Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale to Tee Off

Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area have developed quite a reputation for having some of the best golf courses in the country, which is not surprising, considering Arizona’s eclectic landscapes and year-round golf-friendly weather.

Many of Scottsdale’s golf courses are designed by some of the best golf architects in the world and offer unique glimpses of Arizona’s stunning panoramic desert views. Teeing off in this scenic setting is simply one of Scottsdale’s can’t-miss things to do.

With countless easily accessible public golf courses ranging from rugged desert landscapes to manicured greens with water hazards, you’ll never run out of new courses to tee off on a getaway to a vacation home in Scottsdale.

Troon North Golf Club

Troon North is, without a doubt, one of Scottsdale’s most superior public golf clubs. It features two 18-hole courses laced in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. The two courses, the Monument Course and the Pinnacle Course, each offer challenges for golfers of all skill levels.

The Monument Course is a par-72 course with five sets of tees. Its challenges include dramatic elevation changes, rugged desert terrain, and stunning mountain views. It is easily one of the most challenging and rewarding courses in Scottsdale.

The Pinnacle Course is also a par-72 course with four sets of tees. The course features natural desert terrain, lush fairways, and challenging greens, making it a popular choice for golfers of any skill level.

As for what to do beyond the courses, Troon North Golf Club also offers a state-of-the-art practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and a chipping area. The club offers lessons, and the clubhouse has a restaurant, bar, and patio with even more epic views of the surrounding mountains.

TPC Scottsdale

TPC Scottsdale is home to the annual WM Phoenix Open, one of the more popular events held during the PGA Tour. It offers courses designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Weiskopf, including the Stadium Course and the Champions Course. This is a public golf course perfectly suited for experts and novices alike.

The Stadium Course is a 71-par course with water hazards, large bunkers, and challenging greens requiring precision and focus. The Champions Course is also a 71-par course that has four sets of tees and features tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkers, and scenic views of the McDowell Mountains.

Amenities include a practice facility with a driving range and a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you’re not much of a golfer, TPC also offers a swimming pool.

Grayhawk Golf Club

Grayhawk Golf Club is a public golf course known for its scenic landscapes and precision design by golf course architect Tom Fazio. Grayhawk has two courses, the Raptor Course and the Talon Course, both of which offer epic views of the McDowell Mountains.

The Raptor Course is a par-72 course with five sets of tees. With generous fairways, deep bunkers, and smoothly rolling greens, it’s fair yet challenging. The Talon Course is also a par-72 course with five sets of tees and features a landscape with tree-lined fairways, desert vegetation, and water hazards.

Grayhawk Golf Club also offers numerous dining options, including a cafe, a juice bar, and two full-service restaurants. They also offer an event space, making it the perfect destination for big and small events after a few rounds of golf.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is located a short 35-minute drive from many of our rentals on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. It features two courses designed by the architect duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Both the Cholla Course and the Saguaro Course are uniquely challenging and offer stunning views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

The Cholla Course is a par-72 course with four sets of tees. It features stunning views alongside challenging bunkers and undulating greens. The Saguaro Course is a par-72 as well, with four sets of tees. It features natural desert terrain and strategically placed bunkers with a much-rewarding view.

Beyond a few holes, the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club also offers several hiking trails which you can enjoy on your own or with a tour guide. In addition, the We-Ko-Pa Resort also has a casino equipped with gaming tables, slot machines, and live entertainment.

The Boulders Golf Club

Located just 30 minutes north of Scottsdale, The Boulders Golf Club offers some of the best desert golf in Arizona. Its North Course and South Course are both par-72 with five sets of tees. The North Course features unique rock formations and challenging greens, whereas the South Course is more of a rugged desert terrain with steep elevation changes.

In addition to epic courses, The Boulders Spa and Resort, located adjacent to the golf club, has plenty of amenities to keep the non-golfers in your group busy. Guests of the club can enjoy massages and facials at the spa, go on a hike through one of the club’s many hiking trails, or simply relax by the pool.

Talking Stick Golf Club

Talking Stick Golf Club is located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and is designed by the talented duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It features two courses, the O’odham Course and the Piipaash Course, both of which offer challenging but enjoyable desert golf with sand sliding, natural contours, and ever-changing play.

The Odham Course is a par-70 course with five sets of tees. It features wide fairways, large greens, and bunkers strategically placed to guarantee your full attention to the game. The Piipaash Course is also par-70 with five sets of tees and includes challenges like native grasses and water hazards.

Right next to the course is the Talking Stick Resort and Spa, which offers a fully-equipped fitness center, a spa, and a casino with 800 slot machines plus gaming tables.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

The SunRidge Canyon Golf Club is located 20 miles east of Scottsdale and offers a unique desert golf experience. With rugged, ever-changing terrain, challenging layout, and gorgeous landscapes, it’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels who want a rewarding day on the course.

SunRidge Canyon has one par-71 course with five sets of tees. It features natural elevation changes, desert washes, and epic desert views.

As for the amenities, SunRidge Canyon offers full-service dining options along with numerous hiking trails and access to Arizona’s native wildlife.

Camelback Golf Club

The Camelback Golf Club is located a stone’s throw away from downtown Scottsdale and features courses strategically designed for golfers of all skill levels. It has two courses, the Padre Course and the Ambiente Course, both of which offer classic desert golf layouts with rewarding views of Scottsdale.

The Padre Course is a par-72 course with five sets of tees. It features lush fairways, bunkers, and challenging water hazards. The Ambiente Course is also a par-72 course with five sets of tees and features a desert-style layout with native vegetation and a 360° view of the surrounding mountains.

Beyond the course, the Camelback Golf Club has an excellent practice facility, a well-stocked golf shop, and multiple dining options.

The Westin Kierland Golf Club

The Westin Kierland Golf Club has been honored as one of the “Top 10 Public Courses in Phoenix/Scottsdale.” And after one step onto their gorgeous desert courses, you’ll understand why.

The Westin Kierland has three 9-hole courses, the Acacia Course, the Mesquite Course, and the Ironwood Course. Spending the day here will provide you with an unmatched golf experience.

As for the courses, both the Acacia Course and the Mesquite Course are par-36 and offer challenges such as lush fairways, challenging bunkers, and some water hazards. The Ironwood Course is par-35 and features tight fairways, desert terrain, and steep bunkers.

When you’re on the court, don’t forget to have fun with the modern golf carts equipped with GPS tracking and USB charging ports.

Coronado Golf Course and Lighted Driving Range

The Coronado Golf Course is ideal for golfers of all skill levels looking to practice and hone their skills. The 9-hole, par-33 executive course features narrow fairways, mature trees, and well-manicured greens. The layout of the course is more designed to test the golfer’s accuracy as opposed to distance.

In addition, the Coronado Golf Course boasts a full-length, fully-lit driving range that’s open until 10 PM. So, just in case you didn’t get all of your energy out on the 9-hole, you can quickly grab a bucket of balls and tee off to your heart’s content. If you’re looking to work on your short game, they also have a small putting green.

Beyond the range, Coronado also has a small concession stand with assorted snacks.

McDowell Mountain Golf Club

The McDowell Mountain Golf Club is a championship golf course destination and features an 18-hole, par-71 course. Its challenges include dramatic elevation changes, water hazards, wind, and undulating greens.

McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers a challenging course that rewards accuracy and strategic shot placement. The course also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape, making for a memorable round of golf.

Its amenities include one of the best bars in Scottsdale, the Mesquite Grill. This spot includes a full bar serving cocktails, beer, and wine while overlooking the expansive American southwest.

The Phoenician Golf Club

In addition to being part of a luxury spa, the Phoenician Golf Club also features some of the best golfing in Scottsdale. Having been recently renovated in 2018, the layout is even more fun and challenging.

In the renovation, the Phoenician transformed the previously segmented 27-hole course into one cohesive 18-hole course, though you’d never be able to tell from the seamless flow between tees.

The course is par-71 and keeps nothing secret. No hidden bunkers or blind hazards. Instead, you’re rewarded with lush fairways, scenic water features, and a unique view of the epic Camelback Mountain.

As for the amenities, the Phoenician offers a luxurious clubhouse with several perfect dining options throughout the facility and renovated and-expanded locker rooms.

Starfire Golf Club

Designed by Arnold Palmer himself, the Starfire Golf Club has courses for new and seasoned golfers alike. With one 9-hole course, the Mulligan Course, and one 18-hole course, the King Course, all golfers will find their stride at the Starfire.

The Mulligan Course is perfect for casual enthusiasts and kids. It features a 9-hole, par-28 course with challenging greens, bunkers, and water features. The King Course is an 18-hole, par-70 course offering a bit more in the way of strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.

In addition, the Starfire boasts a full-length driving range and a full-service grille with happy hour.

Rancho Manana Golf Club

The Rancho Manana Golf Club is located in Cave Creek, just 29 miles north of Scottsdale. It features an 18-hole, par-70 course that’s been a north Scottsdale staple since 1986. Today, the course is known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout.

The course winds through the desert foothills and offers epic views of the surrounding mountains. With dramatic elevation changes, desert washes, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards, this course is a great way to truly test your skill set.

In addition, Rancho Manana also offers a full-length driving range, putting green, and a short game practice area. When you’re done on the course, their restaurant offers excellent dining and a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

Wildfire Golf Club

Located in Phoenix, the Wildfire Golf Club features two championship courses, the Palmer Signature Course and the Faldo Championship Course, each designed by Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo, respectively.

The Palmer Course is a par-72 course that offers expensive fairways and greens, strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and several steep changes in elevation. This course is equally suited for challenging skilled golfers as it is for novice players.

The Faldo Course is also a par-72 course known equally for its rolling fairways and unique bunkers. The course features several elevated tee boxes that offer stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Beyond the course, the Wildfire Golf Club also offers golf packages, lessons, and a well-equipped practice area with a putting green, a short game area, and a driving range.

Tee off at Scottsdale’s Best Golf Clubs

There are no wrong answers when it comes to golfing in Scottsdale. With stunning mountain views, challenging terrain, and unbeatable hospitality, you’re guaranteed to have a blast at any one of these golf courses in Scottsdale.

So, whether you know a lot or a little about golfing, you’ll find yourself right at home. And when you’re done for the day, your vacation rental will be just around the corner!