Golf in Scottsdale: Public Courses Worth the Trip

Golf is woven into Scottsdale's identity, and the best part for visitors is how many championship courses are open to the public. You can play the course from the WM Phoenix Open, tee off between granite boulders in the high desert, or play a classic city course with a college pedigree, all within a short drive of your rental. Here is our team's guide to where to play and how to book smart.

TPC Scottsdale: play where the pros play

TPC Scottsdale has two courses. The Stadium Course hosts the WM Phoenix Open every February, and its par-3 16th, surrounded by grandstands during tournament week, is one of the most famous holes in golf. The Champions Course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, is a par 71 of more than 7,100 yards with a flatter, tree-lined feel. Playing both on one trip is a great way to compare tournament golf with a more relaxed round.

North Scottsdale desert golf

• Troon North, Monument and Pinnacle. Tom Weiskopf designed both courses in the boulder-strewn foothills near Pinnacle Peak. Monument is a little wider and more forgiving. Pinnacle has more elevation change, elevated tees and perched greens. Holes from both were used for the 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur.
• Grayhawk, Raptor Course. A Tom Fazio design, par 72 and 7,151 yards, with sweeping desert views and generous landing areas. It has hosted a PGA Tour event and the NCAA Division I Championships.
• The Westin Kierland Golf Club. A resort favorite in north Scottsdale with mountain views and holes framed by natural punchbowl edges.

Phoenix courses worth the drive

• Papago Golf Club. A municipal course designed by William Bell and home course for Arizona State University's golf teams. From the back tees it plays 7,380 yards, and its short par 4s and tough par 3s keep it interesting for every level.
• Wildfire Golf Club. At the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, with 36 holes: the Palmer course at about 7,145 yards and the Faldo course, a little shorter but guarded by 108 bunkers. It hosted the LPGA Founders Cup from 2011 to 2019.

When to play and how to book

Golf season and tee time prices follow the weather. January through April is peak season, with the highest rates and the fullest tee sheets. Summer brings the lowest prices, but you will want a first tee time at sunrise. Our weather by month guide shows the average highs.

• Book early in winter and spring. Popular courses can fill weeks ahead, especially around the WM Phoenix Open and spring training. See our peak season guide.
• Ask about overseeding. Many Valley courses overseed their grass in early fall and may close or play temporary greens for a few weeks. Check before you book a fall trip.
• Look for twilight rates. Afternoon tee times are often discounted and still give you warm, golden light for the back nine.
• Hydrate and use the cart path rules. Desert courses can be warm even in spring, and many are cart path only to protect the turf.

Make it a golf trip

A golf group gets the most out of a vacation home: a big kitchen for breakfast before an early tee time, a pool to cool off after the round, and space for everyone to spread out. Many groups mix two or three courses with a spring training game or a spa day. Our spa guide is a good place to start for the non-golfers.

Source checked November 4, 2026: LINKS Magazine, "Championship Courses in Scottsdale the Public Can Play." Rates, public access and tee times change, so confirm directly with each course before you book.