Phoenix and Scottsdale's 10 Best Public Golf Courses

Updated January 2, 2024
Best Phoenix Scottsdale Golf Courses
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    The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale
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    Christian Petersen
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At one of America’s favorite winter destinations, the Phoenix/Scottsdale area of Arizona, the grass really is greener.

We’re talking about golf courses, obviously, especially the multitude of high-end facilities in this part of Arizona, where crews heavily overseed in the fall to create a lush look you don’t see in many parts of the country, especially in the colder months. That makes ranking the 10 best public golf courses in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area particularly tough.

The area’s resort courses are plentiful and stunning. Designed by some of the best in the business – like Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, and Scott Miller, just to name a few – playing these resort courses is a special experience, especially for visitors to the area.

Peak golf season in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area is right around the time “The Greatest Show on Grass” (AKA The WM Phoenix Open) is played in February at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, and extends through spring training and the Cactus League, which features half of the country’s major league baseball teams. But really, the Valley of the Sun is a great spot for golf year-round, even in the summer months. You just have to play earlier in the day in the summer and early fall to catch relatively cooler temps.

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The toughest part about playing in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, though, is picking a favorite golf course. To rank the top 10 courses in Phoenix/Scottsdale that you can play, I separated them by how enjoyable they are. For me, the Monument Course at Troon North and We-Ko-Pa’s Saguaro Course had the edge. But honestly, I could have made an argument for any of the courses I have listed in the top four, and maybe beyond. They’re that close.

Here is our ranking of the top 10 public golf courses in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, regardless of price: 

  1. Troon North Monument Course
  2. We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Course
  3. Troon North Pinnacle Course
  4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Cholla Course
  5. TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
  6. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
  7. Boulders Resort South Course
  8. Grayhawk Golf Club Raptor Course
  9. Quintero Golf Club
  10. Kierland Golf Club
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1. Troon North Monument Course

Troon North GC
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    Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale
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    Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Sport
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Troon North Monument Course
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Yardage: 7,070 (Par 72)
Rating: 72.9 | Slope: 145
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Tom Weiskopf
Opened: 1990

Since its debut in 1990, the Monument Course at Troon North has been considered among the top public golf courses in Arizona. The Pinnacle Course followed five years later, and in 2007, Tom Weiskopf, who designed the courses with Jay Morrish, came in and oversaw a renovation that swapped out many of the holes on both courses and rerouted them to make them both work better. The consensus is that the work improved both courses, and which one is better is probably an argument for what you prefer in a golf course.

With that said, I rank the Monument Course slightly higher, because it’s probably more playable and a little more scenic. The course gets its name from the signature boulder in the fairway of the par-5 third hole, which big hitters might be able to carry off the tee (with very little margin for error), while more ordinary golfers will try to work around the giant rock formation.

The third is one of many great holes on the course, which has elevated tees, tricky greens, and some pretty intimidating shots. Yet, the fairways are larger than they appear off the tee, and even the opulent homes (which really don’t come into play) add to the visual experience. Combine that with an expansive driving range with its background music, and huge clubhouse with a top-rated golf shop and restaurant, and you can see why Troon North is always at the top of everybody’s list. 

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2. We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Course

We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Course
Location: Fort McDowell, Arizona
Yardage: 6,912 (Par 72)
Rating: 72.1 | Slope: 138
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
Opened: 2006

The second to open of the two 18 hole layouts at wonderful We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, the Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw designed Saguaro Course might be the prettiest of all the public golf courses in Arizona. The courses are owned by the Yavapai Nation of Fort McDowell (We-Ko-Pa is Yavapai for “Four Peaks”), so there are no homes, just green grass, majestic saguaros, and magnificent mountain scenery in the background.

Unlike the original Cholla Course, the Saguaro Course isn’t typical desert golf. Though the setting is definitely the desert, there’s more turf and smaller, undulating greens. It’s also a little more walkable than the Cholla Course, with the tees and greens closer together.

There are some pretty intimidating holes on Saguaro if you play the back sets of tees. For example, the sixth can play as long as 630 yards, and you’ll have to carry your tee shot close to 250 yards. Meanwhile, the par-3 15th can play as long as 250 yards.

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3. Troon North Pinnacle Course

Troon North Pinnacle Course
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Yardage: 7.025 (Par 72)
Rating: 72.8 | Slope: 144
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Tom Weiskopf
Opened: 1995

Set at the base of Pinnacle Peak, the Pinnacle Course at Troon North is the more difficult of the two layouts there. It’s classic desert target golf, where misses off the tee and on approaches can mean lost balls in the desert. But there’s more room than it might appear off the tee, and if you’ve got the game, you can score well, provided you play the proper tees (Short clubs into greens are key).

The finishing stretch is particularly challenging on the Pinnacle Course. It starts with a relatively short par 3, the 16th, but is followed by a couple of long par 4s, both of which play more than 440 yards from the tips. The 18th tees off directly into Pinnacle Peak and requires a massive tee shot to carry a huge fairway bunker if you play from one of the back sets of tees. 

By the way, in addition to the great practice facilities, you might want to check out the 1,500-yard Monument Express short course, which is loads of fun.

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4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Cholla Course

The 18th hole at We-Ko-Pa's Cholla Course

The 18th hole at We-Ko-Pa's Cholla Course

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    We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell, Arizona
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    David Cannon
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We-Ko-Pa Cholla Course
Location: Fort McDowell, Arizona
Yardage: 7,255 (Par 72)
Rating: 72.5 | Slope: 130
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Scott Miller
Opened: 2001

The original course at We-Ko-Pa, the Cholla Course is one of Scott Miller’s early solo designs after working for Jack Nicklaus as a senior designer for several years. The Scottsdale-based architect created a true desert course with target greens, some elevated tees, all set against a magnificent desert mountain landscape.

Some of the most interesting holes include the par-4 seventh, which has a split fairway; the dogleg right 605-yard par-5 eighth, which is the most difficult hole on the course according to the scorecard, with its intimidating tee shot over the desert landscape; and the long par-4 18th, where there’s a risk-reward fairway option to try to set up an easier approach to a green fronted by a pond.

The Cholla Course underwent a renovation in 2016. The work included new MiniVerde Bermuda greens as well as the removal of about seven acres of turf, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

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5. TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course

The famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale

The famous 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale

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    TPC Scottsdale 16th hole during Phoenix Open
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    Mike Mulholland
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TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Yardage: 7,261 (Par 71)
Rating: 74.7 | Slope: 142
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Jay Morrish, Tom Weiskopf
Opened: 1986

The home of the PGA Tour’s most raucous and well-attended tournament, the Stadium Course at the TPC Scottsdale is also a blast to play. While some have criticized it for being a little bit vanilla, conditions are always superb, and it’s the antithesis of desert golf with wall-to-wall grass throughout, several water features, and a nice finishing stretch.

The most famous hole, the par-3 16th, might seem a little benign without the stadium enclosure and 20,000 golf fans, but it has a tricky green where three-putts are all too frequent. The 15th is a risk-reward par-5 with plenty of water, while the 17th is a drivable par 4 that Andrew Magee famously aced in 2001 after his tee shot struck the putter of Tom Byrum, who was in the group in front of him and on the green.

Throw in a great clubhouse restaurant, outstanding practice facilities, and the other golf course (Champions), and perhaps accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and you've got one heck of a nice golf vacation.

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6. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
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    18th green at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes GC
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    Ross Kinnaird
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Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Location: Maricopa, Arizona
Yardage: 7,243 (Par 72)
Rating: 71.9 | Slope: 128
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Brian Curley, Lee Schmidt
Opened: 2002

One of the more unique courses in the Valley, Southern Dunes is a combination of parkland and links golf, with lots of interesting angles, a few water features, lots of really deep bunkers, and large, sloping greens.

The course, which was designed by Brian Curley with input from Fred Couples, underwent a renovation a few years ago, too, to make it even better, reducing the number of bunkers, widening the fairways, and shortening the par-3 17th, which used to be 240 yards with a blind tee shot.

The course, which is over 7,500 yards from the tips, has several holes that are quite long, like the 248-yard par-3 sixth, 606-yard, par-5 13th, and 496-yard par-4 15th.

In addition to the course, practice facilities are some of the best in the area. They include a short course dubbed “Mini Dunes.”

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7. Boulders Resort South Course

Boulders Club South Course
Location: Carefree, Arizona
Yardage: 6,726 (Par 71)
Rating: 71.9 | Slope: 140
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Jay Morrish
Opened: 1984

One of two 18-hole championship layouts at this wonderful resort, the South Course is the most scenic and stunning, which can’t be overstated. The resort and courses get their names from the gigantic ancient boulders found throughout the resort and on the golf courses. Some of the arrangements seem to defy the laws of gravity as boulders are stacked upon each other and appear to be unstable, but have been there for millions of years.

When you play the South Course you’ll come across “Boulder Pile” and “Rosie’s Rock." And the signature hole par-5 fifth plays into a giant rock formation that dwarfs the green in front of it. More than anything, these Jay Morrish designed holes are super interesting and memorable. Conditioning is also exceptional as is the resort, which offers beautiful casita accommodations, the Golden Door Spa, outstanding dining, and loads of other things to do.

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8. Grayhawk Golf Club Raptor Course

Grayhawk Raptor Course 18th hole

The risk-reward 18th hole at Grayhawk's Raptor course

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    The risk-reward 18th hole at Grayhawk's Raptor course
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    https://www.golflink.com/mygame/yardage-maps/editor.aspx?id=14881&new=true&hole=18&r=https://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/az/scottsdale/grayhawk-golf-club-1488156/yardage-map&tid=32503

Grayhawk Raptor Course
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Yardage: 7,135 (Par 72)
Rating: 74.1 | Slope: 143
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Tom Fazio
Opened: 1995

Like many of the top golf facilities in the area, Grayhawk also has more than one course. Both are a joy to play, but the Raptor Course is probably more tournament worthy. This Tom Fazio design has hosted PGA Tour events, including the World Match Play Championship back in the 1990s.

The Raptor is classic desert golf with lots of target golf. One of the most fun holes is the 330-yard par-4 15th, dubbed “Wee One.” Long hitters can drive it, but it definitely comes with risk. In casual play, of course, you’re probably playing “desert rules,” so it’s probably worth taking a shot if you feel like you can get close to the well-protected green if you can. 

The Raptor also has a great finishing hole, the 521-yard par-5 18th. It’s classic risk-reward with water all down the right side on the approach with only a sliver of land on the left as a bail out if you can’t carry the water with your approach to the green.

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9. Quintero Golf Club

Quintero GC
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    Quintero Golf & CC
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    Ross Kinnaird
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Quintero GC
Location: Peoria, Arizona
Yardage: 7,190 (Par 72)
Rating: 75.1 | Slope: 145
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Rees Jones
Opened: 2000

Originally intended to be fully private, Quintero Golf Club fortunately offers public tee times on its excellent Rees Jones-designed golf course. Quintero is somewhat reminiscent of one of Jones’ other noteworthy designs, Cascata Golf Club near Las Vegas. Like Cascata, the holes pretty much stand alone and are isolated from one another, sometimes making you feel like you’re the only group on the course. And like Cascata, they’re all interesting, beautiful, and challenging. 

Located next to Lake Pleasant, the course has open fairways, beautiful bunkering, multi-tiered greens, and impeccable conditioning. It also has plenty of elevation change, and water comes into play on at least a half dozen holes. The par-3s are particularly memorable. The signature hole might be the par-3 ninth, which is more than 210 yards and plays over water that fronts the green.

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10. Kierland Golf Club

Kierland GC
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Yardage: 6,974 (Par 72) (Ironwood/Acacia)
Rating: 72.8 | Slope: 127 (Ironwood/Acacia)
Driving Range: Yes
Architect: Scott Miller
Opened: 1996

This might be architect Scott Miller’s most fun design. There are three nines at Kierland Golf Club, and two of them are very player friendly. So much so, in fact, that drives to the right or left tend to funnel to the middle of the fairway, so at least you’ve got a pretty good chance at a reasonable approach on most par 4s.

There aren’t many forced carries, especially if you move up on the tees. As for the three nines, Acacia might be the most fun. The last three holes are sensational, including the par-5 18th, which plays downhill toward a lake that runs all the way to the left side of the green. 

The Ironwood nine also ends with a par-5 with a lake that comes into play, and the Mesquite nine has plenty of character, ending with a terrific par-4 with a green fronted by a pond.

The excellent practice facilities at Kierland Golf Club include a grass range with a large movable mechanical canopy to protect golfers from the brutal Arizona sun.

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Bonus Phoenix and Scottsdale Recommendations

As one of the county’s premier year-round golf destinations, there are easily more than 10 great public golf courses in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.

Wickenburg Ranch is a little farther out, around 70 miles from Phoenix, to be considered for our list, but if you have the time, I highly recommend it. The course has five par-3s and five par-5s, so there’s great variety. Elevated tees, undulating greens, and the incredible scenery of the Prescott National Forest and Vulture Peak complete the picture. 

Two other options that didn’t make our list – but were close – are two outstanding munis. Phoenix's Papago Golf Course underwent a total renovation a few years ago. It offers a really fun golf course with unique landforms, plus practice stations and a food and beverage operation that’s one of the most fun and innovative in the Valley. Plus, it's just a few minutes from Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport.

Much of the same can be said of Dobson Ranch in Mesa. Though the golf course is solid at Dobson Ranch, the customer service might be the best in the state, plus it offers a Toptracer range and a really fun bar and grille. Because the practice facilities are lighted, the fun at Dobson Ranch goes on into the night.