Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale, Arizona
You don't need a membership to play great golf in Scottsdale. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (1990) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,070 yards
Set against Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale, Troon North's Monument Course is the definitive desert golf experience. The layout weaves through massive granite boulders, towering saguaros, and native desert washes.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Fazio (1994) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,135 yards
Host of the NCAA Championship, Grayhawk's Raptor Course is a Tom Fazio desert design with wide fairways, bold bunkering, and one of the best post-round scenes in golf at Phil's Grill.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2006) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,225 yards
Built on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro Course is a Coore & Crenshaw gem set against the Four Peaks and Red Mountain. The minimalist design celebrates the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert with wide playing corridors and creative green complexes.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Keith Foster (1996) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,823 yards
A Keith Foster design in Fountain Hills, SunRidge Canyon is famous for its dramatic par-3 finishing stretch known as the "Wicked Six." The course features 200-foot elevation changes and panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Verde River Valley.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (1986) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,261 yards
Home of the WM Phoenix Open — the most attended event in golf — TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course is a desert classic. The iconic 16th hole's natural amphitheater is legendary, and the course delivers championship golf against a stunning Sonoran Desert backdrop.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Jay Morrish (1984) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,726 yards
Set among the iconic 12-million-year-old boulder formations of Black Mountain, the Boulders South Course is a Jay Morrish design that defines desert golf in Arizona. The dramatic rock outcroppings frame many holes, creating some of the most photographed shots in American golf.
Best Time to Play
November through April is peak season with ideal 70-80°F temperatures and minimal rain. Prices are highest during this window. Summer (June–September) brings extreme heat (110°F+) but dramatic price drops of 50-70%, making it attractive for heat-tolerant bargain seekers with early morning tee times.
Booking Tips
For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is 15-20 minutes from most Scottsdale hotels and courses. Rent a car — you'll need it to access courses spread across the Valley of the Sun. Book tee times well in advance during peak season (January–March). Consider staying in North Scottsdale for proximity to top courses.
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