Top 10 Arizona Golf Courses Ranked
Top 10 Must-Play Golf Courses in Arizona: Ranked by Player Reviews
Arizona is a golfer’s paradise, offering year-round sunshine, breathtaking desert landscapes, and some of the finest golf courses in the country. From PGA Tour venues to hidden gems, Arizona caters to players of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a championship challenge or a scenic round for a themed golf outing, this state has it all. Based on player reviews, expert insights, and unique golf course features, here are the top 10 must-play golf courses in Arizona ranked.
To create this list, we analyzed and aggregated data from trusted sources, including Golf Digest, GolfPass, TripAdvisor, and Yelp. Here’s how we determined the top courses:
- Player Reviews: Real feedback from golfers on course conditions, design, and overall experience.
- Course Features: Unique aspects such as layout, scenery, and signature holes.
- Amenities and Experience: Clubhouse facilities, staff service, and extras like practice areas.
- Reputation: Courses with accolades or renowned designers received additional consideration.
- Scenic Appeal: Visual elements that enhance the experience, from desert vistas to mountain views.
- Consistency: Courses with consistently high ratings across platforms were prioritized.
1. Troon North Golf Club (Pinnacle Course) – Scottsdale, AZ
- Player Rating: 4.9/5
- Designer: Tom Weiskopf
- Established: 1996
- Recent Renovations: In 2018, the Pinnacle Course underwent enhancements to restore green complexes to their original shapes and update bunkers with new drainage systems and sand.
Why Golfers Love It: Troon North’s Pinnacle Course is the crown jewel of desert golf. Its challenging layout blends seamlessly with the rugged beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Signature Feature: The par-3 16th hole offers a thrilling tee shot over desert terrain with stunning mountain views.
Player Review: “The Pinnacle Course is stunning. The layout is challenging yet fair, and the desert scenery is breathtaking. A must-play when in Scottsdale.”
A Deeper Dive into History: The Pinnacle Course was a groundbreaking design when it opened, showcasing Weiskopf’s ability to create dramatic golf holes that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Its influence can be seen in many desert courses built since.
2. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course) – Fort McDowell, AZ
- Player Rating: 4.8/5
- Designers: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
- Established: 2006
- Recent Renovations: In 2018, the course updated its bunkers to improve drainage and enhance playability.
- Why Golfers Love It:
This course offers a pure golf experience with no residential development to disrupt the natural desert landscape. - Signature Feature:
Its seamless integration with the desert terrain provides a tranquil escape for golfers.
Player Review:
“The Saguaro Course offers a pure golf experience with no homes in sight. The design is both challenging and enjoyable, with immaculate conditions.”
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3. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) – Scottsdale, AZ
Player Rating: 4.7/5
Designers: Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish
Established: 1986
Recent Renovations: In 2014, the course underwent renovations to enhance playability and improve spectator areas, ensuring a world-class experience for players and fans alike.
Why Golfers Love It:
As the home of the WM Phoenix Open, this course delivers PGA Tour-level prestige and excitement.Signature Feature:
The stadium-style 16th hole offers a thrilling atmosphere like no other.
Player Review:
“Playing the Stadium Course is a thrill, especially the iconic 16th hole. The course is in excellent condition and lives up to its reputation.”
4. Quintero Golf Club – Peoria, AZ
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Player Rating: 4.6/5
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Designer: Rees Jones
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Established: 2000
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Recent Renovations: The course focuses on maintaining pristine conditions with ongoing enhancements.
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Why Golfers Love It:
Known for its dramatic elevation changes, Quintero provides a challenging yet rewarding golf experience. -
Signature Feature:
The 9th hole, with its sweeping downhill views, is a highlight for many players.
Player Review:
“Quintero is a hidden gem. The elevation changes and scenic views make it a memorable round. It’s challenging but fair.”
5. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course) – Scottsdale, AZ
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Player Rating: 4.6/5
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Designer: Tom Fazio
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Established: 1995
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Recent Renovations: Continuous updates include turf improvements and bunker renovations.
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Why Golfers Love It:
With its engaging layout and vibrant clubhouse atmosphere, the Raptor Course is a must-play for Scottsdale golfers. -
Signature Feature:
Strategic bunkering adds excitement and challenge to every round.
Player Review:
“The Raptor Course offers a great mix of challenging holes and beautiful scenery. The staff is friendly, and the facilities are top-notch.”
6. Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club – Maricopa, AZ
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Player Rating: 4.5/5
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Designer: Fred Couples and Schmidt-Curley Design
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Established: 2002
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Recent Renovations: In 2014, new tee boxes and bunker modifications improved playability.
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Why Golfers Love It:
This course balances wide fairways with challenging bunkers, offering something for golfers of all skill levels. -
Signature Feature:
The par-5 5th hole features strategic bunkering and an elevated green for a memorable test.
Player Review:
“Southern Dunes is a fantastic course with a links-style feel. The wide fairways are forgiving, but the bunkers are strategically placed to challenge you.”
7. The Boulders Club (South Course) – Carefree, AZ
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Player Rating: 4.5/5
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Designer: Jay Morrish
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Established: 1985
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Recent Renovations: The South Course has undergone periodic updates focusing on turf quality and bunker maintenance to preserve its unique desert character.
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Why Golfers Love It:
Set amidst stunning boulder formations, the South Course provides a serene escape combined with a challenging layout. Golfers appreciate the balance between the rugged natural terrain and the meticulously maintained course. -
Signature Feature:
The dramatic boulder-strewn landscape creates an unforgettable setting for your round.
Player Review:
“The South Course at The Boulders is a visual masterpiece. The unique rock formations and pristine greens make it one of the most enjoyable rounds I’ve ever played.”
8. Ventana Canyon Golf Club (Mountain Course) – Tucson, AZ
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Player Rating: 4.4/5
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Designer: Tom Fazio
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Established: 1984
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Recent Renovations: Ventana Canyon regularly updates its irrigation systems and green surfaces to ensure optimal playing conditions.
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Why Golfers Love It:
The Mountain Course is known for its dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Players also love the iconic par-3 3rd hole, which challenges golfers with a tee shot over a canyon. -
Signature Feature:
The canyon carry on the 3rd hole is one of the most photographed shots in Arizona golf.
Player Review:
“Ventana Canyon’s Mountain Course offers a perfect combination of challenging play and scenic beauty. The 3rd hole is an absolute showstopper!”
9. Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club – Wickenburg, AZ
- Player Rating: 4.4/5
- Designers: Bill Brownlee and Wendell Pickett
- Established: 2015
- Recent Renovations: As a newer course, Wickenburg Ranch focuses on maintaining its pristine conditions with meticulous upkeep.
- Why Golfers Love It:
This course provides rolling fairways, stunning desert vistas, and a welcoming atmosphere. The thoughtfully designed layout caters to golfers of all skill levels, ensuring a memorable experience. - Signature Feature:
The 13th hole, known as “Big Water,” features an island green that tests precision and nerve.
Player Review:
“Wickenburg Ranch exceeded my expectations. The course is challenging yet fair, and the island green on the 13th hole was a highlight of my round.”
10. The Rim Golf Club – Payson, AZ
Player Rating: 4.3/5
Designers: Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish
Established: 1999
Recent Renovations: Ongoing maintenance programs focus on preserving the mountain course’s appeal and playing conditions.
Why Golfers Love It:
Nestled in the Mogollon Rim, The Rim Golf Club offers a tranquil retreat with challenging play. The course’s elevation changes and pristine fairways make it a favorite for players seeking a mountain golf experience.Signature Feature:
The natural beauty of the Mogollon Rim and the creative use of elevation changes provide an unforgettable round.
Player Review:
“The Rim Golf Club is a hidden gem in the mountains. The layout is challenging yet enjoyable, and the views are absolutely stunning.”
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