Arizona, with its stunning desert landscapes and year-round sunshine, is a golfer’s paradise. The state boasts an impressive array of golf courses, ranging from lush resort greens to the rugged beauty of desert-style courses. Our roundup of the Top 10 Golf Courses in Arizona highlights the best spots where you can enjoy a challenging round of golf while soaking up the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, these courses offer an unforgettable golfing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona’s top golf courses offer a diverse range of playing experiences, from traditional layouts to desert-inspired designs.
- The list includes both municipal and resort courses, catering to golfers of all preferences and budgets.
- Many of these courses feature amenities such as private events, club rentals, and post-round spa treatments.
- Golfers can experience the unique Sonoran Desert environment with courses like Troon North and We-Ko-Pa.
- Courses like TPC Scottsdale – The Stadium Course are not only great for playing but also host PGA Tour events, adding to their prestige.
1. Mesa View Golf Course
Ranked as the #1 public golf course in Arizona, Mesa View Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience with its 9-hole, par 30 layout. This municipal course is nestled in the quaint town of Bagdad, AZ, and is known for its well-maintained bent grass fairways and greens.
Mesa View Golf Course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts and provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for players of all skill levels.
Amenities at Mesa View Golf Course cater to a variety of needs, including private events and club rentals, ensuring a comprehensive golfing experience. For those looking to book a tee time or inquire about rates, the course’s contact details are as follows:
- Address: 4 Ash Street, Bagdad, AZ
- Phone number: +1 928-633-2818
- Website: https://bagdadaztown.com/amenities/golf-course/
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to add Mesa View Golf Course to your list of top golf destinations in Arizona.
2. Willowcreek Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of Sun City, Willowcreek Golf Course offers a serene golfing experience. This 18-hole, par 72 course, designed by the renowned George Fazio & Tom Fazio, has been a staple since 1973. With its lush fairways and relatively flat greens that roll true, Willowcreek is perfect for a leisurely round of golf.
Amenities at Willowcreek cater to a variety of needs, including private events and club rentals. The course is known for its bent grass fairways and greens, ensuring a premium playing surface.
Willowcreek Golf Course is not particularly challenging, but it’s a lot of fun and in good condition, making it a great choice for golfers of all skill levels.
For those looking to plan a visit, here are some quick details:
- Location: Sun City, AZ
- Phone: +1 623-876-3030
- Website: Willowcreek Golf Course
While the course does not boast a challenging layout, it compensates with its well-maintained fairways and greens, providing a delightful golfing experience.
3. The Phoenician Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, The Phoenician Golf Course offers a luxurious golfing experience with its well-maintained fairways and picturesque views. The course is known for its excellent condition and the quality of its facilities, providing golfers with a memorable round of play.
The pace of play at The Phoenician is generally good, with most rounds completed in around four and a half hours. However, players may experience some delays, particularly on the back nine holes. Despite this, the overall experience is highly regarded by visitors.
The Phoenician Golf Course is a testament to the beauty and challenge of desert golf, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape to create a unique golfing adventure.
Here are some quick facts about the course:
- Located in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 bubbles
- Known for its incredible shape and practice areas
- Minor issues with pace during peak times
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, The Phoenician Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a round of golf in Arizona.
4. Topgolf Scottsdale
Topgolf Scottsdale offers a unique blend of entertainment and golfing experience that caters to all skill levels. Visitors often praise the venue for its fun atmosphere and excellent food. With cooling fans to combat the summer heat, it’s a comfortable place to spend time with friends or family.
- Great for groups or solo players
- Advanced booking recommended
- Suitable for all ages and skill levels
Topgolf Scottsdale stands out as a premier golfing destination with its high-quality service and engaging gameplay.
While the overall experience is highly rated, it’s important to note that some guests have mentioned the initial service can impact the overall impression. Nonetheless, the solid staff services and the quality of the food generally leave a positive lasting impression.
5. Kierland Golf Club
Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Kierland Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with its 27-hole layout that caters to both group tournaments and individual play. The club is renowned for its excellent condition and the pace of play, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable round for all golfers.
Visitors often praise the friendly and accommodating staff, with special mentions of the beverage cart service that adds to the overall pleasant atmosphere. The course’s fairways are described as playable and well-maintained, making it a favorite destination for golfers seeking a challenge in a welcoming environment.
Kierland Golf Club stands out not only for its superb course but also for the quality of service that makes every visit memorable.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 bubbles, Kierland Golf Club is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast in Arizona. Whether braving the heat for a summer game or enjoying a vacation round, the club promises a top-tier golfing experience.
6. TPC Scottsdale – The Stadium Course
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is a premier golfing destination, renowned for hosting the WM Phoenix Open, the highest-attended event on the PGA Tour. The course is celebrated for its world-famous 16th hole, which transforms into a stadium-like atmosphere during the tournament, offering an unparalleled experience for both players and spectators.
The Stadium Course is rated 4.5 out of 5 bubbles by golf enthusiasts, indicating its exceptional quality and popularity among golfers. While the course is a favorite for many, it’s advisable to avoid Saturdays if you prefer a quieter round, as the crowds can be overwhelming, making it more suitable for those who enjoy people-watching.
The 18th hole is particularly notable, providing a challenging uphill finish with a tight landing area over water and bunkers. However, golfers should be prepared for a potentially slow pace of play, with rounds sometimes exceeding five hours.
Overall, TPC Scottsdale offers a memorable golfing experience, with its well-maintained fairways and attentive staff ensuring a pleasant visit. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply looking to enjoy the scenic desert landscapes, the Stadium Course is a must-visit on any golfer’s list.
7. Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience with its two distinct courses: Talon and Raptor. Both courses have received high praise for their challenging layouts and immaculate conditions. The Talon course, in particular, is known for its engaging play and has been described as a very enjoyable golfing experience.
The club’s amenities are top-notch, with a well-appointed clubhouse and excellent dining options. The staff at Grayhawk is renowned for their professionalism, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Here’s a quick glance at what golfers have to say:
- Amazing views of the entire valley
- Everything in great condition
- Pricey but worth it
Grayhawk stands out with its first-class service and facilities, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast in Arizona.
8. Troon North Golf Club
Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, Troon North Golf Club stands as a pinnacle of desert golfing. With its meticulously maintained fairways and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that golf enthusiasts consistently rate it highly. The club offers two courses, each providing a unique challenge to golfers of all skill levels.
The Monument Course at Troon North is renowned for its outstanding staff and beautiful, challenging layout. A must-play in the Scottsdale area, it’s a testament to the club’s commitment to excellence.
While the club is a public course, keep in mind that the experience comes with a premium price tag. Renting clubs adds an additional cost, but savvy golfers can take advantage of the Troon Card for significant savings. Here’s a quick look at the ratings:
| Course | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Troon North Golf Club | 4.5/5 bubbles | 450 |
| Monument Course | 4.5/5 bubbles | 96 |
The consensus among visitors is clear: the course is a gem in the valley, offering amazing conditions and views. Although it may be pricey, those who have played it agree—it’s worth every penny.
9. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers a serene yet challenging golf experience. The club boasts two distinct courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels, with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and native flora.
While the club is renowned for its excellent course conditions and layout, some visitors have noted that the pace of play can be slow and the staff presence is sometimes lacking, particularly around the Club House. This has led to mixed experiences for some golfers.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a must-visit for any avid golfer seeking a blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge. The club’s commitment to providing a top-tier golfing experience is evident in the meticulous maintenance of the courses.
Amenities at We-Ko-Pa include a well-stocked golf shop, practice facilities, and the Trails End Bar & Grill, perfect for a post-round meal. The club also offers a range of services such as cart and club rentals, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable visit.
10. Deer Valley Golf Course
Rounding out our top 10 is the Deer Valley Golf Course, a municipal gem located in Sun City West, AZ. Designed by the duo of Greg Nash and Billy Casper, this course opened its fairways in 1994 and has since provided golfers with a blend of challenge and relaxation.
With wide fairways and large greens, Deer Valley caters to players looking for a more forgiving round. However, don’t be fooled by its welcoming nature; water hazards and strategic bunkers are peppered throughout to keep you on your toes.
Deer Valley is an excellent course for golfers of all skill levels, offering a satisfying balance between playability and test of skill.
Amenities at Deer Valley are plentiful, ensuring a comfortable and convenient golfing experience. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:
- Private event hosting
- Cart and club rentals
- Bent grass fairways and greens
For those seeking specifics, here’s the course at a glance:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 13975 West Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, AZ |
| Phone | +1 623-544-6016 |
| Website | Deer Valley Golf Course |
While the course is not officially rated, it’s clear that Deer Valley holds its own as a spot worthy of your tee time.
Conclusion
Arizona’s diverse landscape offers a spectacular array of golfing experiences, from the serene Sonoran Desert to the lush fairways of resort-style courses. Whether you’re seeking the challenge of a championship course like Mesa View Golf Course or the laid-back vibe of a municipal gem like Deer Valley Golf Course, there’s something for every golfer in the Grand Canyon State. Our top 10 list showcases the best public golf courses in Arizona, each with its unique character and amenities. From the iconic TPC Scottsdale to the picturesque Grayhawk Golf Club, these courses are not just about the game but also about the breathtaking views and exceptional facilities. So, grab your clubs and explore these top-rated greens for an unforgettable golfing adventure in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mesa View Golf Course rank #1 in Arizona?
Mesa View Golf Course is highly regarded for its 9 hole, par 30 layout, offering a fantastic golfing experience in Bagdad, AZ. Its popularity is due to its exceptional course conditions, scenic views, and challenging yet enjoyable play for golfers of all skill levels.
Are the golf courses listed only available to the public?
Yes, the golf courses listed in this article are public courses, which means they are accessible to all golfers. Some may offer additional amenities like private events and club rentals.
Can I find golf courses with traditional landscapes in Arizona?
Absolutely, Arizona boasts a variety of golf courses with traditional green grass and wide fairways. Courses like The Phoenician and Willowcreek Golf Course offer classic golfing landscapes.
Do any golf courses in Arizona offer unique desert landscapes?
Yes, courses like Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, and Boulders Golf Club provide a unique Sonoran Desert experience with natural rock formations and saguaros, making for a memorable round of golf.
What amenities can I expect at the top golf courses in Arizona?
Many top golf courses in Arizona offer a range of amenities including private event hosting, golf cart and club rentals, practice areas, and on-site dining. Some courses are also part of resorts offering spa treatments and other luxury services.
Is there a golf course in Arizona that combines entertainment with golfing?
Topgolf Scottsdale is a premier destination that combines golf with entertainment. It offers climate-controlled hitting bays, a variety of games, great food, and a fun atmosphere for all ages.