Fore! Heads up because we’ve got the best public golf courses in Tempe, AZ, for vacation-goers looking to add some leisure fun to their itinerary. Arizona features unique golf courses offering stunning desert mountain scenery and well-kept greens designed for all levels. Teeing off is a quintessential Tempe activity!
Pack your clubs because our luxury vacation rentals are within close proximity to the area’s best golfing experience. These pro-designed courses feature facilities like luxurious clubhouses and even golf lessons from experts.
So, whether you’re up for a couple of hours of friendly competition or simply an outing to tune up your swing, you’ll want to reserve your tee time at these top picks.
Arizona Grand Golf Course

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- Address: 8000 S, Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
- Website: arizonagrandgolf.com
- Par: 71
Take in the mountain views while teeing up at the Arizona Grand Golf Course just a few minutes south in Phoenix. This course puts you in the Sonoran Mountain Preserve with a change of scenery at each hole. You’ll go from resort-style holes to desert surroundings for an authentic Arizona golfing experience.
Built in 1989, these greens remain immaculate for a round of golf. It’s received the Four Star Award by Golf Digest, the Gold Tee Award and is highly regarded as one of the top Arizona golf courses near Tempe, AZ.
Keep on pace with the course, as there are sure to be other golfers following you in the next tee time slot. The winner gets treated to a post-game lunch at the onsite Lobby Grill!
Rolling Hills Golf Course
- Address: 1415 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ
- Website: grassclippings.com/rolling-hills
- Par: 62
Keep your shoulders square with your feet as you swing for the greens at the Grass Clippings art Rolling Hills Golf Course. Those working on their short game will have plenty of practice on this 62-par course extending just 3838 yards. But don’t be fooled by the short size because you will undoubtedly encounter some challenging holes.
This award-winning golf course is located in Papago Park. Established in 1955, it is newly updated with a renovated clubhouse. One of the newest additions is lights at each hole to become Arizona’s first fully-lighted golf course. So, whether closing deals on the green or leisure weekend fun after dark, this executive golf course welcomes all.
Papago Golf Club

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- Address: 5595 E Karsten Wy, Phoenix, AZ
- Website: papagogolfclub.com
- Par: 72
Papago Golf Club plays double duty as a public course and the home course for Arizona State University. Golf Advisor ranks it in the top 25 College Courses in the US. The club is inclusive and welcomes everyone from beginners to professionals.
The course was built in 1962 by notable golf course architect William Francis Bell. It expands 7,333 yards at the foot of the red rock Papago Buttes—you’ll even spot the Phoenix skyline in the distance. The Bermuda Green fairways are maintained for smooth playing. Tee times are available for 9 or 18-hole games.
Shalimar County Club
- Address: 2032 E. Golf Ave., Tempe, AZ
- Website: shalimarcountryclub.com
- Par: 33
If you’re looking for one of the best beginner golf courses in Tempe, AZ, set your GPS for the Shalimar golf club. It’s a nine-hole course for those who want to work their way up to an 18-hole round. And there’s also a driving range for tuning up your swing till you’re ready to play with the pros.
This golf course was professionally designed. Every hole is different, crossing groomed fairways and avoiding water hazards and sand traps attempting to throw you off your game. Gear up for the course at the pro shop. After your round, grab a meal at the country club’s onsite restaurant for lunch.
The Legacy Golf Club

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- Address: 6808 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ
- Website: golflegacyresort.com
- Par: 71
Treat your luxury vacation rental stay like a golf retreat by booking a tee time at The Legacy Golf Club. This resort-style champion golf course is open to the public with 18 holes of pure fun.
The course covers 28 acres at the base of South Mountain, offering incredible views at every hole. One of the best parts of this course is improving your game. It has a Golf Performance Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring a Putting Lab, and an HD simulator. Your game will be ready for the pros in no time!
Ken McDonald Golf Course
- Address: 800 E Divot Dr, Tempe, AZ
- Website: playkenmcdonald.com
- Par: 72
With the popularity of the award-winning Ken McDonald Golf Course, it’s best to book a tee time to guarantee your slot on one of Tempe’s favorite courses. It’s open all year, drawing both local golfers and tourists of all levels.
Play a 9- or 18-hole round on manicured greens dotted with golf hazards to keep the game interesting. We recommend opting for the golf cart because walking the 6,743-yard course in the desert heat feels a lot longer for visitors not used to it.
Visitors can sign up for individual lessons for pro tips and practice their swing on the lighted driving range till after sunset.
Whirlwind Golf Club

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- Address: 5692 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ
- Website: whirlwindgolf.com
- Par: 72
Golfers are delighted with the two-for-one offerings at the Whirlwind Golf Club. It features two 18-hole golf courses—Cattail and Devil’s Claw—for 36 holes total.
Each course is meticulously designed to flow naturally with the landscape. It has 500 acres of turf and desert terrain with greens nestled between water hazards and canyons. If you don’t have a favorite yet, book a tee time to play them both back-to-back.
Be sure to check out the Native American art decorating the golf clubhouse and dine in at the Sivlik Grill.
Dobson Ranch Golf Course
- Address: 2155 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ
- Website: dobsonranchgolfclub.com
- Par: 72
Clear your itinerary because the Dobson Ranch Golf Course is an all-day affair! It brings golf into the modern century with a new way to experience 18-hole golfing.
This is the “coolest” golf course you’ll find in the Arizona desert that takes leisure golfing to the next level. Crank up the tunes en route to the next hole in your Bluetooth speaker-equipped golf cart. Practice your shot at the driving range with Toptracer Technology providing details about each hit’s distance, height, and speed. There are even staff serving drinks around the course via carts.
Raven Golf Club

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- Address: 3636 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ
- Website: ravenphx.com
- Par: 72
The lush fairways and Georgia Pine tree-lined greens at the Raven Golf Club make you forget you’re in the middle of the desert. This championship golf course has 18 holes designed for the entire family to enjoy.
The award-winning guest service at this club surpasses any other golf courses in Tempe, AZ. From the friendly staff checking you in during tee time to having a staff of PGA teaching professionals available for lessons, you’ll feel like a pro by the end of the 18-hole course. Warm up on the practice putting green before seeing how close to par 72 you’ll get.
Tee Off During Your Tempe Getaway
Having so many world-class golf courses in Tempe, AZ, within close proximity to our luxury rentals, makes us a smart choice for vacations. Browse our properties to see availability, then book a tee time at your preferred course to add some fun to your stay.