Top 12 Golf Courses in Arizona: Must-Play Picks for Every Golfer

Colin McCarthy

Golf Courses in Arizona

Arizona, with its stunning desert landscapes and year-round sunshine, is a golfer’s paradise featuring some of the finest courses in the nation.

Highlights include TPC Scottsdale, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and Troon North Golf Club with its dramatic desert vistas.

The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix blends history and luxury, while We-Ko-Pa Golf Club in Fort McDowell is renowned for its pristine conditions.

Other notable courses include Southern Dunes in Maricopa, Omni Tucson National Resort, and Quintero Golf Club in Peoria. Each course offers unique challenges and scenic beauty, making Arizona a top destination for golf enthusiasts.

Additionally, the Greyhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale features two championship courses loved by pros and amateurs alike. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills offers rugged terrain and breathtaking views.

Top 12 Best Golf Courses in Arizona

Discovering Arizona’s top golf courses offers an array of experiences, from stunning desert landscapes to meticulously maintained greens.

Here are the 13 best golf courses in Arizona, each promising a memorable round.

1. TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course

TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course

TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course is a premier golf destination in Arizona, known for its exceptional maintenance and facilities. Green fees range from $300 to $550, reflecting the course’s high demand and quality.

One golfer, DJSlider, praised the pristine condition of the greens and standout customer service, noting the fun experience, particularly at the iconic #16 par 3 hole.

The course, especially famous for hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, is beloved for its challenging, enjoyable rounds and careful upkeep, making it a memorable spot for both seasoned and casual golfers.

2. Troon North Golf Club

Troon North Golf Club

The green fees for one of Arizona’s top golf courses range from $316 to $406, reflecting its premium quality. Reviews, like that of Jim4960164, praise the exceptional conditioning of the greens and the friendly, accommodating staff.

The high green fee indicates a meticulously designed course, often by renowned architects, integrating natural elements and challenging hazards. This, coupled with world-class maintenance and facilities, offers a superior golfing experience.

Testimonials affirm that the course caters to players of all skill levels, making the investment worthwhile for both locals and visitors seeking a comprehensive and memorable golf adventure.

3. Quintero Golf Club

Quintero Golf Club

Arizona is known for its exceptional golf courses, featuring beautiful desert landscapes and sunny weather.

One of the top courses charges a green fee of $209-$229, offering a premium experience with pristine conditions, fast and well-groomed greens, and professional, polite staff.

A testimonial from a golfer named blester7 highlights the course’s excellence, noting the outstanding conditions and superb customer service. Arizona’s premier golf courses provide an ideal setting for golfers of all levels, ensuring a memorable and worthwhile experience.

4. Los Caballeros Golf Club

Los Caballeros Golf Club

Los Cab’s green fee of $99 offers excellent value for golfers in Arizona seeking a top-notch experience. Testimonials highlight the course’s quality, friendly staff, and ongoing renovations.

CalebW12’s review praises the course’s soft, receptive greens and smooth putting surface, making it a fantastic destination for golfers.

The convenience of a shuttle service from the parking lot to the range and first tee further enhances the hassle-free experience, making this green fee a worthwhile investment for an unforgettable day on the greens.

5. Oakcreek Country Club

Oakcreek Country Club

The Arizona golf course, with green fees ranging from $93 to $129, is highly praised by Brendel20185 for its beauty and challenging gameplay.

The course features diverse and distinct holes, with greens influenced by the surrounding mountains, providing a unique and stimulating experience for golfers.

Meticulously maintained fairways and rough contribute to this quality course, which offers excellent value for the money despite the initial cost.

Overall, it is considered a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a top-notch golfing experience in Arizona.

6. Westbrook Village Golf Club – Lakes Course

Westbrook Village Golf Club - Lakes Course

Green fees at Arizona’s top golf courses typically start around $85 but can be higher during peak seasons like winter. A golfer, Rongolfwiz, praises an Arizona course for its spaciousness and lack of crowds, allowing a quick and enjoyable round.

Arizona offers courses for all skill levels, with notable ones like Troon North and TPC Scottsdale providing scenic views and challenging play.

Famous spots such as Whisper Rock Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club showcase Arizona’s unique blend of natural beauty and golfing excellence, making it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

7. Wildfire Golf Club – Palmer Course

Wildfire Golf Club - Palmer Course

The cost of playing at top-tier Arizona golf courses typically ranges from $183 to $204, reflecting high-quality conditions and well-maintained facilities.

However, customer reviews like fwilcox’s highlight issues such as subpar customer service, lack of assistance with clubs, and poor pace of play, despite excellent course conditions and practice facilities.

Such feedback underscores the importance of enhanced service and efficient course management to justify the premium green fees. Golfers are advised to seek better rates through promotions, memberships, or advance bookings to ensure a satisfactory experience.

8. Whirlwind Golf Club – Devil’s Claw

Whirlwind Golf Club - Devil's Claw

Golfers considering a round at this premier Arizona course can expect to pay green fees ranging from $180 to $227. Enthusiastic reviews, such as one from golfer jmumjmum, praise the immaculate condition of the course, particularly the greens.

The course’s strategic design, challenging layout, and picturesque Arizona landscapes enhance the golfing experience.

In addition to the on-course appeal, the club provides extensive amenities like state-of-the-art practice facilities, well-stocked pro shops, luxurious clubhouses, and access to professional instruction, ensuring a memorable and top-tier golfing experience.

9. Copper Canyon Golf Club

Copper Canyon Golf Club

Copper Canyon Golf Club in Arizona offers a premium golfing experience with green fees ranging from $109 to $135. Golfer Markusgolf praised the course for its excellent pace of play, challenging greens, friendly staff, and enjoyable group dynamic.

The course features three distinct nine-hole layouts—Mountain, Meadows, and Vista—designed by Lee Schmidt, which provide a blend of natural beauty and strategic play for golfers of all skill levels.

Copper Canyon is renowned for its immaculate maintenance, welcoming staff, and overall exceptional golfing experience, making it a top destination in Arizona.

10. Whirlwind Golf Club – Cattail Course

Whirlwind Golf Club - Cattail Course

Green fees at top Arizona golf courses range from $180 to $227, reflecting their premium quality with meticulously maintained fairways, world-class facilities, and stunning desert landscapes.

These fees often include access to amenities like modern clubhouses, professional practice areas, and pro shops. Reviews highlight positive experiences with course conditions, noting smooth greens, effective overseeding, and a good pace of play, usually around four hours.

Such features make these courses popular among golfers, offering an exceptional and memorable golfing experience worth the investment.

11. Desert Canyon Golf Club

Desert Canyon Golf Club

Arizona’s top golf courses charge green fees ranging from $169 to $195, reflecting their high quality and exclusivity. Reviewers frequently commend the courses for their immaculate conditions, efficient management, and breathtaking aesthetics.

Despite criticisms of high prices, players appreciate the value offered through excellent maintenance, professional staff, and smooth pace of play.

These elements contribute to high customer satisfaction, making the courses highly recommended for golf enthusiasts willing to invest in a premium golfing experience amidst Arizona’s scenic desert landscapes.

12. Aguila Golf Course

Aguila Golf Course

Arizona is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes and sunny weather, making it a golfer’s paradise with a variety of top-tier courses. One notable course, praised for its layout, condition, and pace, offers green fees ranging from $61 to $77.

GolfinsunJT describes it as “TOP NOTCH” and a favorite. Other standout courses include Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, which features challenging, scenic layouts, and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, known for its serene, natural environment.

Arizona’s courses cater to all styles and preferences, offering memorable experiences in spectacular settings.

What Makes a Golf Course Perfect in Arizona

A perfect Arizona golf course combines breathtaking desert scenery, challenging layouts, impeccable conditioning, luxurious amenities, local cultural touches, accessibility, and exceptional value, creating an unforgettable golfing experience.

Scenic Beauty

Arizona’s golf courses stand out because of their stunning landscapes. The desert vistas, mountain backdrops, and beautiful sunsets enhance the golfing experience.

Lovely surroundings, such as those at Troon North Golf Club or Quintero Golf Club, create an immersive atmosphere that complements the sport. These premier courses are meticulously maintained, offering challenging layouts for golfers of all skill levels.

Moreover, the consistently sunny weather ensures that enthusiasts can enjoy their game year-round.

Challenging Layouts

Golfers seek courses that test their skills. Perfect courses feature strategic bunkering, water hazards, and varying elevations.

Troon North’s Monument Course and TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course are renowned for their meticulously designed and challenging layouts that keep players engaged.

Additionally, We-Ko-Pa’s Saguaro Course showcases stunning desert scenery and a challenging design by Coore & Crenshaw. These top golf courses in Arizona offer golfers an unparalleled experience.

Impeccable Conditioning

Pristine greens and well-maintained fairways are crucial. Superior conditioning ensures an enjoyable and fair game. Courses like TPC Scottsdale and Los Caballeros Golf Club are noted for their immaculate upkeep, offering consistently high-quality playing surfaces.

Other notable mentions include Troon North Golf Club and We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, which also garner praise for their exceptional maintenance. These premier courses provide players with a top-tier golfing experience.

Resort Amenities

Top Arizona golf courses often include luxurious clubhouses, fine dining, and spa facilities. These amenities make the experience more enjoyable and provide relaxation after a round.

Wildfire Golf Club and Whirlwind Golf Club are perfect examples, offering top-tier amenities that attract golfers seeking both sport and leisure.

Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale is another premium destination, known for its challenging courses and picturesque desert landscapes. Don’t miss out on Grayhawk Golf Club, which combines excellent play with stunning views.

Unique Local Culture

Integrating local culture adds a unique touch to the golfing experience. Arizona courses like Whirlwind Golf Club celebrate Native American heritage, while Copper Canyon Golf Club reflects its desert surroundings.

Troon North Golf Club combines the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert with world-class golfing, and Grayhawk Golf Club features a challenging layout by renowned architects.

These courses provide exceptional gameplay, stunning views, and cultural richness, making Arizona a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.

Accessibility

Being easy to reach is a significant factor. Golf courses situated near major cities or airports attract more visitors.

Proximity to Phoenix and Scottsdale ensures that courses like Westbrook Village Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale are convenient for golfers traveling from different regions.

Additionally, year-round favorable weather conditions make these courses highly desirable destinations. The lush landscapes and well-maintained fairways add to the overall experience, making Arizona a prime location for golf enthusiasts.

Value for Money

Offering great value is essential. Courses that provide a high-quality experience at a reasonable price stand out. Aguila Golf Course and Copper Canyon Golf Club excel in providing superb golfing experiences without very costly, making them ideal for budget-conscious golfers.

Both courses feature meticulously maintained greens, scenic views, and challenging layouts that appeal to all skill levels. Their exceptional services and amenities further enhance the golfing experience.

Climate Benefits

Arizona’s sunny, dry climate is perfect for year-round golf. The mild winters and hot summers ensure that golf courses are always playable.

This reliable weather makes it an attractive destination for golfers from across the country, ensuring courses are busy throughout the year.

From the stunning desert landscapes to the meticulously maintained greens, Arizona’s golf courses offer a unique and challenging experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, you’ll find a course that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Arizona’s golf courses exceptional?

Arizona’s golf courses stand out due to their scenic beauty, challenging layouts, impeccable conditioning, resort amenities, local culture integration, accessibility, value for money, and favorable climate.

Which courses are noted for their landscapes and challenging designs?

Troon North Golf Club and TPC Scottsdale are highly commended for their stunning landscapes and challenging course designs.

What makes TPC Scottsdale and Los Caballeros Golf Club special?

Both TPC Scottsdale and Los Caballeros Golf Club are praised for their pristine conditions and top-notch maintenance.

Where can one find luxurious amenities in Arizona golf courses?

Courses like Wildfire Golf Club and Whirlwind Golf Club offer luxurious amenities, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

How do Arizona’s golf courses incorporate local culture?

Courses such as Whirlwind Golf Club and Copper Canyon Golf Club integrate local culture into their design and ambiance, providing a unique golfing experience.

Conclusion

Exploring Arizona’s top golf courses offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, challenging designs, and luxurious amenities. Each course, from Troon North Golf Club to Copper Canyon Golf Club, provides a unique golfing experience.

Whether you seek pristine conditions, cultural integration, or value for money, these courses cater to all preferences. Major cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale enhance accessibility, while the state’s favorable climate allows for year-round play.

Arizona’s diverse golf courses solidify its status as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. When planning your next golf trip, don’t miss out on notable courses such as the We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and the Boulders Resort & Spa.

These destinations promise unparalleled experiences, combining top-tier golfing with the scenic beauty of the desert. Whether you are a seasoned player or just starting, Arizona’s golf courses present an ideal location for improving your game while enjoying a memorable vacation.

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Colin McCarthy

Golf is about mastering your misses and learning from them. I seek answers on the how and why of the golf swing, gaining experience even when answers elude me. With over 11,000 hours of teaching and a hunger for learning, I welcome any questions. My goal is to introduce golf to as many as possible, simplifying the game for all to enjoy. Passionate, eager, and ambitious, I'm here to teach, listen, and learn. LinkedIn

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