More than 200 courses, year-round sunshine, PGA Tour venues, dramatic desert scenery, and insider planning tips. Here’s where to play on your next Scottsdale golf getaway.
Scottsdale isn’t just one of America’s great golf destinations. Many golfers would argue it’s the golf destination. Why? This beautiful Arizona city is home to more than 200 courses spread across the Valley, over 300 days of sunshine each year, and a mix of bucket-list layouts and affordable local favorites.
The variety is what truly sets Scottsdale apart. Here, you can play a PGA Tour venue, tackle a rugged desert course framed by giant granite boulders, or sharpen your short game at one of the country’s best par-3 layouts. The cherry on top? Every golf trip gets even better thanks to the city’s world-class dining, lively nightlife, luxury spas, outdoor adventures, and excellent vacation rentals.
In this guide, I’ll share the best golf courses in Scottsdale, including public and private layouts, along with the technical details that matter most when planning a golf vacation worthy of your handicap.
A Quick Hello Before We Hit the Greens:
At Scottsdale Rentals, we specialize in full-service vacation rental management, offering travelers a carefully curated selection of luxury homes across the Scottsdale area. With deep roots in the region, our team brings nearly two decades of experience and a genuine connection to the desert, because Scottsdale isn’t just where we work; it’s home.
From full local guides to last-minute tips and the amenities you can expect during your stay, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in the desert.
Scottsdale’s Best Public Golf Courses
TPC Scottsdale
Want to walk the same fairways as the pros? Then TPC Scottsdale deserves a spot on your golf trip itinerary. Home of the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, this iconic facility offers everyday golfers the chance to experience one of the game’s most famous venues.
The Stadium Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, stretches to a formidable 7,261 yards and is maintained to tournament standards year-round. Risk-reward opportunities appear throughout the layout, but the star attraction is undoubtedly the famous par-3 16th hole, known as “The Coliseum.” The island-green par-5 15th is another memorable challenge.
If you’re seeking a slightly better value, the Champions Course is an excellent alternative. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, it measures 7,113 yards and is often considered the more varied and sportier layout.
Course Snapshot
- Designers: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (Stadium), Randy Heckenkemper (Champions)
- Yardage: 7,261 yards (Stadium), 7,113 yards (Champions)
- Difficulty: Challenging, PGA Tour-calibre
- Signature holes: 16th and 15th on Stadium
- Scenic views: McDowell Mountains
- Walking: Carts are standard
What Golfers Are Saying
“This place is awesome. Friendly staff and definitely a bucket list for out-of-towners. Best time to go is when they are setting up the Stadium on 16. Hole plays so so different when the Stadium is up. Anytime between Oct and Feb is best!”
“First time there since the redo many years ago. The course was in excellent shape, scenic, playable and enjoyable. All the staff were friendly, efficient and professional. This will definitely be added to our regular rotation of Scottsdale courses!”
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Many locals consider We-Ko-Pa the finest public golf destination in Scottsdale, largely because of its setting. Since the course is located on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, it will never be commercially developed. As a result, there are no houses, roads, or buildings interrupting the views.
Since the land will never be commercially developed, there are no houses, roads, or buildings interrupting the views.
The Saguaro Course is one of the most walkable layouts in the region; Cholla, designed by Scott Miller, gives you a more traditional desert-golf experience with narrower targets and dramatic carries.
The uninterrupted views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, the Red Mountains, and the Superstition Mountains are among the best in Arizona. If stunning views and great golf go hand in hand for you, We-Ko-Pa is hard to beat.
Course Snapshot
- Designers: Coore & Crenshaw (Saguaro), Scott Miller (Cholla)
- Difficulty: Moderate (Saguaro), Challenging (Cholla)
- Style: Traditional strategic golf vs. target-style desert golf
- Walking: Excellent on Saguaro
- Scenic views: Uninterrupted views of the McDowell Mountains and Red Mountains, with no residential or commercial development in sight.
What Golfers Are Saying
“This course consistently came highly recommended after searching around the internet for top-end desert golf in the Scottsdale area, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I played Cholla, and the course overall was in excellent shape, with nicely maintained tee boxes and beautiful greens. The course represents what I’d consider to be true desert golf, and with that comes an excellent challenge. The views of the surrounding mountains are basically panoramic, and a joy to take in.”
Troon North Golf Club
Often described as the original Scottsdale desert golf experience, Troon North might be the area’s most iconic golf course.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, both Monument and Pinnacle stretch roughly 7,000 yards through classic Sonoran Desert terrain. Expect nothing less than giant granite boulders, cacti, and dramatic desert landscapes throughout the round.
Monument, in particular, is famous for the massive granite boulder sitting in the middle of the third fairway. Pinnacle is generally regarded as the more demanding test for those looking for a challenge.
Course Snapshot
- Designers: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish
- Yardage: Approximately 7,000 yards
- Difficulty: High
- Signature challenge: Monument’s boulder-lined third hole
- Scenic views: Pinnacle Peak
- Walking: Carts standard
What Golfers Are Saying
“Pinnacle course- every hole is like an art picture. Played after WMO on Monday. Great spacing 10 min between groups. The fairways and rough are amazing. Greens are quick with lots of divots first 8 holes. Fun course and layout is superb. We play all around the world, and this course is top five. Totally amazing!! Staff is friendly.”
“Had the opportunity to play 9-holes at Troon on a cool and sunny weekday early this March with my hubby and father, and while the course was fun, the real beauty is in the scenery! The greens are a little rough, but let’s not be too picky. Every angle is picturesque. Adding to that, the food is definitely top-shelf! A little pricey, but great place to enjoy the day and play.”
Grayhawk Golf Club
Here’s a great combo: championship pedigree and spectacular scenery. That’s exactly what makes Grayhawk Golf Club one of the most beloved courses in Scottsdale.
The Tom Fazio-designed Raptor Course hosts NCAA Championships and stretches over 7,100 yards, featuring crowned greens, deep bunkers, and demanding approaches. There’s also Talon, with canyon-side holes, large multi-tiered greens, and an island green on the 17th.
Course Snapshot
- Designer: Tom Fazio (Raptor)
- Yardage: 7,151 yards (Raptor)
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Signature challenges: Island green, canyon holes, deep bunkering
- Scenic views: McDowell Mountains
What Golfers Are Saying
“Played both courses now and the condition is bar far the best I’ve played on. Hate playing in the UK after this experience. Staff in the pro shop were very helpful. Talon is shorter and more technical compared to the longer and straighter Raptor course. Practice greens and chipping area, etc are brilliant to warm up on.”
“What a beautiful and well manicured desert course! The Talon course was challenging yet completely fair in its layout.”
Quintero Golf Club
Located about 50 minutes from Scottsdale, Quintero Golf Club was designed by Rees Jones and features dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditioning, and a complete absence of surrounding housing. Here, you’ll find a pure desert golf experience.
Many golfers mention the downhill par-3s as particularly memorable, and the ninth hole is often considered one of the finest in the state.
Course Snapshot
- Designer: Rees Jones
- Difficulty: High
- Signature challenge: Elevation changes and dramatic par-3s
- Scenic views: High Sonoran Desert
What Golfers Are Saying
“I’ve been lucky to golf some nice courses, but Quintero left me speechless. I golfed on Fri, May 29, and it was definitely an unforgettable experience. Mark was super friendly in the clubhouse, and I was greeted very warmly by those who loaded up our clubs on the carts. The conditions of the course were otherworldly despite having recently punched the greens. You could hardly notice. Quintero is exactly the standard that all courses need to copy + paste. Thank you for making it a memorable experience for me!”
“Quintero is worth the drive and a remarkable desert golf experience. It is a demanding, tight golf course where precision is needed. From forward tees, however, it is playable. If you’re here for golf, this is the spot for you. Golfer’s paradise.”
Specialty Public Courses Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
Mountain Shadows: Frequently ranked as America’s best par-3 course, Mountain Shadows proves that shorter doesn’t mean less challenging. The 18-hole layout challenges every aspect of the short game, and it offers stunning views of Camelback Mountain. It’s perfect for arrival days, departure days, or a fun afternoon after a morning round.
Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills: This is Arizona’s first fully lit 18-hole golf course, allowing you to tee off well into the evening, with rounds available until 1 a.m. If you’ve never played golf under stadium lights, Grass Clippings is one of Scottsdale’s most unique experiences.
Papago Golf Club: Home to Arizona State University’s golf teams, Papago is a more affordable, no-frills golf experience. Add skinny fairways and striking red-rock backdrops, and you have a favorite among value-conscious players.
Talking Stick Golf Club: Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Talking Stick is a refreshing change from Scottsdale’s dramatic desert layouts. The flatter terrain emphasizes strategy, angles, and shot-making rather than forced carries and elevation changes.
Heads Up Before Booking
Many Scottsdale courses undergo overseeding between late September and early November, which can result in temporary closures. Peak season typically begins once courses reopen in November. If you’re planning a fall trip, always check maintenance schedules before finalizing tee times.
Smart Tips for a Better Scottsdale Golf Vacation
- November through March is considered the best time for playing conditions.
- May and September often provide the best balance of weather and pricing.
- Summer offers extraordinary discounts, but temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
- Book popular tee times 60 to 90 days in advance.
- Always check overseeding schedules before booking an autumn trip.
- Rent a vehicle large enough to handle golf bags comfortably.
- Hydrate aggressively.
- Consider twilight rounds for significant savings.
- Try a night round at Grass Clippings.
- Mix championship courses with shorter layouts like Mountain Shadows to avoid golf fatigue.
Ready to Plan the Ultimate Scottsdale Golf Trip?
Settle into one of our Scottsdale Vacation homes and enjoy a space that feels warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared for your time in the desert.
The best stays are never the most generic ones. They’re the homes with personality, comfort, and thoughtful details that people remember long after the trip ends. And that’s exactly what we’re proud to offer to every kind of visitor. And that’s the experience we aim to create for every guest who stays with us.