience. The club’s two courses, Cholla and Saguaro, offer distinct styles; Saguaro is favored for walking due to its gentle terrain, and Cholla challenges golfers with its varied elevation and rugged landscape.
The Boulders
The Boulders is renowned for its breathtaking environment, featuring massive granite boulder formations that are over 12 million years old. The club offers two golf courses, the North and the South, both of which blend beautifully into the desert landscape. The courses are known for their strategic layouts and stunning visual appeal, providing a serene yet challenging game of golf.
Silverado Golf Club
Silverado Golf Club is a local favorite due to its accessibility and playability for golfers of all skill levels. The course layout includes lush tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and smooth greens. It is an excellent choice for a relaxing day of golf with friends or family.
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
McCormick Ranch features two distinct courses: the Palm and the Pine. Both courses offer flat, wide fairways but are challenging due to their mature landscaping and large water hazards. The club’s central location in Scottsdale makes it a convenient and popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Scottsdale’s golf courses are more than just places to play; they are destinations offering memorable experiences. Each course listed here provides something unique, whether it’s the thrill of playing a PGA Tour course at TPC Scottsdale or enjoying the natural beauty of We-Ko-Pa’s desert vistas. For anyone looking to combine top-tier golfing with breathtaking landscapes, Scottsdale is truly a golfer’s paradise.
Talking Stick Golf Club
Designed by the renowned architectural team of Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Talking Stick Golf Club offers two distinct golfing experiences: the O’odham Course and the Piipaash Course. The O’odham Course is known for its traditional links-style layout that challenges players with its strategic bunkering and broad, angular holes. On the other hand, the Piipaash Course features tree-lined fairways and smaller greens, demanding precision and skill. Located near central Scottsdale, this club offers a serene yet challenging day on the links.
Desert Highlands Golf Club
Desert Highlands, noted for its rugged beauty and tight fairways, is a private golf club that offers exclusivity and luxury alongside a spectacularly designed golf course. The course is famous for its signature 18th hole, a par-5 with a dramatic elevated green offering stunning views of Pinnacle Peak. Membership includes access to a range of other luxurious amenities, making it a prestigious choice for serious golfers.
Desert Mountain Club
Home to seven courses, Desert Mountain provides one of the most comprehensive golfing experiences in Scottsdale. Each course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, has its unique characteristics and challenges, catering to all skill levels. Among them, the Renegade course stands out with its dual-flag system that offers a unique approach to golfing strategy, providing two different hole locations on each green.
Ancala Country Club
This private club is nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Scottsdale and the surrounding desert. Ancala’s course is a challenging par-72 layout that requires careful strategy with numerous elevation changes and water hazards. The beautifully manicured greens and fairways, combined with a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere, make Ancala a top choice for both competitive and social golfers.
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
Gainey Ranch is known for its lush, tropical ambiance and three distinct nine-hole courses: The Lakes, The Dunes, and The Arroyo. Each course offers a unique set of challenges that can be mixed and matched for a diverse 18-hole experience. Water features prominently here, adding both beauty and difficulty to the game. The club’s excellent facilities and central location make it a popular venue for both tournaments and casual play.
The Scottsdale Golf Experience
Scottsdale is not only about the quantity of golf courses but also the quality and diversity they offer. From world-class championship courses to more intimate club experiences, Scottsdale caters to all aspects of the golf lifestyle. Each course is designed to offer a unique blend of challenges and aesthetic pleasures, making every game a memorable experience.
Whether you are a serious golfer looking to test your skills or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of a well-maintained course, Scottsdale’s golf offerings are sure to impress.
