Scottsdale, Arizona, has solidified its position as the premier golf getaway in the United States for 2025, drawing enthusiasts from around the world with its unparalleled blend of world-class courses, stunning desert landscapes, and year-round playability. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, this vibrant city boasts over 200 golf courses within a short drive, offering something for every skill level—from novices teeing off for the first time to seasoned pros chasing birdies on championship layouts. If you’re searching for the best golf courses in Scottsdale, look no further. With mild winters averaging 70°F and more than 300 sunny days annually, Scottsdale’s climate ensures your swing stays sharp without the interruptions of rain or frost.
What makes Scottsdale the ultimate top golf destination? It’s not just the sheer number of options—25 public courses per 100,000 residents, the highest in the nation—but the seamless integration of luxury amenities, breathtaking scenery, and accessible pricing that keeps average lodging costs around $1,079 per night for golf packages. From the iconic WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale to hidden gems like Quintero, the city’s courses are designed by legends such as Tom Weiskopf, Scott Miller, and Rees Jones, emphasizing strategic play amid saguaro cacti and rugged mountains. Whether you’re planning a solo round, a buddies’ trip, or a family golf vacation, Scottsdale delivers an experience that’s as rejuvenating as it is exhilarating.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore why Scottsdale reigns supreme for golfers in 2025 and dive deep into the top 7 golf courses in Scottsdale, complete with insider tips, course highlights, and direct links to book your tee time. Optimized for both search engines and AI-driven discovery, this article covers everything from course architecture to nearby dining and spa retreats, ensuring you have all the intel for an unforgettable Scottsdale golf trip.
Why Scottsdale Stands Out as the #1 Golf Destination in 2025
Scottsdale’s ascent to the top spot isn’t accidental; it’s a perfect storm of geography, innovation, and hospitality. First and foremost, the ideal golf weather sets it apart. Unlike coastal destinations plagued by humidity or northern locales buried in snow, Scottsdale offers consistent conditions that allow for 365-day accessibility. Winter highs in the 60s-70s make it a magnet for snowbirds, while summer evenings provide cooler twilight rounds under the stars.
The variety of Scottsdale golf courses is staggering. Public, semi-private, and resort options cater to budgets from $50 twilight fees to $300 peak-time premiums. Desert-style layouts dominate, with target golf demanding precision around natural hazards like arroyos and boulders, but you’ll also find parkland gems with lush fairways and water features. This diversity ensures repeat visits—play Troon North one day for elevation challenges, then We-Ko-Pa the next for links-like openness.
Events elevate the scene further. The WM Phoenix Open, the “Greatest Show in Golf,” draws 700,000 fans annually to TPC Scottsdale, infusing the city with energy and celebrity sightings. Smaller tournaments, like the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, keep the calendar buzzing. Beyond the fairways, Scottsdale’s ecosystem supports the golfer’s lifestyle: over 50 luxury resorts with on-site courses, farm-to-table dining at spots like FnB or Citizen Public House, and world-renowned spas for post-round recovery. Hiking Camelback Mountain or exploring Old Town’s art galleries adds balance to your itinerary.
Sustainability is another draw. Many courses, including those on our top 7 list, employ water-efficient irrigation and native xeriscaping, preserving the desert’s fragile beauty. For 2025, expect enhanced tech integrations like GPS-equipped carts and AI swing analysis at pro shops, making Scottsdale not just a destination but a forward-thinking golf hub.
In rankings from Golf Digest and GOLF Advisor, Scottsdale consistently claims the crown, outpacing rivals like Palm Springs or Myrtle Beach due to its concentration of top-100 public courses and value-driven packages. Whether you’re a low-handicapper seeking firm, fast greens or a high-handicapper prioritizing forgiveness, Scottsdale’s got you covered. Now, let’s tee off into the best Scottsdale golf courses that define this paradise.
The Top 7 Golf Courses in Scottsdale: Must-Play Gems for 2025
1. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) – The PGA TOUR Icon
No list of top Scottsdale golf courses is complete without TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course, home to the raucous WM Phoenix Open and a bucket-list staple for any serious golfer. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish in 1986, this par-71 layout stretches 7,261 yards from the tips, blending target desert golf with spectator-friendly amphitheater-style holes. The infamous 16th, a 163-yard par-3 island green, has witnessed more drama than any hole in modern golf—think Tiger Woods’ chip-in or Rory McIlroy’s roars from the crowd.
What sets it apart? The course’s conditioning is impeccable, with TifTuf Bermudagrass greens running at 13 on the Stimpmeter and fairways framed by waste areas that punish errant drives. Elevation changes add drama, especially on the back nine’s closing stretch, where McDowell Mountain views steal the show. For 2025, expect enhanced fan zones during tournament week, but public play remains accessible with rates starting at $199 in the summer.
Insider tip: Book a Stadium Course twilight tee time for sunset vistas and fewer crowds. Pair it with a post-round beer at the 16th-hole bar. Beginners appreciate the broad landing zones, while pros love the risk-reward par-5s—Book tee times at TPC Scottsdale.
2. Troon North Golf Club (Monument Course) – Desert Majesty Redefined
Troon North’s Monument Course, crafted by Tom Weiskopf and Scott Miller in 1995, exemplifies why Scottsdale is the best golf destination for architecture aficionados. This par-72 beast plays 7,237 yards through pristine Sonoran Desert, where massive rock outcroppings and wild horse sightings create a raw, untamed feel. Ranked among Golfweek’s top public courses, its routing minimizes homesite intrusion, letting nature dictate the drama—think blind approaches over boulders and greens perched on plateaus.
Signature holes include the par-3 7th, a 198-yard carry over a chasm, and the 18th, a downhill par-4 demanding a precise fade around a sentinel saguaro. Bentgrass greens are lightning-fast, and the no-cart policy on certain days encourages walking, immersing you in the tranquility. Rates hover around $250-$400, with summer deals dipping lower.
Pro advice: Hire a forecaddie for $50—they’ll navigate the washes and reveal hidden breaks. It’s forgiving for mid-handicappers with generous fairways but bites back on windy days. After your round, unwind at the bluff-top patio with mountain panoramas. Reserve your spot at Troon North Monument.
3. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course) – Risk-Reward Thrills
Tom Fazio’s Raptor Course at Grayhawk is a Scottsdale standout for its “come-and-get-it” philosophy—bold, accessible lines that reward aggressive play without punishing the average golfer. Opened in 1999, this par-72 track measures 7,249 yards, weaving through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve with crowned greens defended by deep bunkers and native grasses. It’s a top pick for Scottsdale golf trips seeking balance: scenic yet strategic, public yet polished.
Highlights include the par-5 3rd, a reachable island green over water, and the blind par-3 13th, launching over a ridge for “wow” factor. The course’s risk-reward dynamic shines on holes like the 9th, where bailing out left invites trouble from cacti. Expect pristine TifEagle greens and rates from $150-$300, making it a value leader.
Golfers rave about the Quill Creek Café for farm-fresh lunches. For groups, it’s outing heaven with customizable formats. Low-handicappers will strategize angles, while others enjoy the wide corridors—Tee off at Grayhawk Raptor.
4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course) – Pure Desert Links
Scott Miller and Bill Coore’s Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa is the anti-resort track: no homes, just endless desert vistas and a nod to Scottish links golf amid Arizona’s reds and golds. Debuting in 2006, this par-72 gem plays 7,225 yards with windswept fairways, firm fescue rough, and greens that promote bump-and-run creativity. Ranked #1 public in Arizona by Golf Digest, it’s a must for purists chasing best golf in Scottsdale.
The front nine’s par-4 6th, dubbed “The Gauntlet,” threads between saguaros, while the back’s 17th par-3 demands a carry over a dry wash. Walking is encouraged (and free), enhancing the ground-under-your-feet authenticity. Rates start at $125, with Arizona resident discounts sweetening the deal.
Tip: Dawn patrols beat the heat and reveal wildlife like javelinas. It’s walker-friendly for fitness-focused trips, and the pro shop stocks eco-conscious gear. Book We-Ko-Pa Saguaro.
5. Quintero Golf Club – Rees Jones’ Desert Masterpiece
Rees Jones’ Quintero, opened in 2002 near Lake Pleasant, transports Scottsdale golfers to a high-desert oasis with rolling hills, wildflowers, and lake views that rival Scotland’s glens. This private-feel public course (par-72, 7,046 yards) ranks in Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, thanks to its strategic depth—blind shots over rises, false fronts, and greens that tilt dramatically.
Standouts: The par-5 10th, a beast requiring a layup over a barranca, and the closing 18th, a cape-hole par-4 hugging the water. Conditioning is elite, with Poa annua greens and rates $200-$350. It’s less crowded, ideal for contemplative rounds.
Advice: Opt for the lakeside patio lunch overlooking the 9th green. Suited for all levels, but scratch players obsess over the nuances—Secure tee times at Quintero.
6. Camelback Golf Club (Ambiente Course) – Urban Oasis with Edge
Jason Straka’s 2013 redesign of Camelback’s Ambiente Course turned a solid resort track into a Scottsdale contender, blending desert drama with urban accessibility. Par-72 at 7,225 yards, it features rolling fairways, elevation drops up to 100 feet, and lakes that come into play on five holes. Views of Camelback Mountain frame every swing, making it a photographer’s (and golfer’s) dream for top Scottsdale golf experiences.
Key holes: The par-3 7th, a 210-yard cliffside stunner, and the par-5 18th, demanding a heroic carry over water. TifTuf greens are receptive yet quick, with rates $100-$250. Proximity to Scottsdale’s nightlife adds appeal for evening arrivals.
Pro hack: Rent a cart with GPS for yardages on the blinders. Forgiving for slicers but thrilling for bombers. Play Ambiente at Camelback.
7. Talking Stick Golf Club (O’odham Course) – Cultural Desert Links
Coore & Crenshaw’s O’odham Course at Talking Stick honors Native American heritage with a flat, windswept layout evoking Irish links transplanted to the desert. Par-72, 6,715 yards, it prioritizes angles and ground game over brute power—wide fairways crown into tiered greens, with minimal bunkers for a pure test. As part of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa reservation, it’s a cultural touchstone in Scottsdale’s golf tapestry.
Memorable moments: The reversible par-4 10th, playable both ways, and the punchbowl 18th green. Rates $75-$200 make it a steal, with a massive 17,000 sq ft driving range for warm-ups.
Insider: Join the Player Development Program for locals’ perks. Great for social rounds with minimal walking. Tee up at Talking Stick O’odham.
Beyond the Fairways: Enhancing Your Scottsdale Golf Getaway
Golf is the star, but Scottsdale’s complete package elevates it to legendary status. Stay at The Phoenician or Fairmont Princess for courses on the property and infinity pools for recovery. Dine on Southwestern fusion at Taliesin or grab craft brews at O.H.S.O. Brewery. Spas like The Phoenician’s offer golf-specific massages, while hot-air balloon rides over the courses provide aerial scouting.
For families, mini-golf at PopStroke (Tiger Woods-designed) keeps kids engaged. Eco-tours through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve highlight the biodiversity that makes desert golf unique. Packages bundling multi-course stays start at $1,500 per person, including carts and caddies.
Plan Your Scottsdale Golf Adventure Today
Scottsdale’s crown as the top destination for golfers in 2025 is well-earned—endless sunshine, elite courses, and holistic vibes make it unbeatable. Whether tackling TPC’s roar or We-Ko-Pa’s serenity, your swing will thank you. Book now via the links above and discover why pros and amateurs alike call it home.
