Top 10 Golf Courses in Arizona

Golfing enthusiasts, rejoice! Arizona boasts some of the finest golf courses in the United States. With its breathtaking desert landscapes, lush green fairways, and the perfect weather for a round of golf, this southwestern state is a golfer’s paradise.

In this article, we will take a swing at the top 10 golf courses in Arizona, highlighting their unique features, layouts, and what makes them stand out in the world of golf.

Top 10 Golf Courses in Arizona

1. Troon North Golf Club
2. TPC Scottsdale
3. The Boulders Golf Club
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
5. Grayhawk Golf Club
6. Quintero Golf Club
7. Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
8. Troon Country Club
9. Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
10. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice golfer, these courses promise an unforgettable round of golf amidst the splendor of the Arizona landscape. Let’s jump into the golf courses now.

1. Troon North Golf Club

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Troon North Golf Club stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of nature and sport. Golfers visiting Troon North are welcomed by a pristine desert landscape, with the rugged terrain providing a challenging yet rewarding experience.

The club boasts not one but two spectacular 18-hole courses, the Monument and the Pinnacle, both crafted with precision by the renowned Tom Weiskopf. The Monument course is celebrated for its strategic layout, with unique rock outcroppings that add an element of surprise to your game. The Pinnacle course, on the other hand, offers golfers breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and McDowell Mountains.

Troon North Golf Club is a golfer’s dream come true. The quality of play, the stunning desert backdrop, and the opportunity to navigate two distinct courses make this a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.

2. TPC Scottsdale

TPC Scottsdale, the iconic host of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, is a golfer’s paradise with a touch of excitement. Designed by the talented duo of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, this course is known for its thrilling layout, characterized by well-manicured fairways and strategic bunkers.

One of the most famous features of TPC Scottsdale is the 16th hole, aptly named “The Coliseum.” This hole is an electrifying experience for both players and spectators, as it’s enclosed by a stadium-like setting that can accommodate thousands of fans during tournaments. The atmosphere here is unlike any other in the golfing world.

Apart from the adrenaline-pumping 16th hole, TPC Scottsdale offers a balanced mix of challenging holes and serene fairways, making it a favorite among professional and amateur golfers alike. It’s not just a golf course; it’s an exhilarating golfing experience.

3. The Boulders Golf Club

The Boulders Golf Club is where golfing meets surreal landscapes. Located amidst massive granite boulder formations and the breathtaking Sonoran Desert, this club offers a golfing experience like no other.

The North Course and South Course at The Boulders Golf Club provide a harmonious blend of natural challenges and enjoyable play. The rock formations that punctuate the courses create an otherworldly atmosphere and often serve as both obstacles and aesthetic features. Golfers of all levels can find delight in the strategic layout, offering a balance between difficulty and playability.

As you play through the courses, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The Boulders Golf Club truly redefines the golfing experience, making it a destination that golf enthusiasts and nature lovers shouldn’t miss.

4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, set in the heart of the desert, is a golfing gem renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil ambiance. The Cholla and Saguaro courses, meticulously designed by Scott Miller and Bill Coore, offer golfers an exceptional and unforgettable experience.

The Cholla course is characterized by its dramatic elevation changes and challenging terrain. Players are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding desert and mountains, creating a visually stunning and challenging round of golf. The desert landscape is woven into the course’s fabric, creating a true desert golfing experience.

Conversely, the Saguaro course, with its undulating fairways and strategic bunkers, offers a more serene golfing experience. The layout seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, providing a sense of harmony between the course and the desert landscape. Golfers can immerse themselves in the breathtaking views while navigating this challenging yet enjoyable course.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club stands as a testament to the allure of Arizona golf, offering a unique blend of desert and mountain vistas, ensuring a golfing adventure that leaves an indelible mark on every player.

5. Grayhawk Golf Club

Designed by two golf legends, Tom Fazio and David Graham, Grayhawk Golf Club is a golfing haven in the heart of Arizona. This club features two remarkable courses, the Talon and the Raptor, both meticulously maintained and presenting diverse challenges for golf enthusiasts.

The Talon course combines unique desert landscapes with beautiful fairways. Players are greeted with vibrant landscaping and lush greenery, making each hole a picturesque experience. The course offers a mix of open fairways and strategically placed bunkers, testing golfers’ accuracy and skills.

The Raptor course, on the other hand, is known for its championship-caliber layout. The immaculate fairways and challenging greens offer a professional-level experience to golfers. With the McDowell Mountains as a backdrop, the course’s visual appeal is second to none.

Grayhawk Golf Club is a testament to the rich golfing tradition of Arizona, where players can enjoy world-class courses designed by golfing legends while taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a destination that golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike can appreciate.

6. Quintero Golf Club

Nestled in the high desert northwest of Phoenix, Quintero Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a golfing experience like no other. This remarkable course, thoughtfully designed by Rees Jones, is celebrated for its stunning elevation changes and immaculate greens, promising golfers an exceptional and memorable journey.

The layout of Quintero Golf Club provides golfers with a unique challenge as they navigate through rolling terrain and elevated tees. The course’s design is strategically set against the backdrop of the surrounding desert and mountainous landscapes, ensuring that every hole is an adventure.

The well-manicured greens at Quintero Golf Club are known for their consistency and playability, making it a favorite among golfers seeking a challenging yet enjoyable round. The stunning vistas and peaceful ambiance create an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of the desert.

7. Arizona Biltmore Golf Club

The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is a living piece of golfing history set amidst the modern Arizona landscape. Designed by the legendary Bill Johnston, this course takes golfers on a journey back in time while providing a classic golfing experience.

The layout of Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is rich in tradition, featuring tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. The course offers golfers the opportunity to experience the timeless appeal of golf in a serene and historic setting.

Surrounded by lush greenery and historic charm, this course serves as a reminder of the roots of the sport. Golf enthusiasts visiting the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club can savor a taste of golfing history and tradition while enjoying a round on the well-maintained fairways. It’s a unique destination where the past meets the present in the Arizona golf scene.

8. Troon Country Club

Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, the Troon Country Club is a golfing oasis that’s another brilliant creation by Tom Weiskopf. What sets this club apart is the lush fairways and impeccably maintained greens that create an inviting atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.

The moment you step onto the Troon Country Club, you’ll be greeted by the impeccable greenery and scenic beauty that surrounds the course. The well-manicured fairways invite you to a memorable golfing experience, while the towering palm trees and vibrant landscaping create a serene ambiance that’s second to none.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the Troon Country Club is renowned for its challenging layout. It offers a well-balanced combination of strategically placed bunkers, doglegs, and water hazards, ensuring that every round of golf is an exciting adventure. Golf aficionados often find themselves returning to this club to experience the perfect fusion of scenic beauty and golfing challenges.

9. Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club

Located amidst the picturesque Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club is a destination that takes golfers on a breathtaking journey. The club is home to two extraordinary courses, the Mountain and the Canyon, both masterfully designed by Tom Fazio.

The Mountain course at Ventana Canyon boasts stunning vistas of the Santa Catalina Mountains and provides a unique golfing experience. The layout is characterized by challenging elevation changes, with dramatic climbs and descents that make each hole an adventure. Golfers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the mountainous terrain while enjoying the pristine fairways.

The Canyon course offers a different yet equally captivating experience. It winds through the rugged desert landscape, featuring strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The blend of desert and mountainous terrain creates a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club stands as a testament to the beauty of Arizona’s natural landscapes and the ingenuity of golf course design by Tom Fazio. It’s a destination that leaves golfers with cherished memories of the unique blend of desert and mountainous terrain.

10. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a hidden gem in the Arizona golf scene, offering a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, this course is known for its wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens, making it a must-visit for golfers of all levels.

The standout feature of Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is its wide fairways that allow golfers to unleash their drives with confidence. While the fairways are generous, the course challenges players with well-placed bunkers and strategic design, demanding precision and strategy in every shot.

The greens at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes are known for their undulating surfaces and slick putting conditions, adding a layer of complexity to the game. The course’s design ensures that golfers are constantly engaged, whether they’re navigating the wide fairways, conquering the bunkers, or carefully reading the greens.

The Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is a course that surprises and delights golfers with its balance of playability and challenge. It’s a hidden treasure that awaits exploration in the Arizona golf landscape.

Conclusion

Arizona is a golfer’s paradise, and these top 10 golf courses exemplify the state’s commitment to providing golfers with a diverse range of exceptional courses. Whether you seek challenging layouts, serene desert landscapes, or a touch of golfing history, Arizona has something to offer. Grab your clubs, hit the fairways, and experience golfing at its finest in the Grand Canyon State.