Phoenix is a city defined by dramatic desert landscapes, endless sunshine, and a golf culture that runs as deep as the Salt River. With more than 200 courses sprawling across the Valley of the Sun, choosing where to tee it up can feel overwhelming. From rugged mountain backdrops to lush, target-style desert layouts, the region offers something for every budget and skill level.
The unique Sonoran Desert terrain creates a playing experience you simply cannot find in the coastal or parkland courses of the Midwest. Instead of rough, you often face arroyos, saguaros, and crushed granite waste areas. The dry air affects ball flight, the dormant bermuda grass changes your short game, and the elevated tee boxes provide panoramic views that distract even the most focused players.
Understanding the seasonal nature of Phoenix golf is essential for planning your trip. Between October and April, the weather is pristine, but tee times are at a premium and prices peak. During the summer months, courses offer “survivor rates” that allow you to play championship tracks for a fraction of the cost, provided you can handle the triple-digit heat.
Water conservation and agronomy have forced local courses to innovate. Many have replaced traditional rough with native desert areas, reducing maintenance costs and creating a more authentic Arizona experience. This means accuracy off the tee is often more valuable than raw distance, as a ball that misses the fairway by ten yards can be lost among the cholla and prickly pear.
The history of the game here is also rich, hosting multiple PGA Tour events, including the famously raucous WM Phoenix Open. Legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, and Scott Miller have sculpted masterpieces into the foothills of the surrounding mountain preserves. Their designs test your strategy while showcasing the raw beauty of the landscape.
Whether you are a scratch golfer looking for a Tour-level challenge or a casual player wanting a scenic round with friends, Phoenix delivers. The key is matching the course difficulty and price point to your specific needs. Below is a curated list of the best public and resort courses that define the Phoenix golf scene, followed by essential advice for maximizing your time on the links.
Lookout Mountain Golf Club
| Address | 11111 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (602) 866-7500 |
The best part of my experience wasn’t just the service—it was how personal they made everything feel.
I showed up solo as a newer golfer (which was a stretch for me), and honestly didn’t see another female golfer my entire first day. That could have been intimidating, but the team never made it feel that way.
From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed, comfortable, and completely taken care of. Every interaction was genuine, not transactional.
The course itself is stunning, extraordinary views throughout, and Hole 10 (the highest tee box in AZ!) was unforgettable.
They stored my luggage, took care of my clubs, and even brought my sister out on the course so she could ride along for a bit (she’s not a golfer!). That level of thoughtfulness is rare.
Pro tip: take care of your round when you arrive—I thought I had prepaid online and got tracked down mid-round 😄 Once that was handled, everything was seamless.
What really stood out? They remembered my name throughout my stay—even when I passed by later heading to the hiking trail.
Oh. My. God.
This is hands-down the most beautiful golf course I’ve ever played.
Right before we teed off, the marshal gave us a warning I’ll never forget: “The first six holes are going to feel really good… and after hole seven, it just gets tougher. And tougher. And tougher.”
He was not wrong.
The course starts off friendly enough, then slowly turns into a full-on test of golf — elevation changes, tight desert lines, and absolutely zero forgiveness if you miss your spot. I’m not exactly a great golfer, so yes… I donated a lot of golf balls to the Arizona desert 🌵😅. Worth it.
Add in record-breaking Phoenix heat, and this Canadian boy was truly put through the wringer — but honestly, that just made it even more memorable. Tough, fair, stunning, and incredibly well maintained.
Despite the struggle (and the scorecard), we had an amazing time. If you’re looking for a challenging round with jaw-dropping views, this place is an absolute must-play. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat — just bring extra balls… and water.
🏌️♂️🌞🇨🇦
Everything is relative to the price you pay to play. For the price, this was a really good course. Challenging but still playable for the newer golfers in our group.
Visited from NC. First time playing golf in AZ. I had a flight home after golf and we were able to put our luggage in the cart barn. Big plus for that. From the time Mike took our clubs, it was a great experience. The views were stunning. Fairways were very forgiving although I did I get in a little “desert golf”. Greens were perfect. Got paired with a member, Bob. He helped on a couple of lines off the tee. The 10th tee, the highest tee box in AZ was majestic. And don’t pass on the Hot dogs at the turn. Just a beautiful place to play. When I return for my next trip..yes, I will be back, this will be the first and third course I play. Not sure about the “newbie” I’ll play. MAN WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE. Thanks Lookout Mountain staff for all you do to make it a special place.
We recently came down to Phoenix for a guys golf trip and I was referred to Lookout Mountain by a colleague. Of all the courses we played (Talking Stick, Mountain Shadows, Red Mountain), this was by far the most accommodating, friendly and best value of the courses we played. It is a Hilton resort course and the budget may not be high as others but course conditions were phenomenal after all the heat they have had and the views were spectacular. Course overall was a good challenge but easy enough for my high handicap friends. If you are planning a trip, I’d definitely recommend this course to add to the roster. If you have a morning tee time and are staying at a different hotel, I would come early to enjoy their buffet or breakfast deals as the restaurant and pro shop were very welcoming. I will be back and hopefully this helps the next Golf Trip groups.
Papago Golf Club
| Address | 5595 E Karsten Wy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 5:15 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (602) 275-8428 |
I had an outstanding 5-star experience at Papago Golf Club. From the moment I arrived, everything felt well organized and welcoming. The staff at check-in were friendly, efficient, and made the whole process smooth, which immediately set a positive tone for the day. The practice facilities were in great condition, and it was easy to get warmed up before heading out to the course.
The course itself is truly impressive. The layout is both challenging and enjoyable, offering a great balance for different skill levels. Fairways are well maintained, and the greens roll clean and true, which makes a big difference in the overall playing experience. What really stands out, though, are the desert surroundings and views — they give the course a unique character that makes every hole feel special. It’s the kind of place where you’re constantly stopping for a second just to take in the scenery.
Throughout the round, pace of play was steady and comfortable, and the course marshals did a good job keeping things moving without being intrusive. The atmosphere was relaxed but still professional, and you can tell the course is managed with care. Even small details like course signage, cart paths, and landscaping felt thoughtfully maintained.
Overall, Papago Golf Club delivers a top-tier golfing experience. It’s not just about the game itself, but the entire environment — from service to scenery to course quality. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area looking for a memorable round, and I would absolutely return again without hesitation.
Nice course but I expected a little better conditions. The bar and restaurant were a great spot for enjoying food and drink after the round. I love all the Army Blackhawk helicopters flying in for landings to the north of the course.
Grateful for this place being so convenient to my hotel. I had an audition which involved a handful of swings and I had no idea where to begin. Went to the closest golf club, checked in with the guy at the register and I stepped out to the equipment facility and spoke to Ella.
Ella was heaven sent, extremely helpful, friendly, and beautiful inside and out! Her guidance was all that was needed to complete my audition.
When I was discouraged and feeling overwhelmed she said "The more times you fail the faster you succeed. "
Many thanks to Papago Golf Club for your awesome facility and the staff to match!
All of our guest have raved about Papago golf club since our wedding in May. Papago has amazing views and their food is even better! When first looking at Papago, Lauren was very helpful and went above and beyond to provide us all the information we would need. We enjoyed lunch as a family and everything was fantastic from food to service. Once we decided on them, the process was seamless.
There is not enough I can say about this amazing venue. From start to finish everything was amazing. Communication was beyond my expectations, I would call or email Lauren and she always responded in a timely manner. She even came in on her day off to show our family around and go over last minute details to ease my anxiousness.
I have dreams about the food. It was so good and I love looking back at our photos and how everyone had an amazing time with how much attention to detail and care of the staff has put in.
Thank you so much for making our wedding day amazing, for helping us through the entire process and for being amazing people in general. We are so happy that we found you guys and we cannot wait to come back for lunch and anniversaries!
We will definitely look at Papago going forward for any future events.
Course is in great shape for summer golf in the Valley. Great summer pricing and they gave my Junior under 15 years old 50% off. So me and my son total greens fees were $75 for a Sunday morning tee time. Great value. Lou's restaurant at the clubhouse is good, not great. I recommend the calamari appetizer. Service is great on all levels from check-in, beverage cart, restaurant and check out. Greens putt true I would say 10.5 on a STIMP rating. My family really loves playing here. It's pretty hard so I recommend teeing forward if you're a 15+ handicap. Put your ego away. I shoot 96 from the White tees and 86 from the green tees. 10 stroke difference because the desert shots will punish you. If you have an accurate 250+ yard drive then play white for a challenge. Either way the greens will crush your handicap. NCAA course and designed to be difficult but I will play here no matter how hot it is. Love it.
Raven Golf Club
| Address | 3636 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (602) 243-3636 |
Played Raven Golf Club on Saturday and had an awesome experience. The staff was super friendly, everything ran on time, and the course conditions were incredible. It was in great shape and easily one of the best rounds I’ve played in a while.
Also wanted to give a huge thank you to Sam in the pro shop. I accidentally left my 4 iron at the course and didn’t realize it until I was already back in Florida. Sam went out of his way to help me find it and get it shipped back to me, which I really appreciated.
Great course, great staff, and a first class experience all around. Highly recommend playing here.
I’ve been wanting to play this course for a while now and i finally made it for a birthday round with my friends this month and it did not disappoint. Raven Golf Club is a beautiful desert course with lush fairways, smooth greens, and stunning mountain views. The layout is challenging but fair, the staff is welcoming, and the overall experience feels polished and relaxed. A must-play in the Valley. The clubhouse was delicious for pre drinks & lunch as well.
This is a go to golf experience. Great condition, fun to play. Played here 20 years ago and it just keeps getting better. Still have the Raven towel on my bag.
Visited Raven Golf Club in Phoenix – stunning desert course with lush fairways and challenging layout. Atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, not too busy. Staff were friendly and attentive. The clubhouse had great food, portions were generous for the price. Parking was easy with plenty of space. Only thing – maybe arrive early to secure a better tee time. Definitely a must-play in the Valley!
Phenomenal golf course with a bit of a different feel than the typical desert style golf you see while down in Arizona. We played here recently on the final day of a 4 day golf trip and were not disappointed. The course was beautiful and played well. With it being close to Scottsdale where we stayed, it felt like we didn't have to drive far to get there and felt like we were playing a high end country club. It was an awesome golf course and super fun to play.
Stonecreek Golf Club
| Address | 4435 E Paradise Vlg Pkwy S, Phoenix, AZ 85032 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Friday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Saturday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sunday: 5:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Phone | (602) 953-9111 |
I’ve been coming here for the last few months and let me tell you, the improvement is showing every day, great fairways and the greens are getting there slowly but surely, also very well-mannered front-desk guys and lovely ladies in food & beverage area in the clubhouse, food was nice and good selection of drinks.
At the end of our round, when returning the golf-cart, Krysta was super nice sending us off on a high note.
Overall a great experience for a public golf course in Arizona, will definitely come back, keep the good work Stonecreek!
The course was in good shape. We had a good time. Will definitely be back.
Fantastic round at Stonecreek — highly recommend!
Had a great time at Stonecreek Golf Club. The greens were in excellent shape — fast, true, and clearly very well maintained. The elevation changes and hilly putting surfaces kept things interesting all 18 holes.
What really set this visit apart was the staff. Everyone was welcoming and genuinely friendly from the moment we arrived. Special shoutout to Shawna — she was outstanding and went above and beyond to make us feel taken care of. It's that kind of personal touch that turns a good round into a memorable one.
If you're in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and looking for a quality public course with great conditions and even better service, Stonecreek is a must-play.
It is imperative to address the current state of Stonecreek Golf Course, given that it has been over a year since my last visit. On April 13, 2025, I agreed to return, motivated by reports of renovations following a period of closure. However, I have observed that the only modifications made were the removal of debris and trees situated between the holes. Regrettably, the overall design and condition of the course remain abysmal—arguably worse than I remembered.
Having perused various reviews, I initially speculated that some might stem from disgruntled patrons. However, my recent experience confirmed the validity of those critiques. The course was excessively muddy, the tee boxes were in disrepair, the driving range resembled an untended field, and the fairways were in poor shape. To substantiate my claims, I have documented photographic evidence to ensure there can be no disputation regarding the conditions encountered.
Given the current state of disarray, it is clear that the +$100 fee is unjustifiable. Maybe worth $50 and include range and lunch ticket. Stonecreek Golf Course requires an extended closure of three to six months for substantial improvements to be undertaken.
Honestly, this place has potential. The layout is fun and you can tell there’s a good track in there somewhere. But it’s just… dirty. Like, embarrassingly so.
Dog poop in the tee boxes. Empty water bottles. An actual pair of cowboy boots just hanging out on the course. Nobody’s picking anything up and it shows.
The tee boxes themselves are beat up and clearly not being maintained. And on top of that, pedestrians are just freely walking the cart path the whole time, super distracting when you’re trying to play.
Fix the basics and this could actually be a great spot. Right now though, hard pass.
The Legacy Golf Club
| Address | 6808 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (602) 305-5550 |
Incredible hospitality.
Would've loved to play the other nine, but understand maintenance.
Best potato skins I've ever had from the grill and Paula is a class act behind the bar.
Shatara and the entire Legacy team are truly the best. Their patience and kindness are unmatched. My husband and I unexpectedly became pregnant, and Shatara was still able to arrange a new date for us without any hesitation, which meant the world to us.
We are from the area, and since my husband is a golfer, I always knew this venue was absolutely gorgeous. We held both our ceremony and reception on the Sierra Vista Lawn, and my entire vision came to life. We received countless compliments from family and friends about how beautiful everything turned out.
The food was also a huge hit—everyone raved about it! I truly want to thank the entire team, and especially Shatara, for being such a supportive and helping hand throughout the entire process.
Beautiful course, great views, course kept very well, staff friendly, relaxing, plenty of restroom stops every 3rd hole
We couldn’t have asked for a better experience for our wedding and reception at Legacy Golf Club! From start to finish, everything went absolutely perfectly, and we truly had the best time of our lives.
We especially want to give a huge thank you to Shatara and the entire Legacy Golf Club staff. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was organized, every detail was taken care of, and everything went according to plan. The level of care and attention they put into making our day special was truly amazing.
And of course, the food was excellent! Our guests loved it, and we couldn’t have been happier with everything.
Our wedding day was everything we dreamed of and more, and a huge part of that was because of the incredible team at Legacy Golf Club. We are so grateful for all of their hard work and for helping make our wedding such an unforgettable experience.
Thank you, Shatara and the entire Legacy team, for giving us the best day of our lives! We couldn’t recommend Legacy Golf Club enough! ❤️
This resort and golf course are fantastic!!!
Golf course is usually in wonderful shape, despite the time of year.
New bunkers make the course more challenging in all the right places.
Course personnel are all wonderful.
Grayhawk Golf Club
| Address | 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (480) 502-1800 |
Great round of golf. Course was in great shape for the summer here in Phoenix. Fairways were good and greens were good. Not super fast, but above average. Amenities were excellent. Range was nice and open with plenty of balls available. Stopped for a quick dog at the turn. Only took about 5 min. Good friendly service all around.
Love it here. Redundant? Yes. True? YES!
It's so nice to play golf a lot at a place that everyone is cool. Professional, and has a great attitude.
No "Cali" dix here!
Course is always amazing. Never ever disappointing. Summer specials are great too.
Love me some Talon and Raptor....
Dan Connor-Scottsdale
Seven of us took advantage of the "Crazy 8's" promotion. I must admit that getting tee times in order to avoid the heat of Arizona is very difficult...but well worth it.
We are met with a smile at the bag drop; the guys/girls behind the counter could not be nicer and helpful. The Starter on the Talon Course is so respectful, courteous and such a positive representative of GrayHawk. Although it's a public course, when you drive up, and meet the staff, you realize it's a real country club. Get some olives for bloody mary's on the cart...she is also very positive and makes our round more enjoyable.
Grayhawk is simply the best daily fee place to golf in Scottsdale. They nail their goal of making you feel like “a member for the day”.
The staff: warm, friendly and attentive. Everyone from the outside services team, to members of the golf staff, to the food and beverage team all make you feel comfortable and well taken care of.
The golf: both Raptor and Talon are excellent layouts, with impressive conditioning no matter what time of year you visit. The views are spectacular as well!
Simply put, if you’re looking for the ultimate total golf experience in Scottsdale, Grayhawk is the obvious choice.
Be sure to check out Isabella’s Kitchen before or after your round (or both)
Great course in north Scottsdale,open to the public with a CC service and feel! Played Talon and it was a good challenge but still fun,took a few holes to figure out the slope and greens,club up to get there! Staff was welcoming and informative and happy we were there. It's always cool to play where the Pros have played having hosted the Fry's Open in years past and they've even hosted NCAA events,check out the locker room to see some famous names! Hole 17 is definitely worthy of taking a pic or 2 being a true island green. We'll definitely be back to play Raptor!!!
TPC Scottsdale PGA
| Address | 17020 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 585-4334 |
What a memorable golf trip. We flew into Scottsdale from Indianapolis Indiana. My son, best friend and I have played Kapalua Plantation Course, Torrey Pines South and now TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. These are some of the best courses in the country and all on the same playing field. The course was immaculate and the staff was extremely friendly. The ranger might need to chill a little bit though. Thank you for a wonderful day of golf.
The course is excellent. Well maintained. Easy to gst to. Plays great!
PGA event here is a psychotic circus when it comes to golf events. I have been three times now. Parking is an organized nightmare that they figured out pretty well. But, you will most likely park 9 miles from the event in some farmers field and be shuttled back to the course in a school bus. Just enjoy the experience. But make time for it.
Access to golfers is surprisingly easy for good photos and also a kids signature area.
The 16th hole is as advertised. Way too much alcohol and obnoxious fans. But hey, golfers are too uptight sometimes. Just hit the ball!
Overall, fun event to attend. The 150,000 fans is a bit much for some people. But at least try it once in your lifetime.
Beautiful course. Really enjoyable round. Practice area is great. Despite encountering a rattlesnake on a tee box, had a great day. Would love to return and play when stands are up for the Waste Management.
Fun event. Lots of people. They do a great job getting people in and out. 16th hole definitely a must! Merch tents a bit disappointing. Lines too long to get in but they sell a lot so be patient if you want some swag!
This place is incredible! The Stadium Course is beautiful and right before the Phoenix Open you get to play it with the stands set up. It makes for quite the experience when teeing off on hole #16.
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
| Address | 2400 Biltmore Estates Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85016 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (602) 955-9655 |
This is a great spot if you're a golfer and in the Phoenix area. There are 2 18 hole courses, the Estate Course (par 71) and the Links course (par 71). We played the Estate course and had a blast. It is pretty wide open so losing a ball is hard (not impossoble) and you can go low here. It is a bit pricy but you get what you pay for. The greens were in good shape as was the rest of the course. Very professional folks working here and do a good job tending to the public. The pro shop was awesome with pretty much every brand including Gfore and the restaurant was really good. Highly recommend checking this place out.
Played at the links course. Not overly expensive but it's well kept in early spring, especially the greens. The backdrop throughout the course was photo worthy, and some holes had some pretty good views of the city skyline. Course was easy yet challenging at points for a mid level golfer. Didn’t stop at the restaurant but the whole property was high end as Biltmore’s are. First time playing in Arizona so not much expectations but overall it was a very pleasant experience.
Played Links course, and it was in fantastic shape. August or no, the greens were soft and receptive, and barely a dry patch to be found.
Great round of Golf!
This place is exceptional! They have tons of pools to enjoy, and one has some huge awesome slides! The property is huge and you have to walk outside to get from one building to another, but I love it because you get fresh air. The rooms are very nice and the beds are super comfortable. We had a conference here with my company and had amazing service from the front door to the rooms and also everything we ate and drank was delicious. Love the gift shop but the items are quite pricey. Beautiful property though and would definitely book again!
Very beautiful course. I played the Links course. Any of the staff I had interaction with was very helpful.
Arizona Grand Golf Course
| Address | 8000 S, Arizona Grand Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85044 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (602) 431-6480 |
Came to Arizona Grand for our monthly Network Live on The Green networking and nine holes. Course was in ok shape. Some of the fairways are under repair. Greens were in decent shape. Fun course and cool layout thru the desert and subdivision. We ended up on the 18th tee right at sunset!! Fantastic view of the city and sunset. Thanks for a great round!
What a beautiful course! Great value, well maintained, friendly staff (Brennan was great with the advice on how to attack the course after hole 6). I will definitely try to come back and play when I return to phoenix.
We considered canceling the tee time because of previous reviews. I guess those people are PGA champions and only play on Augusta like courses. Let me tell you this place is nice. Greens were incredible fairways are great and staff are awesome. The only reason a 4* is because there is no 4 3/4* available. I would 5* but there is no snack shack. Great place highly recommend.
I didn't feel that a two star is warranted but it was close. The greens were great, but the fairways were a mess. Also the 2nd-4th holes were closed due to a burst water line. Not a big deal because we were able to catch those holes after hole 18. Also, no driving range, but a "warm up" area which I did appreciate the accommodation but hard to get real feedback on the spot prior to a round. Also we were asked to speed up granted we were a tad slow but we had hikers walking on the golf course twice that took forever for them to clear off. We don't want to injure anyone and that delayed our progress. The marshall didnt care and just said its common and to speed up. Also several holes were cart path only slowing things down even more. Why is there cart path only for bad fairways anyways? So all this for $85? I won't play here again for this price unless it's free or things change drastically on the course. I will say that some of the sceneries were nice and the ambiance was great so I kept it a 3 star. 2.5 if I could. Thanks.
The course is in superb condition, it’s beautifully manicured, and the greens roll true and fast. The design blends beautifully with the natural surroundings.
Grand Canyon University Championship Golf Course
| Address | 5902 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85033 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (623) 846-4022 |
Solid golf course and decent value, I have no complaints. Not especially challenging (which I think is a good thing!)
Played course on 8 February 2026. Course staff was pretty friendly and welcoming from the bag drop to the end of my round. The course has great practice facilities. Multiple putting/chipping greens and a full size range that allows you to hit off grass. As for the course, the tee boxes are level, square, and cut nicely. The fairways are about 80% good everywhere with the exception of a few holes that have muddy or patchy areas. Bunkers could use a bit more sand, especially the green side bunkers but still very playable. The greens are huge!! They roll pretty fast and true. Pretty challenging layout that requires shot shaping and game management. Definitely recommend this course to all. They also give military discount which was a plus.
GCU was in great shape. Fairways and greens were great. It was a surprise to our group how different the course looked because several bunkers were removed or being relocated. In fact #11, par 3, the hill in front of the green was clipped. Previously, you couldn't see the green - it was a blind shot. Now, you can see the green. Nonetheless, we had a great time.
First off the service and staff were top notch! The greens are some of the best in its class (munis), quick and true and they hold the ball well too. Tee boxes were perfect. 👌🏼 Most of the fairways looked good, but there is some room for improvement on some holes.
Anybody that's played this course can tell you, it's dominated by large cavernous bunkers, which I think sets it apart, and I like it! The bunkers are strategically placed where driving the ball well and also accurate approaches are a must to stay off the beach. A fun and challenging track that had a well stocked pro shop and a large kitchen and dining area with a full bar and a conveniently placed driving range. I'll definitely be back soon!
Great golf course even better staff! Let our group leave luggage in their office for going to the airport right after. Cannnot recommend enough
Cave Creek Golf Course
| Address | 15202 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (602) 534-4653 |
I played a round this weekend with some friends and we all had a great time. The course was in really good condition, the greens rolled well and the fairways were well maintained. The pace of play was good, it's a nice public course to relax.
For the price ($70) during what is prime season in AZ, it’s tough to beat. Is the course perfect? No. Are the tee boxes a little rough around the edges at times? Sure. But are the greens fast and have unique undulations and pin positions? YES!
It’s a nice enough course, nice greens and pretty open so even some sprayed shots can stay in play and give you a chance to shoot low. Get a group together and enjoy the lower price (compared to others) and solid course with decent enough conditions. (I’m picky too, so trust me lol)
As City courses go, you cannot do any better!
Always well maintained. Friendly and hard working staff
I don't particularly like Cave Creek golf course, I only played there today because my group needed a 4th. The driving range is crap; see the photo. They verta cut several greens, which makes putting a nightmare; see photo. Most of the Tee-boxes were extremely rough. I know they have one of the largest Men's Clubs in the valley, and that does surprise me. Oh well, maybe I'll play there again, most likely not.
Such a great crowd and an even better course! Rick and sierra helped me get set up in the den with a warm snack and a cold drink while I waited to tee up with some friends. Definitely get out there on this beautiful course that just so happens to be dead center of all the shopping centers and major highways
Foothills Golf Club
| Address | 2201 E Clubhouse Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85048 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 460-4653 |
I live pretty close to here and decided to just check out the Sunset Grill to grab a bacon cheeseburger. The burger just had some patties, cheese and some bacon. It was very average and did not have any tomatoes, onions or lettuce on it. The fries were fine. So for food the grill gets a 3/5 ; The service was very good. The cashier / waitress Ellie was very friendly and did a good job taking care of my table, so I would give service a 4/5. Ambiance.... The grill has a nice patio when the weather is nice and it looks very well manicured so would warrant a 5/5. Pricing for a burger and coke was about $23.00 which is in line w/ most restaurants these days. If I was super hungry after playing a round and I wanted something right away, the grill is probably fine.
To start off, I originally made a tee time for two individuals well in advance. Three days prior to my scheduled round, I inquired about the possibility of adding a third player to my tee time. I was informed that space was available to accommodate an additional player; however, they could not modify the existing reservation from two to three. Instead, I was required to create a "new reservation," necessitating the submission of all my information once again. Having been an avid golfer for over 40 years, I find it unprecedented to encounter such a policy, as adding or removing a player from a tee time has always been a straightforward process at other courses.
Regarding the overall experience, the course design proved to be enjoyable. The tee boxes and fairways were in ok condition, although the teeing areas for the par 3 holes were really beat up . Regrettably, the bunkering left much to be desired, as several bunkers were inadequately maintained. Furthermore, the greens were hard and notably slow, significantly detracting from the putting experience.
The most pressing concern throughout the round was the pace of play. We arrived at the 18th green after 4 hours and 50 minutes on the course, despite the presence of a staff and starter, a ranger was never seen or appeared to be assigned to manage the flow of play. While I may consider a return it will not be anytime soon.
I played Foothills GC for the first time yesterday.
Overall, this a really nice Weiskopf design. Think it fell into disrepair for a while, but they are making a nice effort to reel it back in. I REALLY liked the layout. Fairly generous off the tees. It plays through a housing development, and there are homes reachable for severely offline shots. Tee boxes and fairways are in good shape. Rough is moderately deep, but not punitive. Water in play on four holes, but its lateral — no water carries required. Par 3’s are all longish from Blue tees — 170-210 yds. One reachable par 4 for longer hitters is a standard Weiskopf inclusion.
My only complaint are the 2-year-old greens. They are very firm (hard) and it’s challenging to hold an approach shot. Add that nearly all greens are elevated or have a false front or a lip makes it almost impossible to run a shot onto the greens. The greens are a little crusty, but rolled fairly true. Some challenging reads due to a lot of subtle undulations I lost quite a few strokes on/near the greens.
Bunkers seem like they were recently topped up and the sand is still very fluffy making shots out somewhat challenging. Some rain should help settle them.
I played from the Blue tees (6400 yds) and found that a good challenging distance for a 68 yo 7-hdcp. Tips are around 6900 yds, which would really stretch me out.
The practices facilities here are nice, and the staff was welcoming. It was a 50 min drive to the South Mtn area from my home just north of Grayhawk, so a little shorter than Ak-chin or Estrella for me.
Green fees are very reasonable. I paid $79 with my Troon card, and my partner paid the $95 rack rate. Although I was told that they will no longer accept Troon card starting in February.
Net, I really liked just about everything about Foothills with the exception of the firmness of the greens, which should soften with time. I’ll be back!
If you have not been to the Foothills Golf course, you’re missing out. We rented out the golf simulators for a birthday party and had such a great time! Food is delicious, the staff was absolutely amazing and the space was fun and inviting. Make sure to check it out, the grounds are so beautiful as well.
First time playing here, and I really enjoyed it. The course itself is long but scoreable. If you are accurate with your driver/tee shot, you can play well here. Absolutely loved the scenery on and around the course.
Only con (a big one) was the greens. Awful condition. They really should have made people aware beforehand - don't expect much to any grass right now until the remodel happens from what I was told.
Will definitely give another shot after the remodel to see how it all turns out! Overall, good track with good views and holes!
Essential Tips for Playing Golf in Phoenix
Before you book your flights or load your clubs into the car, there are several local nuances that can make or break your golf trip. The desert environment, high demand, and specific agronomy practices require a slightly different approach than golfing in other parts of the country.
By understanding these factors, you can save significant money, avoid frustration, and play your best golf while enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Sonoran Desert.
1. Book Early Morning Tee Times
Even during the peak winter season, the sun can be intense by midday, and afternoon winds often pick up in the valley. Booking a tee time before 9:00 AM ensures you play in the calmest conditions and avoid the “Valley Fever” winds that typically gust through the mountain passes in the afternoon. Early rounds also help you avoid the slowest pace of play, which tends to occur during the late morning rush.
2. Understand the Overseed Schedule
Phoenix courses transition from summer Bermuda grass to winter Rye grass through a process called overseeding. This usually happens in late September and October, meaning courses are closed or playing on wet, cart-path-only conditions during this window. If you are visiting in October, check the specific course’s overseed schedule before booking to ensure you aren’t playing on freshly painted dirt or soggy turf.
3. Use a “Rocker” Club for the Desert
If your ball does find the desert floor, do not use your expensive forged irons. The rocks and granite in the Arizona desert will shred the soft metal of premium clubs. Bring an old wedge or a specific “rock club” that you don’t mind scratching. More importantly, assess the lie carefully; if there is a rattlesnake or jumping cholla nearby, it is always better to take an unplayable lie than to risk injury or a damaged club.
4. Hydrate More Than You Think You Need To
The arid climate evaporates sweat instantly, meaning you often don’t realize how much fluid you are losing. Dehydration leads to fatigue, poor decision-making, and a miserable back nine. Drink water or electrolyte replacements on every single hole, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Most courses provide coolers on the carts and water stations every few holes—use them constantly.
5. Adjust for Altitude and Dry Air
While Phoenix is not as high as Denver, the combination of elevation (about 1,000 feet) and extremely dry air causes the ball to fly slightly farther than it does at sea level. Expect roughly a half-club to a full-club difference on your iron shots. Furthermore, the firm desert turf produces a lot of roll-out on drives, so a 250-yard carry can easily turn into a 290-yard total drive if you land it in the right spot.
The golf scene in Phoenix is more than just a game; it is an immersion into a unique ecosystem where manicured green grass meets the wild, untamed desert. The contrast between the bright green fairways and the red and brown hues of the surrounding mountains creates a visual experience that stays with you long after the final putt drops.
Whether you are walking in the footsteps of champions at a legendary stadium course or enjoying a quiet twilight round with the quail and roadrunners, the Valley of the Sun offers a golfing adventure unlike any other. Pack your sunscreen, bring your camera, and prepare for a round that challenges your game while rejuvenating your spirit.
