Golf guide
The Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Scottsdale has more championship golf per square mile than anywhere in the U.S. Here's what to actually book.
Public-access, worth every dollar
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course — the WM Phoenix Open course. Play it once. Peak-season green fees are steep; the shoulder months (May, October) are the value play.
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro (Fort McDowell) — walkable, no houses, pure desert. Consistently rated the best public course in Arizona.
Troon North Monument — the Scottsdale postcard. Book the first tee time of the morning.
Grayhawk Talon — great course, great clubhouse, easy to get on.
Resort courses worth the resort
Boulders Resort (South and North) — the boulder formations make it unlike anywhere else.
The Phoenician — reimagined by Phil Smith, right under Camelback.
Wildfire at JW Marriott Desert Ridge — 36 holes, Palmer and Faldo designs.
Private, if you can get on
Whisper Rock (Lower and Upper) — the tour-pro home course.
Estancia — Tom Fazio at Pinnacle Peak, invite only.
Silverleaf Club at DC Ranch — arguably the best member course in the state.
Desert Highlands — Nicklaus at the foot of Pinnacle Peak.
When to play
November through April is prime. Book 60+ days out for weekend mornings.
May, September, and October are the value windows — same courses, half the price.
Summer: play at sunrise, be off by 10 a.m. Twilight rates are unbeatable.
Keep reading
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- TPC Scottsdale Rental Homes — Where to Stay for the WM Phoenix Open
- Scottsdale Bachelorette House Rentals — The Insider Playbook
- North Scottsdale Neighborhood Guide (85254 / 85255 / 85259)
- Where the Wealthy Actually Go in Scottsdale
- The Best Spas in Scottsdale
- The Best Restaurants in Scottsdale
- The Best Hikes in Scottsdale