Scottsdale’s reputation as a world-class golf destination is well earned. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and a landscape defined by dramatic desert arroyos and mountain backdrops, the city offers a playing environment unlike anywhere else in the United States. It is a place where Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf signatures are as common as saguaro cacti, and where the quality of the turf is matched only by the precision of the design.
For the traveling golfer, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. The region is home to nearly 200 courses, ranging from exclusive private enclaves to public tracks that have hosted the PGA TOUR’s WM Phoenix Open. Understanding the nuances of the terrain, the seasonal agronomy practices, and the distinct character of each layout is essential to planning a memorable trip. This is not a market where you simply book the first tee time you find; it is a curated experience.
The best public and resort courses in Scottsdale share a common thread: they are integrated into the native Sonoran Desert. This means target golf is the dominant style, with carries over desert scrub, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens that require local knowledge to read effectively. However, the variety is substantial. You will find traditional parkland-style layouts with tree-lined fairways alongside rugged, target-style desert tracks that demand precision off the tee.
Seasonality plays a significant role in the experience. During the peak winter months, overseeded rye grass provides lush, emerald fairways and consistent lies. In the summer, the courses transition to dormant Bermuda, offering firmer, faster conditions at a fraction of the price. A savvy visitor understands that the "best" course depends on the time of year, your handicap, and the type of aesthetic you prefer—whether that is a dramatic cliffside tee box or a serene, secluded valley floor.
Our evaluation of the top courses in the area is based on architectural merit, conditioning standards, historical significance, and overall guest experience. We have considered the walkability, the quality of practice facilities, and the distinct "wow" factor that separates a good round from an unforgettable one. This list focuses on courses accessible to the public, ensuring you can actually book a tee time at these legendary layouts.
Below is a curated list of the premier golf experiences in Scottsdale. Each of these venues offers a unique interpretation of desert golf and represents the pinnacle of the region’s offering.
Grayhawk Golf Club
| Address | 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 |
|---|---|
| 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.
Camelback Golf Club
| Address | 7847 N Mockingbird Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | (480) 596-7050 |
Great experience from bag drop to the final putt! Staff at check in were very welcoming and happy to see us,the starter was very informative of the layout and what to expect. The cart girl came around frequently,she suggested a beer we could only get at the club and it was fantastic,wish I could have saved the cans! The water/ice stations were perfectly placed throughout the round and the carts had all the info for distance etc. and pace of play was under 4 hours!!! We played Ambiente and it was in fabulous shape,greens rolled true,fairways were plush. We'll definitely be back to play the Padre course!
Had a fantastic round at Camelback Golf Club during our Scottsdale trip. The setting alone makes it special — incredible views of Camelback Mountain and classic desert golf scenery all around.
The course was in excellent condition, with beautifully maintained fairways and fast, true greens. The layout is fun and challenging at the same time, with enough variety to keep every hole interesting.
What really stood out was the overall experience — friendly staff, great pace of play, and a relaxed Scottsdale golf vibe. After the round, the clubhouse is a perfect spot to unwind and relive a few good shots (and a few we’d rather forget).
If you’re planning a golf trip to Scottsdale, Camelback is definitely a course worth adding to the list.
course is in good condition as expected for the price, but it was the slowest round i’ve played in a long time. Would be careful booking later on trying to time sunset. Anticipate a 5 hour round. No marshall, just a constant notification on your cart telling you you’re behind pace as you watch three groups on every hole
Overall course was in great condition and views were nice. Main reason for the low rating is pace of play. My buddy and played this course around Noon on a Friday, the Ambiente. They failed to disclose the course double booked a scramble thirty minutes before our tee time, front nine took 3 hours and 30 minutes, and total round came in right under 6 hours!! Best part, we saw the Marshall several times and asked him for an update, to switchover to the second course or some type of credit, versus simply shrug his shoulders and said nothing I can do.. very disappointing, especially for a course that charges north of $230.
Played Ambiente on Friday, May 1st with an 11am tee time. Paid $250 per person, which turned out to be a terrible value for what we got.
Course Conditions:
The course itself was in decent shape. Nothing spectacular, but fairways and tee boxes were acceptable. The greens, however, were subpar—especially disappointing at this price point. The course lacks any real signature holes that make it memorable. It's a straightforward out-and-back routing without anything that really stands out.
Practice Facilities:
The driving range was crowded and the hitting area was in poor condition. Not what you expect when you're paying premium prices.
Service - The Real Problem:
This is where the experience completely fell apart. We played the entire front nine without seeing a beverage cart once. Not a single time. The halfway house was closed—no explanation, no notice. We actually had to call the clubhouse to ask what was going on. They told us they'd send the cart our way.
The beverage cart finally showed up at hole 13. Then we didn't see her again until hole 18, right as we were finishing. In May in Phoenix, this is completely unacceptable, especially at $250 per person.
Value Assessment:
You're paying for location, plain and simple. This is what happens when a course can charge whatever they want because they're in central Scottsdale near the resort. The golf experience doesn't justify anywhere near $250.
For comparison, I played McDowell Mountain the next day and it was a MUCH better experience across the board. More scenic, better maintained, and the beverage cart actually came around regularly.
Bottom Line:
Unless you absolutely need to play in this specific location, skip it. There are too many better values in the Phoenix area that will give you a superior golf experience for less money.
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club
| Address | 7605 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 778-0100 |
As a local this place is awesome. Very playable course. Conditions usually pretty solid. Back 9 more scenic. Summer pass is goated. Cart guys are courteous and nice. Cart girl is a riot.
Played here while on a bachelor party to Scottsdale and thoroughly enjoyed my time here. We played at 7:40 and 7:50 AM and the staff was very accommodating for our two groups. Course was in fantastic shape. Fast greens and nicely mown fairways. The views were great too. The course is reasonably priced for Scottsdale in peak season (I think we paid ~$170 a man). Course is forgiving enough for beginners and novices to enjoy but provides enough difficulty and risk/reward opportunities to challenge the better golfers. Would love to play here again on my next trip to Scottsdale.
I golfed here today and it was a really poor experience. The course is in terrible shape. The ground is as hard as asphalt, there was debris all over tee boxes and greens, and it was the slowest round of golf I’ve played in years. We left after 9 holes because it took 3 hours and that’s not an over-exaggeration. On their website, the state they don’t allow anything more than foursomes and that everyone must adhere to a 4 hr pace of play. There was a group of 5 ahead of us and a group of 8 a few groups later. We had numerous clog ups where we finished a hole and didn’t tee off for another 20 minutes. On 1 of the par 3’s, we literally watched 3 groups play the hole while we waited. We called the staff and told them about it, they sent someone out who was very kind, but basically said there was nothing they could do about it. This all stems from having tee times separated by 8 mins.
The staff was friendly, but they didn’t enforce their own rules and it cost $130 to play this at our tee time. No starters, no course marshall’s, etc. I will say, that it was greatly appreciated that they refunded our group half of our greens fees at the turn so we could stop playing as we had no interest in a 6 hour round.
If I were you, I would consider spending more money to play a nice course than throwing $130 at this place.
If you want a masterclass in how a fairly easy layout can still psychologically dismantle a person, look no further than Silverado Golf Club. Carved out along Scottsdale's Indian Bend Wash and opening its fairways in 2000 under the design hand of the Gilmore-Graves Architectural Design Company, this par-70 course lulls you into a false sense of security with its manageable yardage and approachable tracks. But the course has a sneaky way of biting back, largely thanks to the unforgiving hardpan lies lurking just off the short grass that make distance control and clean contact with the short game an absolute nightmare. That underlying tension follows you right up until you stagger your way to the 18th tee, where Silverado turns its final stanza into a psychological chamber of horrors. Closing a round with a short par-3 over water sounds harmless on paper, but because your score actually matters at this point, the pressure grips your throat. Rational thought tells you the shot should be a breeze, yet standing on the elevated tee box looking down at the pond and menacing bunkers, your hands start shaking, proving once again that a friendly course can still manufacture maximum panic when the scorecard is on the line.
It was great until the last 4 hole. The foursome in front of us just didn't care that it was back up. There were a foursome behind us and another foursome behind them that quit. Meanwhile, the foursome in front of us is a hole or 2 behind. Nobody was in front of them. None at all, to be fair. There was a Marshall, but I don't think those guys listened. Lack of etiquette. Hopefully, our next experiences will be much more pleasant. Shout out to Ivan and his grandson from Iowa. It was a pleasure playing with you both.
Troon North Golf Club
| Address | 10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 585-5300 |
As a Scottsdale wedding photographer, Troon North is one of my absolute FAVORITE venues to photograph at. Ania is an absolute angel and is SO helpful not only to her own staff, but to her couple and the vendors they bring in. There is not a single spot around this venue that is not photogenic. The golfers are always very kind and courteous of couples getting married there as well. HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for stunning views, great customer service/experience, and just an overall beautiful place to get married!
If you can stomach the heat in the summer, I actually think the course conditions in the summer are better than the winter. Happened to play on an overcast (only 100 degree) day so it was pretty nice out. This is one of the original Troon facilities and still the nicest. Practice balls are not beat up, putting green is like the course and the facility has a nice restaurant.
PS, in case you watch the video, went just a little long just over the hump on the green on the left.
It is a bucket list, location with a couple amazing golf course courses.
The staff works amazingly hard.
This place gets a lot of play and unfortunately the greens get beat up.
The views were amazing and the food is definitely top shelf.
They run a tight ship here, so be on time, bring your a game, and your wallet!
Bent grass greens in the desert? Yes, please! I haven’t played here since 2002, and was initially disappointed that they had reconfigured the Pinnacle Course but that was quickly forgotten by the new routing and the exceptional conditions that we experienced. A must play if you’re in Phoenix or Scottsdale!
We loved this course!! It was far from easy and the greens were exceptional fast. The back nine holes were picturesque. Highly recommend playing this course when you book your tee times in Phoenix.
TPC Scottsdale Champions Course
| Address | 8243 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM |
| Phone | (480) 585-4334 |
I became a annual passholder at TPC this year 2026 and have played the Champions course 6 times. First of all the course is immaculate It's always in perfect shape and the greens run true. Secondly they have a five-star staff. The experience from checking in, getting food and beverage, encourse beverage service, to the outside services staff that check you out and clean your clubs at the end is impeccable. I have also met other local pass holders here and enjoy playing with them very much. Finally I want to mention that I'm a high handicap player and end up in the bunkers a lot and even the sand they use in the bunkers is plentiful and true to play.
Woven into the Sonoran Desert with stunning panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains, TPC Scottsdale boasts 36 holes of inspiring golf and upscale amenities that let everyday golfers experience "a day in the life" of a PGA Tour player. Named one of the "Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Arizona" by Golf Digest, the magnificent par-71, 7,216-yard Stadium Course, designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, serves as the stage for the PGA TOUR's legendary Waste Management Phoenix Open. Whether you want it or not a caddie is provided, they all wear solid white jumpsuits, and they work for tips so be kind.
Never golfed there only worked there during the Phoenix Open but its a really pretty course. I always get good pictures there.
Great atmosphere and fun track. I’ve played one other TPC course and the difference in the shape of the course compared to the Champions course is night and day. All around great time and would play again
Fun course to play, staff was great and the two young ladies working the bar where awsome thank you very much.
Talking Stick Golf Club
| Address | 9998 E Talking Stick Wy, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 |
|---|---|
| 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 | (480) 860-2221 |
Played 18 holes today in a casual 30°C (aka “why am I sweating through my glove”) and had an awesome round. Course was in great shape, pace was solid, and overall just a really enjoyable day of golf.
Piipaash was a beauty — forgiving enough to keep things fun, but still challenging enough to keep you honest.
Also, quick side note: beer cans shaped like bottles in the States are elite. We don’t have those in Canada and frankly, that feels like a missed opportunity at a national level.
Great golf, great vibes, great beers. Would absolutely play here again — maybe with slightly less sun trying to slow-roast us. 🍻⛳
I haven't played much golf since moving to AZ but Ive played some great courses around the country. Talking stick is gorgeous. Fairways and greens were in fantastic shape and the course is challenging but still open. Restaurant has good food and friendly service and the facilities are elegant. I'll definitely go back for another round
Playing Talking Stick O'Odham track with a small outing of 12 players. We were treated to a great golf experience at a reasonable price.
Course was in excellent, albeit not pristine condition. O'Odham offers plenty of challenges in the form of terrain and off-fairway challenges as with any desert course. Prepare yourself for the split fairway on #12. Sand traps were very hard, so adjustments are needed to play out of them.
Clubhouse, starter and cart staff were on-task.
Enjoy your round!
We had a Celebration of Life at the Red Mountain Event Room in the Talking Stick Golf Course Clubhouse. From beginning to end, this was such a wonderful experience. The venue is a large, beautiful space with fantastic views. Working with Annemarie, the catering director, was so easy. She was incredibly helpful through the whole process. The event staff were fantastic! The food was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend this place and Annmarie for your next event !
Date Played: November 19th, 2025
South (Piipash)
Time of Round: 3 1/2 Hours (8:00am)
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Condition: Very Good; Desert areas and bunkers were mostly unplayable due to rain. Fairways handled water okay, very wet around greens
Green Speeds: True; Slower than Normal due to not being rolled from recent rain. Still firm.
Price:
First Groups: $180-185
Middle Morning/Noon: $175-180
1-2pm: $101
2-3pm: $84
3pm-Later : $64
North (O’odham)
Time of Round: 4 hours (11:30)
Difficulty: Hard
Condition: Same as above
Greens Speeds: Same as above
Price:
Open-8am: $170-175
8am-12pm: $180-185
12pm-1pm:$175-180
1pm-2pm: $101
2pm-3pm: $84
3pm-Later: $64
Grass Range is included. Balls were average range balls.
Multiple Bathrooms are available on course, all very clean.
Beverage Cart goes around multiple times. A Food Hut is available on the South and you pass the clubhouse multiple times on the North.
The native/desert areas are mostly accessible. It was easier to lose balls at the moment due to vegetatian growing in from recent rains. The North course features multiple holes with out of bounds along the left side guarded by a barbed wire fence.
Wildlife can include coyotes, snakes, and birds (geese, ducks, etc were present). Beware when going into the vegetatian.
Legend Trail Golf Club
| Address | 9462 E. Legendary Ln, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 488-7434 |
This review is not about the course because we never got to play it this time. We have played the course previously and found it well maintained for summer conditions. For our last visit I would have given the course a 4.0 overall rating. The only negative was that the last 4 holes had brown areas in the fairways, so you were playing off of dirt in some spots. Other than that the course conditions and the friendliness of the staff were very good.
This time we booked a summer Hot Deal tee time. The course was completely open, so we went early anticipating accommodations from the staff for an earlier start. Every course we've played this summer has allowed that as very few people were playing in the heat in Scottsdale. What a shock we had at the abject rudeness of the golf shop basically saying " You booked through GolfNow and got a cheap tee time, so you have to play then. We won't let you out earlier." We felt like we were being treated as an unwelcome customer because we were saving $13 on the tee time! Too bad for them because I cancelled the time. So the course had literally one player after we left, and they lost out on our money altogether.
Based on the arrogance of one haughty staff member we would never recommend this course. We live ten minutes away and would still never go back. Fortunately there are 3 other courses the same distance or closer that we can patronize, along with many others just a short distance further.
Overall, a great first experience. Club house attendants and club drop folks were very friendly. Challenging course but a lot of fun. Some dry spots on the fairways and such, but overall course is in good shape. Somewhat moderately priced. (Round in April 2025)
Great condition in-season play. Chipping and putting greens with many holes to practice. Grass driving range. Proshop, food and beverage, and facility are very opulent. Maybe some more options for energy drinks might be nice.
Tough course, very tight. Total difference between playing in the fairway or not playing in desert surroundings. You must hit the fairway. Some difficult teaser par fours that I would totally play differently next time I come.
Gorgeous views and wildlife all throughout the course were exciting to see. There were a lot of elevation changes throughout the course. Ranger was present to keep pace of play, and beverage cart made many visits throughout our round, definite plus with a tough course. Would definitely recommend and will most likely return many more times. Thanks, Legend Trail Golf Club.
Top 5 Golf course of the 60 courses I’ve played around the Valley. Great layout, greens are pure. Fairways and rough is ideal. Truly a beautiful golf course and I highly recommend playing this when you’re looking for a great course to challenge your game.
It was a great round of golf. Very challenging. A place to come and try to hone your golf skills. I will be back. Beautiful location and back drops. Many tee off pics taken!
The only thing is maybe a bottle or two of water would be good. And eventually GPS on the carts would be good too. I used my personal one. So it was fine....
Otherwise great. Great rangers and friendly folks ..
Daniel C.
Scottsdale
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
| Address | 10690 E Sheena Dr, 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) 502-8200 |
My first time playing MMGC and it did not disappoint. The Mountain View’s were spectacular, the course was in great shape and a time was had with the girlies. The cart girl was fantastic and we saw her multiple times throughout the round.
Post golf hangs at the club house were immaculate and the food was delicious.
Had a great round of golf at McDowell on a bachelor party trip last week. Staff was incredibly kind and helpful. We were all from the Midwest and the staff paid extra mind to make sure we properly aware of regional safety concerns (like snakes and extra hydration) which was not necessarily on the front of our minds otherwise. Course was fun and food was great! I hope to be back someday!
Beautiful course! Challenging! If you play the edges you are going to have a tough day.
Felicia, Taylor and the hostess were so welcoming. The menu is excellent and the portions are perfect!!
I asked the young man, Deckland, who was making the wood fired pizzas, if he could duplicate one of my favorite pizzas. He immediately asked the chef and was given the okay.
We highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to our next visit!!
This was a fun course. It was not too challenging, I would say on the easier side compared to other courses. We enjoyed our round. Course was in good shape Nice scenery with the McDowell Mountains and the City of Scottsdale. Definitely worth playing here if given the opportunity.
Gainey Ranch Golf Club
| Address | 7600 E Gainey Club Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (480) 951-0022 |
Well maintained property, cooperative staff that exceeded all expectations.
I had a chance to play here. We played the Dunes and Arroyo. Both 9’s were immaculate. They looked tournament ready. We never saw a ranger but it was unnecessary. We played as a foursome in a bit less than 4 hours from a 9:06 tee time.
Both 9’s had several interesting holes. The greens were very quick but smooth. If I had to nitpick, the practice tees were on mats.
Doubt I’ll ever get another opportunity to play there but it was great.
I held a 50 person luncheon at this club and the meal was 30 minutes late being served despite multiple meetings with the sales and banquet staff. They were clearly understaffed, and the staff they had were rude, the food was mid at best. When I asked for a partial refund I was blamed and told I had asked for too many meal choices (we went from 3 to 5 and they knew this going in) and the waiters didn’t know who had which meal (I had place cards to indicate those choices, also discussed multiple times). I plan events for a living and have never had such poor service.
The food here was very good. Unfortunately due to the nature of the visit which was a Celebration of Life event, by the time I sat down to eat my food it was cold. The items that were not cold were very delicious and the dessert was devine. The wait staff was fabulous as well.
First course I've played in Phoenix. Course was immaculate, even after just having came out of overseeding. Pro shop and outside ops staffs were very friendly and professional. Gorgeous club house with great balcony seatings overlooking the golf course.
The range was all grass with clean Titleist balls.
Greens were rolling about 9.4. Looking forward to playing here again when the greens are perfect.
McCormick Ranch Golf Club
| Address | 7505 E McCormick Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 |
|---|---|
| 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 | (480) 948-0260 |
Great location so it is super busy.
There are two 18 holes, Palm and Pines. Pines were busy so wegot to play the Palm course.
The layout is really good and some with nice water and Mountain Views. We started on the back 9, then front.
Back 9: potholes with puddles of mud waters on fairways and between holes are just horrible. Greens are bumpy with lots of mold or something, it’s like some source of disease growing and taking over the greens.
Front 9: much better condition than back 9, almost like playing a different course.
Cart with GPS: yes
Ice in cooler: yes for keeping your canteen cool.
Bathroom on Palm course: D
McCormick Ranch Golf Club: Front 9 Breakdown
Tired of spraying balls into the Arizona desert? McCormick Ranch Golf Club offers two classic, resort-style parkland loops right in central Scottsdale: the Palm Course and the Pine Course. Here is how the front nines stack up.
Palm Course (Front 9)
Pros
Iconic Signature Hole: Hole #9 features a famous, high-stakes island fairway and water approach that tests your nerves.
Scenery: Vibrant, tropical resort vibe filled with palm trees, serene lakes, and sweeping views of Camelback Mountain.
Forgiving Drives: Generous fairway corridors give you plenty of room off the tee to open up your shoulders.
Cons
Water Everywhere: Misplaced approach shots will easily find wet hazards across multiple holes.
Elevated Greens: Approach shots require extra precision to carry green-side bunkers and hold the surface.
Pine Course (Front 9)
Pros
Traditional Parkland Feel: Dense pine trees frame every hole, offering a unique, traditional layout rarely found in Scottsdale.
Shade & Rhythm: The mature tree canopy provides welcome shade during warm Arizona rounds.
Great Finishing Par-5: Hole #9 offers aggressive hitters a fun risk-reward shot at reaching the green in two.
Cons
Tight Off the Tee: Overhanging pine branches punish offline drives and force you to shape shots.
Less Visual Drama: Lacks the splashy island-style water views found on the Palm loop.
The Verdict
Play the Palm Front 9 if you love big water challenges, scenic lake views, and postcard-worthy photo ops.
Play the Pine Front 9 if you prefer classic tree-lined accuracy, strategic shot-shaping, and driver discipline.
For $180 I shouldn't have dirt greens, un cut boxes, and no rough. I got lots of pot holes on cart path. The only consistency on the course was bad cart paths. Do not play here.
Possibly the best wedding venue I have been to! Beautiful golf course and the facilities were amazing!
This is open to the public for lunch! Enjoyed a nice meal out on the patio. Ridiculously busy for only one server though. Really need to rethink adding someone to help in the wait staff
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
| Address | 18200 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264 |
|---|---|
| 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 | (480) 836-9000 |
We-Ko-Pa is inviting and friendly, everyone from the bag drop staff to the pro shop to starter and rangers were exceptional… much like the golf course itself. Wonderful, enjoyable track (only played Saguaro but the local I played with said he likes the other course even better). Fairly open fairways for the mid handicap but challenging enough for lower GHINs from the purple or Saguaro tees. Enjoy!
I thought it was a nice layout. Played the composite tees. Plenty of hills and some blind shots for me. Fairways rolled nicely and my bunker shots all went out as expected the sand was in good shape. I practiced putts down at the range, the green there was way faster than anything I saw out on the course. All in all this is an excellent course (cholla). 4 stars because I think they charge a little too much.
The service here is impeccable. We just wrapped up a bachelor party golf trip and had a large group of golfers. Nick and Houston were very helpful with getting this set up for, 4 tee times. I was very impressed with the communication and the service we got when we played. They offer amazing cart/bag service and clean your clubs at the end of the round. We played the Cholla course, and it was amazing. Very well kept and a good variety of challenging holes made the round fun.
Wekopa Golf Club stands out as one of the premier public facilities and courses in the Southwest. Both courses offer distinct experiences. Cholla, with its tighter layout and focus on target golf, provides a more intimate and challenging experience. In contrast, Saguaro is significantly larger, offering a more expansive and varied landscape. Regardless of the season, both courses maintain exceptional condition, excluding routine maintenance. The staff is consistently friendly and professional, and the on-site restaurant is great for a bite to eat before or after your round. Having played multiple rounds at Wekopa Golf Club, I have consistently enjoyed each visit. If you are planning a golf trip to Arizona, I highly recommend Wekopa Golf Club.
Amazing golf courses! Great landscape, best fairways I have ever played on. Good selection at the pro shop. Grab some food at the grill when your done.
Essential Tips for Booking Your Scottsdale Golf Trip
Securing the ideal tee sheet in Scottsdale requires more than just a quick online search. The market is driven by high demand from tourists and a complex dynamic between resort pricing and local play. To ensure you maximize your budget and your enjoyment, consider the following strategies that experienced golf travelers use to navigate the desert golf scene effectively.
- Book Tee Times 60 to 90 Days in Advance for Peak Season. From January through April, the most desirable morning tee times at top-tier courses sell out quickly. Waiting until the week of your trip will often leave you with only twilight rates or lesser-known layouts.
- Embrace the Twilight Rate. If your budget is a concern, booking a tee time after 2:00 PM offers significant savings. Because Scottsdale enjoys long daylight hours even in the winter, a twilight round often allows you to finish 18 holes while paying 30% to 50% less than the prime morning rate.
- Understand the Overseed Schedule. Most courses close for two to four weeks in September and October to transition from Bermuda to Rye grass. If you are traveling in the fall, verify that the course has completed its overseeding and that the fairways are not "cart path only," as this drastically affects the playing experience.
- Factor in the "Desert Rule." Many local courses implement a local rule to speed up play: if your ball enters the native desert area, you are permitted to drop a ball near the point of entry with a one-stroke penalty instead of searching for your original ball. Adopting this mindset saves time and prevents encounters with local wildlife.
- Stay and Play Packages Offer the Best Value. Resorts like Troon North, The Boulders, and We-Ko-Pa often bundle accommodations with guaranteed tee times. These packages frequently provide better access to preferred morning times than booking a hotel and tee time separately.
The allure of Scottsdale golf lies not just in the technical challenge but in the sensory experience of playing through the high desert. The contrast of a bright white bunker against a rust-colored mountain, the sound of a ball rattling through a dry wash, and the sight of a roadrunner crossing the green are integral parts of the round. Choosing the right course is about matching your skill level and aesthetic preference to the landscape.
Ultimately, a golf trip to Scottsdale is an investment in scenery and shot-making. Whether you are staring down the intimidating carry on a desert par 3 or navigating a multi-tiered green complex, the courses here demand your full attention. By planning ahead and respecting the unique characteristics of desert golf, you ensure that your visit to the Valley of the Sun is remembered for the birdies, not the bogeys.
