The Inside Swing

Best Golf Courses in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix is the backbone of Arizona's legendary golf scene. While neighboring Scottsdale gets much of the attention, Phoenix proper and its surrounding communities harbor exceptional courses — many at significantly better values than their Scottsdale counterparts.

Our Methodology: Courses are ranked by an expert panel evaluating design quality, conditioning, challenge, aesthetics, and overall experience. Both private and public courses are considered on merit.
1

Phoenix, Arizona · William F. Bell (1963) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,068 yards

Phoenix's beloved municipal gem, Papago sits at the base of the iconic Papago Buttes and has been a favorite of locals and touring professionals for decades. The mature desert layout offers outstanding value and an unforgettable setting.

Iconic Papago Buttes settingBest municipal course in ArizonaIncredible value for the quality
Green Fee: $30–$70 Rating: 4.3/5
2

Phoenix, Arizona · Bill Johnston (1928) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,430 yards

Adjacent to the legendary Arizona Biltmore resort, this historic layout has hosted presidents and celebrities for nearly a century. The classic design offers a resort golf experience steeped in Old Phoenix charm.

Historic resort dating to 1928Presidential golf historyClassic Arizona resort golf
Green Fee: $80–$180 Rating: 4.4/5
3

Phoenix, Arizona · Brian Curley & Lee Schmidt (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,546 yards

A links-style desert course south of Phoenix, Southern Dunes features dramatic dune formations, wide fairways, and a windswept feel that's unique in the Valley of the Sun. Consistently ranked among Arizona's top public courses.

Links-style desert layoutDramatic dune formationsTop-ranked Arizona public course
Green Fee: $60–$150 Rating: 4.6/5
4

Phoenix, Arizona · Rees Jones (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,232 yards

Set in a remote canyon northwest of Phoenix, Quintero is one of Arizona's hidden gems. The Rees Jones design navigates through rugged desert canyons with several jaw-dropping holes that emerge from the landscape.

Hidden canyon settingAmong Arizona's most scenic coursesDramatic desert canyon holes
Green Fee: $80–$200 Rating: 4.7/5
5

Phoenix, Arizona · Bill Brownlee (2015) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,870 yards

Northwest of Phoenix in the charming town of Wickenburg, this modern desert layout offers a relaxed pace and stunning high-desert scenery. The course features creative routing through mesquite-dotted terrain with Bradshaw Mountain views.

High-desert settingRelaxed small-town atmosphereBradshaw Mountain views
Green Fee: $50–$120 Rating: 4.4/5
6

Phoenix, Arizona · Jack Snyder (restored by Forrest Richardson) (1932) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,828 yards

One of Phoenix's oldest and most prestigious private clubs, Arizona Country Club has been a cornerstone of Valley golf since 1932. A sensitive restoration modernized playing surfaces while honoring the Golden Age character of the original design.

One of Phoenix's oldest private clubs (1932)Golden Age design with modern restorationCentral Phoenix location
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.5/5
7

Phoenix, Arizona · Tom Lehman & John Fought (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,258 yards

Set against the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix, Verrado's Victory Course is a Tom Lehman & John Fought collaboration that delivers championship desert golf at daily-fee prices. The 7,258-yard layout features wide fairways and dramatic desert carries.

Tom Lehman & John Fought designWhite Tank Mountain backdropChampionship length at public pricing
Green Fee: $50–$120 Rating: 4.2/5
8

Phoenix, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (1986) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,044 yards

One of the early desert golf masterpieces, Troon Country Club sits at the base of Pinnacle Peak in north Scottsdale and helped pioneer the target-style desert golf concept that would define Arizona golf. The Weiskopf & Morrish design offers some of the most dramatic desert views in the Valley.

Pioneered desert target-style golfBase of iconic Pinnacle PeakWeiskopf & Morrish design classic
Green Fee: Members Only Rating: 4.6/5
9

Phoenix, Arizona · Bill Johnston (1989) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,518 yards

Located at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in north Phoenix, Lookout Mountain offers dramatic elevated tee shots, mountain-framed greens, and a resort-friendly layout that rewards accuracy over length. The shorter yardage makes it accessible while the terrain keeps it engaging.

Dramatic mountain terrain in north PhoenixResort-friendly but engaging layoutTapatio Cliffs Resort on-site access
Green Fee: $75–$175 Rating: 4.1/5

Public Courses in Phoenix

Looking for courses you can play without a membership? See our complete guide to public courses in Phoenix .

Overview

The Valley of the Sun's golf landscape extends well beyond Scottsdale, and Phoenix delivers outstanding options at every price point. From the beloved municipal gem at Papago to the hidden canyon beauty of Quintero, Phoenix rewards golfers willing to explore beyond the usual Scottsdale resort circuit.

Best Time to Play

November through April offers the best conditions with warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Summer green fees drop dramatically but temperatures regularly exceed 110°F.

Travel Tips & Getting There

Phoenix Sky Harbor is centrally located with easy access to courses in all directions. Some of the best values — like Quintero and Wickenburg Ranch — require 45-60 minute drives from central Phoenix but are well worth the trip.

Nearest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best municipal golf course in Phoenix?
Papago Golf Course, nestled at the base of the Papago Buttes, is widely regarded as Phoenix's best municipal course and one of the top munis in Arizona.
Is Quintero Golf Club worth the drive from Phoenix?
Absolutely. While Quintero is about 45 minutes northwest of central Phoenix, the remote canyon setting and stunning Rees Jones design make it one of Arizona's most memorable golf experiences.

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