Cholla Course

at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Location: Fort McDowell | Style: Desert Arroyo | Par: 72 | Designed (Opened): Scott Miller (2001)

Ranked 33rd best golf course in Arizona by Golf Digest

Nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert on the land of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa offers an immersive and unspoiled golf experience. Designed by architect Scott Miller and opened in 2001, the layout winds through ridges, arroyos, and cactus-lined terrain with no residential development intruding on the fairways.

From the moment you tee off, you sense that this is a desert course in its purest form: sweeping views of the nearby mountains, rugged terrain, and wide vistas across the landscape. With its length, strategic bunkering, and distinct desert personality, Cholla is both visually stunning and a test of shot-making from tee to green.

Signature Holes

One standout hole is the finishing par-5 18th. It demands length off the tee, then places a precise approach into a green guarded by a cross bunker and set into the desert terrain. Reviewers note it as a strategic and memorable end to the round.

Clubhouse & amenities

The clubhouse at We-Ko-Pa serves as a refined base for your round: a pro shop stocked with premium brands, professional instruction, and comprehensive practice facilities, including a driving range, chipping/pitching areas, and a full putting green.

Dining options and post-round relaxation are integrated into the property, making this not just a round of golf, but a resort-level experience in the desert.

Did You Know?

When it opened in 2001, Cholla was named by Sports Illustrated as one of the “10 Best New Public Courses in the World”.