Arizona golf is unique in the world: you’re playing 7,000 yards of desert terrain carved from Sonoran cactus and granite boulders, usually in sunshine, often in temperatures that make October feel like peak Scotland. The courses around Scottsdale and Phoenix alone could fill a week of tee times – but not all of them are worth building a trip around. The ten below are. They’re ranked for variety, for the quality of the experience when you show up as a group, and for what you’ll be talking about on the flight home.
Why Arizona Is the Perfect Guys’ Golf Trip Destination
Three things make Arizona the go-to for guys’ golf trips: the weather window, the course density, and the after-round setup. The sweet spot is October through April, when daytime highs sit in the 70s and 80s across the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Summer is brutal – 110°F on a cart path is not a vacation – but visit in the cooler months and you’re getting some of the best playing conditions in the country. Courses dry out fast, fairways run firm, and you’re rarely waiting on the group in front of you.
The course density around Scottsdale alone is staggering. There are over 200 courses within roughly an hour of Phoenix Sky Harbor. You could play a different course every day for six days and not come close to repeating. The ten below cut through the noise and give you the ones that are actually worth your trip dollars.
And when the round ends? Scottsdale has you covered. Old Town is a 15-minute drive from most North Scottsdale courses, and it’s packed with steakhouses, cocktail bars, and late-night spots that can handle a group of eight. If your crew wants something more resort-based, The Westin Kierland, the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn, and the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North all sit within walking distance or a short drive from multiple courses on this list.
1. Troon North (Monument Course)
Nestled at the edge of the Sonoran Desert, Troon North Golf Club is often praised as the crown jewel of Arizona golf. The club features two championship courses: the Monument and the Pinnacle. Both courses are expertly designed to blend seamlessly with the natural desert landscape, offering a challenging game and breathtaking views.
The Monument Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf, is especially famous for its rocky terrain and dramatic elevation changes. Meanwhile, the Pinnacle Course offers a slightly more forgiving layout, though it still requires precision and strategy. With its impeccable conditions and luxurious facilities, Troon North is a must-visit for anyone looking for top golf courses in Arizona.
The granite boulder formations on the back nine are unlike anything you’ll find at a typical resort course – budget 30 extra seconds per shot just to take them in.
Good to know: Green fees range from around $100–$260 seasonally. Troon North has two courses (Monument and Pinnacle) – if your group can fit in 36 holes across two days, this is the spot to do it. Monument is the stronger of the two; Pinnacle is slightly more forgiving and makes a good warm-up day.
2. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
If you’ve ever watched the Waste Management Phoenix Open, you’ve seen TPC Scottsdale in action. Known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” this course is equally popular among PGA Tour players and fans. The Stadium Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, is a challenging but rewarding layout with wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and the famous 16th hole – a par-3 surrounded by stadium-style seating.
The Champions Course, though less famous, is just as enjoyable, offering a more relaxed round with stunning desert views. If your group is competitive and wants bragging rights, this is the one – you’ll be playing the same 16th hole Tiger Woods aced in 1997.
Good to know: Green fees run roughly $80–$220 depending on season, with the best rates in summer if your crew can handle the heat. Book the Stadium over the Champions course – the par-3 16th, ringed by stadium seating that holds up to 20,000 fans during the Waste Management Phoenix Open, is one of the most photographed holes in American golf and worth the upcharge alone.
3. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)
Designed by Tom Fazio, the Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club is a true test of skill. This course is known for its strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and challenging water hazards. The layout is both visually stunning and mentally demanding, making it a favorite among serious golfers.
What sets Grayhawk apart is its commitment to providing a top-notch experience for players of all levels. The practice facilities are second to none, and the club’s friendly atmosphere makes it a great choice for both locals and visitors. If you’re looking for a course that combines beauty, challenge, and accessibility, the Raptor Course should be on your list of top golf courses in Arizona.
Good to know: Green fees typically run $80–$200. Grayhawk also has the Talon Course on site — a solid companion round if your group is staying in North Scottsdale for multiple days. The Raptor is the one to prioritize; it hosted the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open and has the better conditioning of the two.
4. The Boulders Club (South Course)
The Boulders Resort & Spa is synonymous with luxury, and its North Course is no exception. This Jay Morrish-designed course winds through massive granite boulders, creating a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. The North Course is shorter than its sibling, the South Course, but it more than makes up for it with its strategic design and breathtaking scenery.
Playing here feels like a journey through the heart of the Sonoran Desert. The course’s signature holes, including the par-3 5th and par-5 7th, are as challenging as they are beautiful. After your round, unwind at the resort’s world-class spa or enjoy a meal at one of its award-winning restaurants. The Boulders is the epitome of Arizona golf at its finest.
Good to know: Green fees for resort guests at The Boulders run roughly $120–$250. Staying on property is the move here – the resort itself (now a Waldorf Astoria property) has excellent dining and a spa, which means the group can legitimately spend two full days on site without needing a car.
5. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course)
Co-designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a masterpiece of minimalist design. Unlike many desert courses, Saguaro embraces the natural terrain, with wide fairways, native vegetation, and minimal artificial landscaping. The result is a course that feels authentic and harmonious with its surroundings.
The Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design feels nothing like the manicured resort tracks around Scottsdale – it’s more raw, more honest, and the guys who’ve played both always end up talking about We-Ko-Pa on the drive home.
Good to know: Green fees run approximately $75–$175, and the club offers a twilight rate that’s one of the better value plays in the area. We-Ko-Pa sits on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land about 40 minutes northeast of Old Town Scottsdale – plan a full day since it’s not a quick pop-in round.
6. Quintero Golf Club – Peoria
About 45 minutes northwest of Scottsdale, Quintero is a Golf Digest Top-100 Public course that a surprising number of first-time Arizona visitors never discover. Designed by Rees Jones and opened in 2001, the layout covers some of the most diverse topography in the Phoenix area — some holes run along mountain ridges, others drop through desert washes, and a few play across elevated plateaus with 360-degree views of the Bradshaw and White Tank Mountains.
What makes it ideal for a group trip is the combination of course quality and pace. It’s a serious test – par 3s that plunge 60 feet downhill, par 5s that climb long sustained slopes – but the pace of play is well managed and the course is walkable in a way that Troon North and Grayhawk aren’t. At around $100–$160 in peak season, it’s also better value than most of the Scottsdale resort tracks.
Good to know: Green fees run $100–$165 depending on season. Quintero is about 45 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, so plan for a half-day trip. The course allows walking, which is rare for a course of this caliber in the Phoenix area.
7. Whisper Rock Golf Club (Upper Course)
Whisper Rock Golf Club is a private club, but if you’re lucky enough to secure an invitation, you’re in for a treat. The Upper Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is a true gem. The course is meticulously maintained, with pristine fairways, challenging greens, and stunning desert views.
What sets Whisper Rock apart is its exclusivity and attention to detail. The club’s membership includes some of the biggest names in golf, and the atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. If you’re looking for a private club experience, Whisper Rock is one of the top golf courses in Arizona.
Good to know: Whisper Rock is a private, invitation-only club — you’ll need a member to get you a tee time. If someone in your crew has a connection, this is the one to call in the favor for. Green fees are not publicly listed. The Lower Course (Phil Mickelson’s design debut) sits on the same property and is equally worth the ask.
8. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club – Maricopa
About 40 miles south of Phoenix in Maricopa, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is the kind of course that humbles a group of mid-handicappers who think they’ve got Arizona golf figured out. Designed by Brian Curley and Fred Couples and opened on the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s sacred land, it’s a long and demanding sand-belt style course that serves as an annual U.S. Open qualifying site.
Think wide fairways that look generous from the tee – then realize the approach is 230 yards into a headwind with deep pot bunkers left and right. The course has hosted multiple top collegiate tournaments and plays nothing like the typical Scottsdale resort layout. For groups with lower handicaps or guys who want a genuine test, this is the pick.
Good to know: Green fees run approximately $50–$100 – one of the best values on this list. The drive from Scottsdale is about 40–50 minutes; pair it with a morning tee time and you’re back for dinner in Old Town.
9. Wigwam Golf Club (Gold Course)
The Wigwam Golf Resort is a historic destination that has been welcoming golfers since 1930. The Gold Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is the crown jewel of the resort. This classic layout features tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and challenging greens.
The Wigwam’s rich history and timeless design make it a must-play for anyone visiting Arizona. After your round, explore the resort’s charming accommodations, spa, and dining options. The Wigwam is a true Arizona classic and one of the top golf courses in the state.
Good to know: Green fees at the Wigwam resort typically run $80–$150. The Gold Course is the one to book; the resort’s two other layouts don’t compare. At 7,345 yards from the back tees, it plays long and strategic — bring a game plan off the tee or the narrow fairways will eat you alive.
10. Quintero Golf Club – Peoria
Quintero Golf Club is a lonely oasis located in the rugged desert landscape of Peoria. Designed by Rees Jones, this course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and challenging layout. Each hole feels like a new adventure, with unique challenges and exciting scenery.
Quintero’s remote location adds to its allure, offering a peaceful and immersive golf experience. The course is meticulously maintained, and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable visit. If you’re looking for a course that combines challenge, beauty, and tranquility, Quintero is one of the top golf courses in Arizona.
Best Time of Year for an Arizona Golf Trip
Planning a golf trip to Arizona? Here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Timing is Everything: The best time to golf in Arizona is during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are mild. Summer can be scorching, but early morning tee times are still manageable.
- Book in Advance: Arizona’s top golf courses are popular, so be sure to book your tee times well in advance.
- Stay and Play: Many resorts, like The Boulders and The Wigwam, offer stay-and-play packages that include accommodations and golf.
- Explore Beyond Golf: Arizona is home to incredible dining, hiking, and cultural experiences. Make time to explore beyond the fairways.
Where to Stay for an Arizona Golf Trip
For groups playing the North Scottsdale courses (Troon North, Grayhawk, Whisper Rock, TPC Scottsdale), these three hotels put you in the right location:
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa – Directly adjacent to Kierland Commons for post-round dining and drinks, about 10 minutes from TPC Scottsdale and 20 from Troon North. They have a solid suite setup that works well for groups who want a central gathering spot.
Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North – If the group wants to splurge, this is the answer. It’s literally at the base of Troon North’s mountain, and the restaurant (Talavera) is one of the better steak options in North Scottsdale.
JW Marriott Camelback Inn – Sits between Old Town and North Scottsdale, closer to The Phoenician and Mountain Shadows for groups mixing a resort round with the longer North Scottsdale drives. The pool area is excellent for a recovery day.
For groups playing The Boulders (Carefree) or Quintero (Peoria), staying on-resort at The Boulders (now Waldorf Astoria) is the easiest choice – it eliminates a 40-minute drive and the resort has everything you need on property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golfing in Arizona
October through April is the sweet spot for Arizona golf. Daytime temperatures sit in the 70–85°F range across most of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, course conditions are at their best, and the days are long enough to fit 18 holes without a sunrise tee time. December and January can see cooler mornings (50s–60s), so bring a layer for the front nine. Summer is genuinely difficult — July and August regularly hit 110°F+ and many courses move to twilight-only or close certain holes. If you’re going in summer, book the earliest tee time available and be done by noon.
Absolutely! Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world, making it a top destination for golfers.
While some courses can be pricey, there are plenty of affordable options. Public courses like Ak-Chin Southern Dunes offer exceptional value.
TPC Scottsdale, home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, is one of the most popular golf courses in Arizona.
For public courses where a group of four can simply book and show up, Troon North (Monument Course), Grayhawk (Raptor), and We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) are the top three. All three offer multiple tee box options that let your group match difficulty to handicap, have excellent practice facilities for a warm-up session, and sit close enough to Scottsdale accommodation and dining that you’re not burning half the day in a car. If your group has a private club connection, Whisper Rock is the upgrade that makes the whole trip.
Final Thoughts
Before you book your tee times, check out Madknows’ guide to what to pack for a golf trip so you’re not that guy showing up to Troon North with the wrong shoes. And if you’re still narrowing down your course list, our breakdown of the best public golf courses in Arizona ranks the open-to-anyone options by value, conditioning, and pace of play.