9 Best Golf Courses in Arizona

With its year-round warm weather, bright sunny days, and incredibly diverse landscape, Arizona is a haven for golf lovers. Millions of tourists each year flock to play a round or two on any of Arizona’s 370 courses, including the 200 or so in and around the Scottsdale area alone. Visitors seeking quality time on the links will find some of the best golf courses in the country, including We-Ko-Pa Golf Club-Saguaro and the home of the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour, TPC Scottsdale. While narrowing down Arizona’s abundance of golf courses is no small feat, these nine clubs are a cut above.

Stone Canyon Club - Oro Valley

Just 20 miles north of Tucson, Arizona, in the picturesque town of Oro Valley, sits the Stone Canyon Club. This stunning 18-hole private course represents some of the late golf architect Jay Morrish's best work. Featuring elevated trees, deep bunkers, and small greens, the stunning Tortolita Mountains sit in the background. As players soon find out, Stone Canyon offers a visual feast as well as an engaging challenge. The green spaces that exist contrast beautifully against Arizona's natural, rugged terrain. All it will take is one visit to this over 1,400-acre course to see why it’s the only golf club in the Tucson area to be named one of Golf Digest’s top 100 Courses in America.

Stone Canyon Club members have access to an on-site fitness facility, lockers, a tennis court, a 25-yard lap pool, a steam room, and a clubhouse. After enjoying a round or two on the pristine fairways, members can also enjoy a mouth-watering meal at the Stone Canyon Bar & Grill. While the course does not offer green fees, guests can purchase a range of weekly passes that allow for unrestricted play during the week, cart rental, and unlimited use of the driving range. An extremely limited number is available, however, so it's best to book well in advance. As for accommodations, the nearby Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oro Valley-Tucson North by IHG is a great option.

Forest Highlands Golf Club: Canyon - Flagstaff

The Canyon Golf Course at Forest Highlands Golf Club is a private course situated in the bustling Flagstaff community. Designed by the duo of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the course’s 18 holes cover 7,007 yards. Since opening in 1987, the Canyon has become one of the premier and most sought-after courses in Arizona. With its manicured rolling fairways, mercilessly placed bunkers, and water hazards, it’s little wonder why Golf Digest named it the #2 private course in the state. Members of Forest Highlands enjoy access to two world-class clubhouses, a pool, fitness rooms, and a children's play area.

With few exceptions, there is rarely a bad time of year to go golfing in the Grand Canyon state, though a membership is required to play there. Flagstaff is 145 miles north of Phoenix, making it a great opportunity to drive along the legendary Route 66 and explore more of the state. The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is just 6.4 miles from Forest Highlands Golf Club, offering direct flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport all year round. For those staying in town, Flagstaff has several hotels, with the Tru by Hilton Flagstaff conveniently located only 15 minutes away.

Verrado Golf Club - Buckeye

Imagine taking a walk on the Verrado Golf Club's pristine emerald colored fairways as you make your way to the first tee. The club was designed by PGA Tour player Tom Lehman and opened in 2016. Since then, this club has become a go-to destination for the state's top golfers. The Verrado Golf Club may be in the shadow of the White Tank Mountains, but try not to let them distract you as you play on one of two courses, or both!

The Victory Course is stretched out over 7,258 yards and surrounded by amazing scenery, so keeping score might become the last thing on your mind. Tee times for the public begin at 5 a.m., and the club offers a range of options in terms of green fees and annual passes. The beautiful town of Buckeye is only about an hour's drive from Phoenix and features plenty of places to stay, such as the Fairfield Inn & Suites, conveniently located just a couple of miles down the road.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club - Maricopa

Also about an hour's drive from Phoenix is the desert town of Maricopa, home to the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course. This stunning course sits on 320 acres of pristine land on the Ak-Chin Reservation. Featuring flat, wide fairways and challenging bunkers, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is open year-round; however, between June 1 and August 31, the course is closed on Mondays.

This traditional-style course was designed by architects Brian Curley and PGA Champion Fred Couples, who created a fun and challenging course for all skill levels. The public course boasts dynamic green fees that change depending on the season and time of day, and features include an on-site pro shop, putting green, driving range, and golf instruction. When you've worked up an appetite, or maybe you came with one, make sure to enjoy a meal at the world-class Arroyo Grille. Visitors to Maricopa have plenty of places to stay, but the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Hotel & Casino is the go-to choice for those seeking a perfect blend of comfort and convenience.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa Golf Course - Tucson

The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa Golf Course in Tucson, Arizona, provides golfers with the best of both worlds, where guests can enjoy the luxurious accommodations and delicious food from the Signature Grill, then spend a few hours on an Arnold Palmer signature golf course. Originally built in 1986 by architect Bob Cupp, the course was redesigned by Mr. Palmer and boasts 27 holes across three courses, each framed by the awe-inspiring Tucson Mountains.

As a semi-private club, the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa Golf Course is open to the public as well as guests of the spa. Players have full access to the on-site pro shop, clubhouse restaurant, and putting greens. Golfers can also make use of on-site carts. As with most golf courses in the Grand Canyon State, there is rarely a bad time of year to go. However, locals may prefer the resort's off-peak season to enjoy a less busy experience. Meanwhile, for those visiting, the resort is just a half-hour drive from Tucson International Airport.

TCP Scottsdale - The Stadium Course

TPC Scottsdale - The Stadium is a public club designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. Players enjoy the lush greens and fairways as the McDowell Mountains sit in the distance. Perhaps the most famous feature of the course is its fully enclosed 16th hole, which is the only fully enclosed hole on the PGA Tour. The course is conveniently located in Scottsdale, offering guests the chance to fly into Scottsdale Airport or drive from Phoenix. The Scottsdale Camelback Resort and Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale are great places to stay while in town.

Those who feel like putting their skills to the test on the same course where Tiger Woods scored a hole-in-one during his appearance in the 1997 Phoenix Open will get their chance. The course is open year-round, with the exception of the week before and during the PGA tournament. There is a range of options for purchasing passes, including daily rates and annual passes. The 87 Club is a premium membership that offers discounts, a personalized locker in the Stadium Clubhouse, and access to both the Champions and Stadium practice facilities. No matter how you get there, the Toro Restaurant & Rum Bar is ready to host as you unwind after a day of golf on one of the most widely recognized courses in the world.

Troon North Golf Club - Scottsdale

Troon North Golf Club is a must-play for any golfer who visits Scottsdale, Arizona. Designed and later renovated by Tom Weiskopf, himself a former British Open winner, the course provides a fun challenge and showcases the natural, rugged beauty that America's southwest has to offer. Troon North invites visitors to pay green fees on a sliding scale according to the season and time of day, and they also offer coveted annual membership packages, which sell out quickly. On the plus side, a membership isn't needed to enjoy the food at The Dynamite Grille.

Guests can also make full use of the driving range, putting green, and chipping area, as well as access to the Callaway Performance Center. The special facility analyzes players' swings to allow Callaway to create golf clubs and golf balls custom-fit for their distinct playing styles. Getting to Troon North is a snap, as it's only about half an hour from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. While there are no on-site accommodations, the Sheraton Desert Oasis Villas in Scottsdale are only 7.5 miles away.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Saguaro - Fort McDowell

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Saguaro is a public golf course in the charming community of Fort McDowell. The challenging 18-hole course, designed by Bill Coore and PGA Pro Ben Crenshaw, features rolling green fairways lined with bunkers and surrounded by the beautiful yet unforgiving terrain of the southwest. Within its first year of operation in 2007, Golf Magazine called it one of the country's "Top 10 Best New Courses You Can Play". Interestingly, the Saguaro course features designs that are not typically found in Arizona, as it incorporates traditional design elements while still seamlessly blending into the landscape. The result is an extremely walkable course that is perfect for taking in the sights while contemplating the next shot.

Prices for a tee time at the Saguaro Club fluctuate throughout the year. One thing that doesn't change, however, is that there is never a bad time of year to enjoy a round or two of golf at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, with amenities that include a putting green, a driving range, and an on-site teaching professional. And something all golfers can look forward to is a delicious meal to toast their luck at world-class Saguaro Grille.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 30 minutes away, while the nearby We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort features golf-themed suites, making this an easy and accessible choice for your next trip to Arizona.

The Phoenician Golf Course - Scottsdale

The Phoenician is a public course that offers all the elegance and prestige of an exclusive members-only club. Nestled in Arizona’s stunning Sonoran Desert, this exceptional course combines breathtaking scenery with a fun yet challenging layout. Designed by architect Paul Smith, the 18-hole, Par 71 provides a fair challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Tee times begin at 5:30 a.m. and green fees are available, though prices for a round vary by season. After your game, enjoy a meal at the club’s on-site eatery, The 19th Hole. To cap off a great day, book a stay in any one of the resort's guest rooms and luxury suites. Getting to the course is just as easy, with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport just a short drive away.

Final Thoughts

Arizona is home to some of the world’s most amazing golf courses. The state’s warm southwestern climate, combined with its awe-inspiring landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for golf lovers. Each of these courses offers its own unique challenges and defining qualities, set against the state's rugged yet beautiful terrain. The stark contrast of the bright greens lined against the muted desert tones provides a playing experience rarely found anywhere in the world