15 Must-Play Golf Courses That Capture Arizona’s Desert Beauty
Arizona brings golf to life in ways that feel both grounded and surprising. Courses stretch across expansive terrains where every curve and contour adds meaning to the round. Here, the game unfolds at a different pace, shaped by setting as much as skill. Here’s a look at fifteen courses that show how Arizona gives golf a character of its own.
Desert Forest Golf Club
Set amidst the rocky foothills and sunbaked arroyos of Carefree, Desert Forest Golf Club emerges seamlessly from the natural desertscape. Designed by Robert Lawrence in 1962 as Southwest’s first desert-style course, its waterless layout honors the terrain’s raw contours that demand precision and strategic thinking from every player.
TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open and is known for its famous 16th hole. Situated in Scottsdale, Arizona, it offers a par-71 layout built for intense competition and lively crowds with desert scenery and unmatched fan energy, which creates a true tournament experience.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
At this Club, two scenic courses wind through Fort McDowell’s untouched desert, turning every round into a quiet retreat with mountain views all around. It also features a modern clubhouse, full-service dining, extensive practice facilities, and a relaxed resort atmosphere for players and guests alike.
Silverleaf Club
Silverleaf Club rests in the heart of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains and includes an 18-hole course that blends into the natural desert. Stretching 7,322 yards, this layout uses rugged contours to create a challenging path that rewards precision and delivers a true desert experience.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Here, rolling fairways and sweeping vistas create a dynamic setting that tests skill while celebrating the Sonoran beauty. Spread across 320 acres of open desert in Maricopa, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club presents a championship layout that draws inspiration from the distinctive style of Australia’s famed Sand Belt course.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North in Scottsdale offers two championship courses called Monument and Pinnacle, which are set in rugged desert terrain. Players benefit from a clubhouse featuring full dining and practice services, enhancing the quality of their visit overall. Sharp elevation changes and natural washes also help to create a demanding test across every hole.
Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club
Located near the high Sonoran Desert northwest of Phoenix, Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club is known for its bold test across rugged terrain and wide open skies. Its 18-hole championship course pairs dramatic elevation shifts with native desert washes, which rewards careful strategy while immersing players in Arizona’s sweeping natural beauty.
Verrado Golf Club
Rolling through the desert terrain in Buckeye, the Club’s two courses sit beneath the striking backdrop of the White Tank Mountains. Broad fairways cross rugged arroyos, and subtle elevation shifts test players at every turn, with each round feeling rooted in Arizona’s untamed and open spirit.
Quintero Golf Club
Just northwest of Phoenix, Quintero Golf Club was designed by Rees Jones and is acclaimed for its immaculate playing conditions and demanding layout. It’s a true test for golfers of all skill levels, with bold elevation changes and sweeping desert views that make every shot count. Precision is key on this striking, high-desert course.
Sedona Golf Resort
Surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rocks, the 6,646-yard par-71 course at Sedona Golf Resort blends stunning views and thoughtful design. Natural elevation changes the challenge with every shot, while wide fairways and stunning mountain vistas create a memorable and visually striking golfing experience.
The Estancia Club
The Estancia Club sits just below Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, where its private course weaves gently into the rugged desert environment. Members enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, top-tier amenities, and a course that challenges players to bring precision and strategy to every hole.
Talking Stick Golf Club
Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale includes two courses—O’odham and Piipaash, which provide distinct playing experiences and contrasting approaches to the game. Players also enjoy a spacious clubhouse with dining amenities and a top-tier practice facility, making the Club a wholesome experience.
Grayhawk Golf Club
The Talon and Raptor courses at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale bring different levels of complexity and attract a wide range of players. The Talon Course winds through rugged desert terrain and natural arroyos, whereas The Raptor Course delivers a more traditional design with broad fairways and strategic shot demands.
The Boulders Club
Resting in the stillness and natural beauty of Carefree, The Boulders Club is famous for its two courses framed by 12-million-year-old rock formations. Both layouts offer a striking combination of rugged desert scenery and challenging play, creating an unforgettable golf experience that blends nature and dramatic elevation shifts.
The Gallery Golf Club
The Gallery Golf Club offers two 18-hole layouts—the North and South courses—where the North Course pairs championship-caliber play with the vast beauty of the desert landscape. Ranked in Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Courses, it challenges players across natural terrain and wide-open views.
