Best golf courses in Scottsdale

It’s hard not to like We-Ko-Pa. With two sensational courses that are both highly ranked, it is the epitome of desert golf. The original Cholla course (just 15 years old) is a game of classic target golf that weaves up and down the natural desert washes of the landscape offering spectacular views from the numerous elevated tees.

One of the very best resorts in the US, Boulders has an enviable and deserved reputation for excellence, with plenty of onsite activity (including jeep adventures and rock climbing) and an amazing hotel and spa to ensure your Arizona golf holiday is one to remember. But it’s the golf that’s the real star here, the North has incredible panoramic views of the surrounding desert and the iconic rock formations… not to mention a fine collection of challenging holes.

With two sensational courses of the Raptor and Talon, both of which are pay and play, Grayhawk is one of the most relaxed clubs you could ever hope to discover. The Raptor course – designed by the great Tom Fazio – is probably the pick of the pair. It’s hosted the Frys.com event on the PGA Tour as well as the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf (now a WGC event). Having enjoyed a renovation in 2015 it’s bigger and tougher than ever.

Another Arizona club with a global reputation, Troon North is a truly special place to play. Monument remains one of the most highly regarded layouts in the area, demanding great accuracy and a fine touch on the lightning-fast greens. Tom Weiskopf has renovated both the Pinnacle and the Monument courses, making them even better than ever.

Although slightly younger than its parent course, the Saguaro has quickly gained a reputation that it’s up there with the Cholla. Like many of the courses in Scottsdale, the terrain is spectacular with a scenic layout offering a great desert golfing experience. Already ranked by Golfweek as the best public course in Arizona, don’t miss out on the Saguaro at We-Ko-Pa.

The North Course is the senior partner, but many consider the South Course to be even more scenic, particularly the holes that make their way right up into the distinctive bolder formations. The signature hole is the show-stopping 5th hole which features a superb rock hanging over the green. The course regularly features at the top of various rankings alongside its sister course at the Boulders Resort.

Arizona’s only PGA Tour property, TPC Scottsdale has hosted the Phoenix Open since 1987, gaining a worldwide reputation as a truly unique tournament. That’s thanks in no small part to the Stadium Course which hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the iconic 16th hole is completely enclosed by stands to create an amazing amphitheatre that is unquestionably the loudest in golf. For the rest of the year, it’s a course that is great fun to play and always in immaculate condition.

A two-course venue with a serious pedigree, Grayhawk is one of the region’s most iconic golf clubs. Phil Mickelson has been associated with the club since it formed in 1995 (the main bar is named Phil’s Grill) and you might even see the great man himself during your visit. The Talon is incredibly scenic, with the back nine built around a number of deep box canyons that are filled with glorious plants and trees.

At Troon North, expect two magnificent courses that take golfers on a glorious ride through the desert, with manicured fairways perfectly contrasting the rugged natural landscape that surrounds the golf. The Pinnacle Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf boasts an amazing set of par-3s and the course architect has masterfully renovated both courses recently.