Arizona is one of the premier golf destinations in the United States — and for very good reason. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, world-class resort facilities, and dramatic desert scenery that makes every round an visual spectacle, the Grand Canyon State attracts millions of golfers annually. From Scottsdale’s championship resort courses to Tucson’s hidden gems, this guide covers the best golf courses in Arizona that belong on every golfer’s bucket list.
Arizona golf is particularly special in the cooler months — October through April offer near-perfect playing conditions, making it one of the most popular winter golf escapes for players from colder climates. Summer golf is possible (and discounted) early morning before temperatures climb, but spring and autumn are the optimal seasons for your Arizona golf trip.
Scottsdale: The Golf Capital of Arizona
Scottsdale is the undisputed center of Arizona golf, hosting more world-class courses per square mile than almost anywhere in the world. The city is home to the WM Phoenix Open (at TPC Scottsdale) — the most-attended tournament on the PGA Tour — and hosts elite golf tourism year-round.
TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is the most famous course in Arizona and home to the WM Phoenix Open. The iconic par-3 16th hole — surrounded by stadium seating that holds over 20,000 spectators during tournament week — is one of the most unique holes in world golf. The Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish design challenges players with classic desert course architecture: wide fairways framed by native desert, elevated greens, and strategic bunkering. Playing here is a genuine bucket-list experience for any golf fan. Green fees range from $175–$375 depending on season.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North is widely considered Arizona’s finest public golf experience, featuring two distinct 18-hole courses — the Monument Course and the Pinnacle Course — set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacle Peak. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, both courses use the natural desert landscape masterfully, with fairways weaving through boulders, saguaro cacti, and arroyos. The Monument Course takes its name from a massive rock formation that comes into play on the par-4 15th hole — one of the most photographed holes in Arizona. Green fees run $125–$300 per round.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Located on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation reservation northeast of Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa offers two outstanding Scott Miller-designed courses — the Cholla Course and the Saguaro Course — at more accessible price points than Scottsdale’s resort courses. The setting, with views of Four Peaks and the McDowell Mountains, is breathtaking, and the courses offer championship-caliber challenges without the resort price tag. Consistently ranked among Arizona’s best value courses. Green fees: $95–$175.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk features two Tom Fazio-designed courses — Raptor and Talon — that represent quintessential Scottsdale desert golf. The Raptor Course is considered the more prestigious of the two, incorporating dramatic elevation changes and panoramic mountain views. Grayhawk is also notable for its practice facilities, which are among the best in Scottsdale. Green fees: $100–$250.
Whisper Rock Golf Club
For those who can access it — Whisper Rock is a private members’ club — this Phil Mickelson-involved course (Upper Course designed with Gary Stephenson, Lower Course by Tom Fazio) is frequently cited as the finest golf experience in Arizona. Reciprocal arrangements with member clubs elsewhere occasionally make access possible for visiting golfers.
Phoenix Area: Resort Golf and Hidden Gems
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
Located about 35 miles south of Phoenix near Maricopa, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. The Fred Couples design features flowing, links-inspired fairways — a departure from typical desert course architecture — with dramatic mounding and excellent conditioning. At a fraction of Scottsdale’s prices ($50–$110), it offers extraordinary value and is worth the drive south. Frequently rated among Arizona’s top five public courses.
Arizona Biltmore Golf Club
One of Arizona’s most historic golf venues, the Biltmore Golf Club adjacent to the legendary Biltmore Resort in Phoenix offers two classic parkland-style courses that feel distinct from typical desert designs. The Adobe Course and Links Course provide a relaxed, historic atmosphere at accessible price points. A great choice for golfers who want a change of pace from pure desert golf. Green fees: $80–$150.
Wigwam Golf Resort
The Wigwam in Litchfield Park offers three Robert Trent Jones Sr. courses, including the famous Gold Course — a par-70 layout that has hosted the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open in earlier years. Historic, immaculately maintained, and set within a resort property, the Wigwam is an excellent base for a multi-day Arizona golf trip. Green fees: $75–$175.
Tucson: Desert Golf with a Different Flavor
Tucson’s golf scene is distinct from Scottsdale’s resort-heavy atmosphere — more relaxed, more affordable, and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sonoran Desert’s most biodiverse terrain.
Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club
Set in the Santa Catalina Mountain foothills, Ventana Canyon offers two Tom Fazio designs that are among Arizona’s finest. The Mountain Course includes what may be the most photographed par-3 in Arizona — a 107-yard hole over a rocky ravine with a small island-like green — while the Canyon Course provides a challenging, scenic round through pristine desert terrain. Green fees: $95–$200.
Omni Tucson National
Omni Tucson National hosted the PGA Tour’s Tucson Open for decades and remains one of southern Arizona’s best resort golf experiences. The Catalina Course combines parkland and desert elements in a mature, well-maintained layout that’s notably more forgiving than some of Arizona’s more penal desert designs. Excellent for mid-handicap golfers. Green fees: $60–$140.
Sedona: Golf with Red Rock Drama
Sedona Golf Resort
Sedona Golf Resort offers one of the most visually spectacular golf experiences anywhere in the world — not because of the course architecture (though it’s solid), but because of the jaw-dropping red rock formations that surround every hole. The Gary Panks design plays through red rock country with views of Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, and the surrounding canyon walls. You will take more photographs here than shots. Green fees: $75–$165.
Planning Your Arizona Golf Trip
Best time to visit: October through April. November through March offer the most stable, comfortable temperatures (65–80°F/18–27°C). February–March is peak season with highest green fees and demand.
Booking strategy: Most Scottsdale resort courses offer significantly discounted rates for early morning tee times (before 7am) and twilight golf (after 2pm). Booking 2–3 months ahead for peak season visits is advisable for the most popular courses.
Golf packages: Most Scottsdale resorts offer multi-round packages that provide better value than booking individually. The Troon Golf portal, Scottsdale Golf, and Golf Now all offer package deals combining accommodation and multiple rounds at nearby courses.
Travel tips: Rent a car — while Scottsdale courses are relatively close together, a car gives you flexibility to explore courses in Phoenix, the Valley’s outskirts, and day trips to Tucson or Sedona. Drink more water than you think you need — Arizona’s dry heat causes rapid dehydration even in mild temperatures.
Arizona golf rewards those who plan well and play smart. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a dedicated golf trip, the combination of exceptional courses, stunning scenery, and reliable sunshine makes Arizona one of golf’s greatest destinations. For your on-course strategy once you arrive, our guide to golf course management will help you make the most of every round. And if you’d like to explore more of America’s great golf states, we also cover the best golf courses in Florida, best golf courses in Texas, and best golf courses in California.
