Best golf courses in Phoenix

One of the modern-day golfing capitals of the US, Phoenix is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

The desert courses hold up well throughout the year, and with hundreds of courses to choose from the city attracts golfers from across the world. Join us as we check out some of our favourite and best golf courses in Phoenix.

Where else could we start? Just 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix lies TPC Scottsdale, and whilst this memorable PGA TOUR destination might technically hold a Scottsdale ZIP code, it’s a mainstay of almost all golf vacations to Arizona’s state capital.

The pressure cauldron of the 16th hole might not be the same as during tournament week, but we guarantee this course will keep you on your toes, with water coming into play throughout; notably down both the 17th and 18th holes. There’s a couple of courses on-site at TPC Scottsdale, so make sure to allow time on your trip to play the Champions Course as well as the more well-known Stadium Course, home to the PGA TOUR's WM Phoenix Open.

Speaking of 36-hole facilities, the Coore & Crenshaw designed Talking Stick is one of our favourites in the state of Arizona. Despite being designed by the same team, each has a unique feeling to its 18-hole routings. The O’odham Course offers plenty of options for the golfer, allowing for the ball to be run into the greens more than on the Piipaash Course. The venue also features an enormous driving range that stretches out to over 350 yards, meaning even the biggest hitters can open up their shoulders during their pre-round warmup!

Another much-loved 36-hole facility can be found at Troon North, with both the Pinnacle and Monument courses ranked within the Top 5 public layouts in Arizona. The Monument is the original of the two courses on-site and higher regarded by most, but both layouts offer a fantastic variety of beautiful desert landscape, a variety of cacti, dry creeks, and rocky canyons which line the fairways. Recent work has been undertaken by Tom Weiskopf and has generated much praise, ensuring the courses continue to present a challenge for generations to come.

Unlike many of the other courses in the region, We-Ko-Pa hasn’t made any concessions for hotels, homes or infrastructure in the designing of the two courses here. It’s a true golfing experience with both the Cholla and Saguaro courses framed perfectly by the surrounding mountain range and desert landscape, helping you to truly focus on the beauty of the layouts in front of you.

If you are looking to stay and play on-site, let us recommend Boulders Resort & Spa. The two courses – North & South – are classic desert layouts, weaving between the eponymous boulders found throughout the venue. Visiting golfers can enjoy stunning panoramic views, Sonoran Desert sunsets, natural desert terrain and a variety of wildlife during their encounters with courses.

Whilst the North Course is slightly longer and more appreciated than the South Course, both are a great test of golf, and with fantastic bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities onsite, it’s an ideal base for a trip.

Another of our recommended stops in the area is Sunridge Canyon Golf Club. The course is famous for its “Wicked Six’ finishing holes like the ‘Bear Trap’ or ‘Amen Corner’, testing even the most competent players. With no dedicated hotel on site, it’s a great addition if you’re looking to squeeze in another 18 holes to your trip.