10 Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona (2025 Edition)
Introduction
Scottsdale, Arizona, remains one of the most extraordinary golf destinations in the world. With more than 200 courses within an hour’s drive—and year-round sunshine that makes “golf season” a permanent reality—the Valley of the Sun offers a blend of dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery and championship-level design rarely found elsewhere.
Now, if you’re lucky enough to have an “in” at one of Scottsdale’s many world-class private clubs, by all means, use it to secure a tee time. Those experiences are among the finest anywhere.
But if you don’t, you’re hardly missing out. The Scottsdale area offers dozens of public, daily-fee, and resort-accessible courses that will challenge your game, captivate your senses, and deliver an unforgettable day on the links.
1. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club — Saguaro (Fort McDowell)
Golfweek: #1 Arizona “You Can Play” (2024 & 2025) | Golf Digest: Top AZ public course
Designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, the Saguaro course exemplifies minimalist desert golf—no homes, no distractions, just pure Sonoran landscape. It’s scenic, strategic, and widely regarded as the best public golf experience in Arizona.
Why go: Unobstructed desert views and perfect conditioning year-round.
2. Troon North — Monument (Scottsdale)
Golfweek: Top 3 Arizona “You Can Play” | Golf Digest: AZ Best in State
This Tom Weiskopf design winds through giant granite boulders and elevated desert terrain. It’s pure “Scottsdale golf”—dramatic visuals, bold risk-reward holes, and one of the best-kept properties in the region.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, play the Monument Front Nine and Pinnacle Back Nine combination for variety.
3. TPC Scottsdale — Stadium Course (Scottsdale)
Golfweek: Top 5 Arizona “You Can Play” | Golf Digest: Featured in AZ public-course guide
Home to the WM Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course is a PGA Tour staple and one of golf’s most recognizable venues. The coliseum-style 16th hole delivers a thrill few public courses can match.
Expect: Tour-level conditions, first-class service, and a price tag to match.
4. Grayhawk — Raptor (Scottsdale)
Golfweek: Regular Top-10 AZ “You Can Play” | Golf Digest: AZ Best-in-State listing
A Tom Fazio design with strategic bunkering and desert washes, Raptor balances challenge and playability. It also hosts major amateur events, including the NCAA Championships.
Highlight: Practice facilities and clubhouse dining are among the best in town.
5. Talking Stick — O’odham (Scottsdale)
Golfweek: Frequent Phoenix/Scottsdale Top-10 | Golf Digest: “Best You Can Play” AZ pick
Another Coore & Crenshaw gem, O’odham (formerly North) offers wide fairways, subtle contours, and walkable routing—a nod to the architects’ minimalist roots.
Good to know: Excellent value compared with higher-priced Scottsdale resorts.
6. The Boulders — South (Carefree/Scottsdale area)
Golfweek & Golf Digest: Repeated AZ Top-10 Public Course mentions
Surrounded by 12-million-year-old boulder formations, this Jay Morrish layout is visually spectacular. Expect target golf, immaculate conditions, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels far from the city.
Best for: Players seeking serenity, scenery, and top-tier service.
7. TPC Scottsdale — Champions Course (Scottsdale)
Golfweek & Golf Digest: Consistently ranked among Arizona’s top public courses
Often overshadowed by its sibling, the Stadium Course, the Champions Course delivers an outstanding experience at a lower price point. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, it’s more traditional in routing but still offers the same first-class conditioning and resort atmosphere TPC Scottsdale is known for.
Why play: Championship-quality golf without the Stadium Course premium; fair test for all skill levels.
8. The Phoenician Golf Club (Scottsdale)
Golf Digest & Golf Pass: Recognized in Arizona public-course lists
Completely redesigned in 2018, this 18-hole resort course sits at the base of Camelback Mountain. Tight routing, flawless conditions, and five-star service make it ideal for travelers seeking convenience and luxury.
Expect: Higher fees, but unmatched resort polish.
9. SunRidge Canyon (Fountain Hills)
Golfweek: Consistent statewide “Best You Can Play” inclusion | Golf Digest: AZ public-course guide
Known for its closing “Wicked Six” stretch—six demanding holes rising through canyons—SunRidge offers a thrilling finale and gorgeous desert vistas.
Pro tip: Afternoon rounds here feature incredible lighting on the canyon walls.
10. We-Ko-Pa — Cholla (Fort McDowell)
Golfweek & Golf Digest: Top-10 public course placements
The sister course to Saguaro delivers a longer, more rugged test through arroyos and desert ridgelines. Many locals rank it nearly equal to Saguaro in design quality.
Ideal for: Golfers wanting 36 holes in one day—play both Cholla and Saguaro for the full experience.
How to Choose the Right Course
| Preference | Play Here |
|---|---|
| Iconic Tournament Venue | TPC Scottsdale – Stadium |
| Tour-Level Conditioning + Value | TPC Scottsdale – Champions |
| Pure Desert Golf | We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro or Cholla) |
| Scenic & Secluded | The Boulders |
| Walkable & Architecturally Pure | Talking Stick O’odham |
| Elite Design + Conditioning | Troon North / Grayhawk Raptor |
| Best Canyon Views | SunRidge Canyon |
Closing Thoughts
Scottsdale doesn’t just offer great golf—it defines it. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list experience at TPC Scottsdale, a peaceful escape among the saguaros at We-Ko-Pa, or a quick local round at Talking Stick, you’ll find a course that perfectly fits your game, schedule, and style.
If you’re visiting or relocating to the area, reach out—I’m always happy to share local insights or help connect you with golf-centric neighborhoods that bring this world-class lifestyle right to your backyard.
Eric Slack
Global Real Estate Advisor | Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
www.ericslackrealtor.com
Helping clients live—and play—the Arizona lifestyle.