Arizona’s Premier Golf Courses: Where to Play and Live Your Best Life
Arizona is a golfer’s paradise, boasting top-tier public and private courses set against dramatic desert landscapes. From championship fairways near Phoenix to secluded resorts, here’s your guide to the best places to play, and where to buy a home nearby.
⛳ Top Golf Courses Across Arizona
According to Golf Digest, Arizona is home to dozens of highly rated courses. Some all-stars include
- We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Fort McDowell): Co-designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, it's the #1 public course in Arizona
- Quintero Golf Club (Peoria): A scenic Rees Jones design built in 2000
- TPC Scottsdale: Hosts the famed Phoenix Open- on par with professional standard
- Grayhawk Golf Club (Scottsdale): Home to two excellent courses, Raptor and Talon
- Troon North (Scottsdale): Known for its desert ambiance and championship layout
Other standout public courses include Talking Stick, Raven Golf Club, and Eagle Mountain.
The WM Phoenix Open: The Biggest Show in Golf 🏆
The WM Phoenix Open (formerly Waste Management Phoenix Open) is golf's wildest and most-attended event, held at TPC Scottsdale each February.
It's called "The People's Open" and entertains over 600,000 fans during a week-long party atmosphere.
- Proceeds exceed $165 million for charity, and it's recognized for its zero-waste initiative.
- The 16th hole, surrounded by stadium seating and thousands of cheering fans, is the heart of the event.
- The 2025 tournament takes place February 3–9, featuring top players like Scottie Scheffler and Thomas Detry.
Live Near the Fairways: Homes by the Greens 🏡
Enjoy quick access to premier golfing with these sought-after ZIP codes:
- 85255 (North Scottsdale): Grayhawk, Scottsdale National → View homes in 85255
- 85262 (Pinnacle Peak, Desert Mountain): Luxury estates near championship courses → Browse 85262 listings
- 85259 (McDowell Mountains): Troon North, Whisper Rock → Explore homes in 85259
- 85253 (Paradise Valley near Camelback): Close to Phoenix Fairways and private clubs → See homes in 85253
- 85248–49 (Mesa/Scottsdale fringe): Talking Stick, We‑Ko‑Pa, and nearby public courses → Find homes in 85248
🎯 Course Accessibility: Public vs. Private
Course Type |
Examples |
Access Level |
Public |
Grayhawk, Troon North, We‑Ko‑Pa, Talking Stick |
Open book tee times, affordable |
Private |
Scottsdale National, Desert Mountain, Whisper Rock |
Restricted, membership-only |
Even private club residents benefit from leasing or club guest access. Scottsdale’s public courses rival private ones in experience and design.
What Makes Arizona Golf Stand Out?
- Year-Round Playable Climate – Mild winters and long playing seasons.
- Scenic Desert Golf – Courses are cut into canyons, mountain foothills, and saguaro-studded areas.
- Celebrity Events – The WM Phoenix Open draws international attention and party crowds.
- High-End Real Estate – Fairway-front homes and golf communities maintain value and prestige.
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