-img290x82.png){kind=logo}
If you are planning a golf trip to Arizona, Phoenix and Scottsdale together form one of the most exciting desert golf destinations in the United States. With dozens of championship layouts available year-round, choosing where to tee it up can feel overwhelming. To help you plan, we have hand-picked five standout courses from our full list of Phoenix golf courses - all bookable through GolfTroop.
TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course
Few courses carry the prestige of TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course. This is the PGA Tour's favorite venue in the Sonoran Desert and the home of the WM Phoenix Open, one of the most attended events in professional golf. The stadium-style design puts spectators close to the action, and when you play it yourself, you feel every bit of that tournament atmosphere. If you are going to play one course in Phoenix, make it this one.
Location: 17020 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Price range: Premium
GolfTroop rating: 74.6
Papago
Located right in the heart of Phoenix, Papago Golf Course consistently earns its reputation as the finest public golf course in the city. Dramatic red rock formations frame the layout, creating one of the most visually striking settings in Arizona. The conditioning is excellent year-round, and the challenge is real without being punishing, making it a perfect fit for players of all skill levels.
Location: 5595 E Moreland St, Phoenix, AZ
Price range: Luxury
GolfTroop rating: 74.8
Quintero
If you are chasing a bucket-list desert golf experience, Quintero Golf Club delivers on every front. Situated about 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix, this course features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping Sonoran Desert views, and a layout that rewards strategic thinking over raw power. It is one of the most challenging courses in Arizona, and one of the most rewarding.
Location: 16752 W. State Route 74, Peoria, AZ
Price range: Premium
GolfTroop rating: 75.3
Southern Dunes
Designed by Fred Couples, Southern Dunes Golf Club is widely considered one of the world-class layouts in Arizona. The course sits about an hour south of Scottsdale but draws golfers from across the country for its bold, rolling fairways and links-inspired design that feels unlike anything else in the desert. The wide, flowing terrain is deceptively challenging, and the course rewards players who think carefully from the tee.
Location: 48456 West Highway 238, Maricopa, AZ
Price range: Above Average
GolfTroop rating: 76.2
Troon North - Pinnacle/Monument
Troon North Golf Club offers two exceptional courses - Pinnacle and Monument - set against the rugged terrain of north Scottsdale. Both layouts weave through boulder outcroppings, native desert vegetation, and dramatic elevation changes that make every round feel like an adventure. Troon North is a consistent favorite among golfers looking for an unmatched premium desert experience, and for good reason.
Location: 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ
Price range: Premium
GolfTroop rating: 73.0
Quick look at the top 5
| Course | Designer | Price range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course | PGA Tour design | Premium | 74.6 |
| Papago | Classic public layout | Luxury | 74.8 |
| Quintero | Championship desert | Premium | 75.3 |
| Southern Dunes | Fred Couples | Above Average | 76.2 |
| Troon North - Pinnacle/Monument | Tom Weiskopf | Premium | 73.0 |
When to visit
Phoenix and Scottsdale enjoy sunshine virtually year-round, but the sweet spot for golf is October through April. Temperatures during these months stay comfortably between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making morning rounds particularly enjoyable. Summer brings extreme heat - often over 110°F - which means early tee times are essential if you visit between June and August.
Why book with GolfTroop
GolfTroop has spent over 17 years building relationships with Phoenix and Scottsdale's best golf facilities. Whether you are after a quick two-round weekend or a full week-long desert golf vacation with accommodation and a rental car included, our packages are built to make planning easy. All five courses above are part of our curated Arizona network, and our team can put together a custom itinerary that fits your group size, budget, and preferred tee times.
Browse the complete list of Phoenix golf courses to explore every option available - from budget-friendly layouts to ultra-luxury resort courses - and start planning your next desert golf trip.
FAQ
What are the best golf courses in Phoenix for first-time visitors?
Papago Golf Course and TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course are ideal starting points. Papago offers a beautiful, accessible layout right in the city, while TPC Scottsdale gives you the full PGA Tour experience. Both are available to book through GolfTroop.
Is Phoenix a good golf destination year-round?
Yes, Phoenix golf is playable year-round, but the best conditions are from October to April. Winter and spring months offer mild temperatures and excellent course conditioning, making it one of the most reliable golf destinations in the United States.
How do I book a tee time at Phoenix golf courses through GolfTroop?
You can browse all available courses and packages at GolfTroop.com. Simply select the courses you want to play, choose your travel dates, and the team will help you put together a complete itinerary including accommodation and transportation if needed.
Are there public golf courses in Phoenix worth playing?
Absolutely. Papago is consistently ranked among the best public golf courses in the entire country. Southern Dunes and Quintero are also open to the public and offer world-class desert layouts at very competitive price points.
What makes Phoenix golf different from other US destinations?
The combination of Sonoran Desert scenery, dramatic elevation changes, and year-round sunshine makes Phoenix golf genuinely unique. Courses like Quintero, Troon North, and Southern Dunes use the natural terrain in ways that are simply not possible in other regions, creating shot values and visual drama you will not find anywhere else.
