Your Valley Course Encyclopedia

PHOTO GALLERY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
TESTIMONIES
AZ Golf Trip Guide

Your Valley Course Map

Welcome to a golfer's dream, where there are 200+ golf courses in the Phoenix metro area. There's a track every block!

Here's my subjective list of the most popular public ones, sorted by price + quality + general popularity.

*keep in mind that course conditions, management, and the golf business change all the time!

Photo Gallery

Tier 1- High Price, High Quality

Troon North

(Photo by Troon North Golf Club)
(Photo by Troon North Golf Club)

PROS

  • Some of the best-elevated views up in the boulders.
  • Phenomenal grass condition year round.
  • The Biggest golf merch shop in the valley.
  • 36 holes.

CONS

  • The Highest prices next to TPC.
  • 30 miles north of Old Town.
  • Good amount of houses (I mean mansions) on the course with tight fairways.

*PRO TIP*

Play Monument for your first time - wider fairways, signature boulder in the middle of #3, elevation changes on the back.

Play Pinnacle if you're looking for a challenge - higher rated course, target golf, more chances to score.

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Tpc Scottsdale (Stadium + Champions)

(Photo by TPC Scottsdale)
(Photo by TPC Scottsdale)

PROS

  • Home of the WMPO!
  • Cool to play with, the 16th-hole stadium stands up.
  • Owned by the PGA Tour, so pretty much always in good condition.
  • BetMGM Sportsbook on property in 2023.

CONS

  • Slightly lackluster compared to the other courses.
  • Non-special/nothing to the golf course without stands.
  • Priciest course in the valley.

*PRO TIP*

  • The stadium stands that are set up for the WMPO are only up October-March.
  • Champions are cheaper and thought of as the better layout.
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Quintero

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Beauty of a track, built into big rocky hills of AZ. Lots of elevation.
  • Wildlife is abundant (look for wild donkeys!).
  • Has housing to stay in.
  • Lots of practice on putting greens and a decent range
  • Amazing scenery and great course conditions.

CONS

  • 1.5 hours from Old Town.
  • Absolutely nothing out by the golf course except for Lake Pleasant.
  • Small golf shop and grill area.
  • Always fairly windy.

*PRO TIP*

  • Locals claim to use the same iron on all the par 3s!
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We-ko-pa

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • 2 great true desert tracks, amazing scenery of Four Peaks and the Salt River (no houses to be seen!). Awesome natural beauty.
  • Huge clubhouse, halfway house, and good practice facility.
  • AZ residents get about a 15% discount on greens fees with a 7-day booking window.
  • Casino next door!

CONS

  • Conditions are not always consistent.
  • Decent drive out east.

*PRO TIP*

  • · Locals prefer Cholla to Saguaro!
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Greyhawk

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Lively place to be in the middle of North Scottsdale.
  • 36 holes and 2 huge practice facilities.
  • Great golf shop.
  • Super manageable course design for all golfers.

CONS

  • The 2 tracks are very similar.
  • No GPS on the carts.
  • Views are minimal, courses are built into Greyhawk neighborhood.

*PRO TIP*

  • The majority of people say Raptor is their favorite
  • Go to Isabella's after for food and drinks!
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Phoenician

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Prime central location in central Scottsdale.
  • 2 very contrasting 9s (front 9 is house lined and straightforward, back 9 is sculpted into the bottom of Camelback Mountain).
  • Engaging layout, views of Phoenix.
  • The best golf carts in the valley with plush seats and Bluetooth speakers!

CONS

  • Very popular place, always busy.
  • Some think of it as too “resort-y.”
  • Currently, some construction is going on.
  • Range & short game areas are spread apart.

*PRO TIP*

  • Pay attention to the greens where the mountain is- putts roll away from the mountain, especially on the back side!
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Tier 1 Honorable Mentions

MOUNTAIN SHADOWS

  • The nicest par 3 course you'll play on!
  • Fun little layout, right next to Camelback Mountain, with awesome views.
  • Full 18-hole par 3 with a couple of par 4's.
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Verrado Golf Club

  • Pretty far drive out to Buckeye from the Valley, but worth it.
  • Secluded, with only a few houses out there.
  • Target golfs with blind shots yet fairly open.
  • Nice clubhouse and bar.
  • Victory is the more popular track, and Founders has a ton of blind tee shots but a sick 18th hole.
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Boulders

  • 2 shorter courses were built into the huge round rocks of Cave Creek.
  • Highly rated resort and spa attached.
  • Conditions have been sketchy at times, but overall a high-end and very fun course to play.
  • Definitely don't have to hit driver a lot.
  • One of the further northern public courses in the Valley.
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Sunridge Canyon

Located in Fountain Hills, with some beautiful scenery as it's built into the sides of the foothills. Has been said to be overpriced at times. Hidden undulations, and you have to be accurate off the tee. The final 6 holes are named “The Wicked Six”… A fun experience and a switch up from Scottsdale golf courses and their scenery. AZ residents also get a 5-10% discount on tee times. Make sure to click the 20% off button in the top right-hand corner if you are booking on their website for special greens fee flash deals. 

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GOLD CANYON

  • Absolutely INCREDIBLE beauty - 2 courses (Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder), panoramic scenery of Superstition Mountain. Change up from Scottsdale views!
  • Has a resort/spa attached.
  • Lots of elevation and shots going up and down the mountain, firm conditions,
  • Fun challenge track.
  • Has been said to be “dried out” at times.
  • It wasn't in my top picks because it is a far drive from central Scottsdale (a 45-hour drive from Old Town). 
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WHIRLWIND GC

  • 2 courses to choose from (Devil's Claw and Cattail) that are always pretty green!
  • Very nice practice facility usually keeps firm and fast greens. 
  • Flat courses are always windy out there.
  • Some water holes that are pretty.
  • Can get crowded. They host a lot of outings.
  • Wildhorse Casino is next door!
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Tier 2- Slightly Cheaper, Great Quality

LEGACY GC

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Fun course to play and not terribly desert-y, well-designed layout!
  • One of the best practice centers in the valley, with an indoor performance center if you're looking for lessons.
  • They always keep it in great lush condition!
  • Offer a “happy hour” rate of around $50 starting in the latte afternoons – includes a golf cart, however many holes you can squeeze in, and a beer!

CONS

  • Deeeep fairway bunkers will kill ya off the tee.
  • Slight resort course feel.

*PRO TIP*

Buy into their “hole in one” pot – chance to win big cash, and they film all holes-in-one on #4!

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Kierland

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Three 9s to choose from.
  • Being a resort course, it is much more spread out and well-designed. 
  • Shaded driving range.
  • Ice machines are all over the course!

CONS

  • Greens are a little inconsistent throughout the seasons.
  • Alcohol prices are high.

*PRO TIP*

  • Acacia is the side that finishes with a tough par 5 and the beautiful Westin Hotel in the background!
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Wildfire Gc

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Wildfire Golf Club)

PROS

  • 36 holes - Palmer and Faldo.
  • Large driving range.
  • Has a great reputation as it held several LPGA tournaments.

CONS

  • Can be overpriced at times.
  • Palmer's layout is a little boring.
  • Another semi-resort style track.

*PRO TIP*

  • Faldo has a ton more bunkers and target golf, while Palmer is more laid out in front of you and less elevated greens.
  • Go to Desert Ridge Shopping Center nearby - tons of great restaurants! (I recommend Sandbar - especially on Taco Tuesdays)
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Eagle Mountain

IMG_3759

PROS

  • Recently went through a course reno that significantly improved course conditions.
  • Elevated tee shots, but everything funnels toward the fairway.
  • Great views of the Valley and Fountain Hills.

CONS

  • The layout can still be somewhat challenging for those that aren't scratch golfers.
  • Hard to read greens (undulated).

*PRO TIP*

  • Check out Fountain Hills while you're out that way (Bones Brewery and Vu Bistro are awesome), the tallest fountain in North America in the center of downtown!
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Camelback

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Camelback Golf Club)

PROS

  • Convenient location in central Scottsdale with two 18s, Padre and Ambiente.
  • Connected to Camelback Inn by JW Marriott.

CONS

  • Pretty busy and usually holds a lot of outings.
  • Lots of bunkers on the course.
  • The condition is said to be not the best quality.

*PRO TIP*

  • Padre is pretty basic and more forgiving off the tee (lots of grass, not too much desert), while Ambiente is more popular but is a links-style course and way longer/tougher.
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The Raven

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by The Raven Golf Club)

PROS

  • Great track at a good value price that keeps you entertained every hole. Greens are usually quick.
  • Has some random pine trees built-in on the course that add a unique feel!
  • Score-able short par 5's, a mix of long par 4's and strategic short par 4's.

CONS

  • Bunkers are not always in great shape.
  • Pace of play is a common complaint.

*PRO TIP*

  • Directly across the street from Legacy – might as well play 36 while you're down there!
  • Also close to the airport – book a round before or after your flight!
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Tier 2 Honorable Mention

Las Sendas

A great track out in East Mesa. Requires some thinking to play this course, with an entertaining layout and views of the east Valley and Phoenix all around you. It tends to have lower prices than most of the good golf courses in the Scottsdale area, but it is about a 45-minute drive to get there. 

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Longbow Gc

A Troon course about 20 minutes from Scottsdale is always well-kept and provides a challenge for all levels of golfers. The greens are big with undulations and are usually pretty fast. They host many professional golf tournaments and qualifying events for a good reason. Their bar and grill are great, with a pretty outdoor patio.

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Rancho Mañana

  • Cave Creek course is a north Scottsdale spot with a lower price.
  • Very pretty scenery with the boulders and wildlife.
  • Greens have been considered furry at times, and conditions are inconsistent, but it’s a fun, challenging layout.
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STERLING GROVE

  • New course to the area, Jack Nicklaus design.
  • Pretty flat course, not as desert-y as others, but the undulating greens provide a challenge.
  • Some tree-lined holes and lots of new grass- it's a fairly new course and may still need some maturing with the grass consistency.
  • Many people rave about the back 9 and the fun strategy it provides.
  • Located in Surprise, so, a semi-far drive from Scottsdale (about 40 minutes).
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AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES

  • A hike from Scottsdale - located in Maricopa County, about an hour south.
  • Great feedback about course layout and conditions - hosts a lot of big tournaments and qualifiers. If this course was in the middle of Scottsdale and not so far of a drive, it would be in the top 5 of everyone's favorites.
  • Links-ish style, lots of sand traps.
  • (the bugs can be bad, especially-during monsoon season!)
  • Next to a casino.
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WIGWAM

  • Big property with 3 courses (Gold, Blue, and Red).
  • Gold is the most popular course.
  • Blue is said to be the easiest side to navigate, and Red is more tree-lined off the tee box. 
  • Has had multiple mini-tour events/qualifiers.
  • Good shape, moderate price, and is just a hike out from Scottsdale in Litchfield Park.
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GCU

  • Grand Canyon Universities' home track in Downtown Phoenix.
  • Pretty flat course with wide fairways, locals love the fun layout and the practice facilities.
  • Long par 3's.
  • Good facilities.
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Tier 3 - Mid-range Price, Good Quality

MCCORMICK RANCH

AZ Golf Trip Guide

PROS

  • Centrally located.
  • 36 holes of golf with the Pine and Palm courses. Not terribly difficult.
  • Club that's been around for a while hosts one of the WMPO qualifiers every year.

CONS

  • Always packed.
  • Lost a lot of trees after a storm in 2021 altered the character of the course.
  • Range is smaller and on mats frequently.

*PRO TIP*

  • Weekends can be insanely packed, try to play during the week or early on the weekend if you can.
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PAPAGO

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Papago Golf Club)

PROS

  • One of the most popular public courses, historically fun muni.
  • Beautiful views of the Papago red rocks.
  • Good mix of a lot of different hole layouts.
  • ASU's home course.

CONS

  • No cart paths
  • Gets a lot of play, so can be beat up at times.
  • They are currently undergoing renovations, so some holes are funky/have a secondary green for the time being.

*PRO TIP*

  • The course plays pretty long - make sure to pick the appropriate tees! And stop by Lou's at the clubhouse - newly renovated bar and grill.
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TALKING STICK

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Talking Stick Golf Resort)

PROS

  • Located in the middle of Scottsdale, with the Talking Stick Casino next door.
  • 36 holes, O'odham and Piipaash. Piipaash has more trees lining the fairway, and with each hole laid out in front of you, O'odham has more turns and twists but is not terribly difficult. Friendly course designs for all levels of golfers.
  • On the reservation- no houses on the course, and always well watered!
  • Good value- offers an Arizona resident rate (approximately 15% off) and also a prepaid rate for both AZ and non-AZ resident rates that save you about 9%.

CONS

  • Not really any special features to the courses.
  • Gets a lot of play/holds a lot of outings, can be pretty slow out there.

*PRO TIP*

  • The most popular casino in town is right next door- (maybe I should put this in the con section, lol)
  • Look into their Player Development Program if you're a local- free-range balls and discounted tee times.
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MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by McDowell Mountain Golf Club)

PROS

  • Pretty views of the McDowell Mountains up north.
  • Short course - only, 6600 yards from the tips.
  • Public driving range.

CONS

  • Not always in good shape - fairways get a bad rap. Seems to be the biggest complaint among locals is the condition.
  • The slightly goofy course layout forces you to not hit the driver in some holes.
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LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Lookout Mountain Golf Club)

PROS

  • Cool track with different views from North Phoenix. The scenery is awesome.
  • Lots of elevation, if you play it right, there are lots of chances to score.

CONS

  • If you're having a bad day off the tee, you will lose a lot of golf balls.
  • A cheaper Troon course, but conditions are not always consistent, especially in the summer.

*PRO TIP*

  • Attached to the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, go check out the fancy restaurant Different Pointe of View at the top of the mountain - some of the coolest views in town.
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OCOTILLO

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Ocotillo Golf Club)

PROS

  • Super unique course compared to the rest of all the desert courses - there is water on the majority of the holes. Some holes have huge sloping greens. A different challenge!
  • Great facilities.

CONS

  • Between the water coming into play on just about every shot and the trees that are scattered on the course, you could have a rough day out here.
  • Doesn't drain water very well - could feel extra buggy and hot.
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TIER 3 HONORABLE MENTION

THE 500 CLUB

  • This course has been flying under the radar…it's only in tier 3 because of how cheap it is to play and that it's located way out in northwest Phoenix. The reviews on the consistent course conditions and the fun layout say otherwise!
  • Former Indy 500 winner Tom Sneva helped design this course, hence the racing reference.
  • It's not the most complex course, with only a slight change in elevation and narrow fairways, but the views are decent, and the price is right.
  • PXG rentals for a reasonable price of $60. They also have a short 9-hole course to play as well.
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ORANGE TREE

  • A cute resort course up in northern Scottsdale.
  • Plays short from the tips (6700 yards), lots of score-able holes laid back track.
  • Built into a neighborhood and resort.
  • The quality of the course and grass is not terribly high.
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STARFIRE

  • Another extremely short course at 6200 yards from the tips.
  • Fun layout, always one of the cheapest rates in town. Be careful when hitting some tee shots as they border busy roads.
  • Has 18 holes and a 9-hole par 3 course (beware when booking, they occasionally push 18-hole golfers to the par 3 for a 9 during maintenance or busy times).
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SILVERADO

  • Very comparable to Starfire - short executive course with tips at 6300 yards.
  • The track is located in old town Scottsdale, the bike path feeds through the golf course.
  • Fun layout, unless you hit it a mile, there's not much trouble on the course. Tree-lined some holes.
  • Cheap rate, so don't expect pristine conditions and no driving range.
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ENCANTO

  • Flat, old-school style muni located near downtown Phoenix.
  • Gets awesome feedback from the regulars for price and grass conditions.
  • Easy course to navigate, tree-lined, but hard to lose a golf ball.
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AGUILA

  • Another muni course, this one is more challenging with more trees and more hills. Has a handful of water hazards and lots of bunkers.
  • 18 holes plus a 9-hole executive par 3 course.
  • Awesome views of downtown and South Mountain.
  • Another great value for the tee time prices.
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CAVE CREEK

  • Cheap, short, and fun!
  • Easily walkable (recommend it for a different experience)!
  • Challenging enough course with some long holes. Built into a ravine wash, which calls for some strategy.
  • A hike from Scottsdale, located in northwest Phoenix (it's not actually located in Cave Creek).
  • Muni course means it's not always in tip-top shape, some have complained of a lot of mud on the course at times.
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ARIZONA GRAND

  • A busy spot with cheaper rates for tee times.
  • Short course at 6331 yards from the tips. It's a goofy but fun and hilly layout that wraps around South Mountain on the back nine. Really cool views back there, especially on the elevated par 3 number 18.
  • No driving range, unfortunately, and the grass tends to be beat up often.
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CHEAPEST COURSES, LOWER QUALITY…(HECK, I STILL PLAY THEM)

CONTINENTAL

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Continental Golf Club)

PROS

  • Located near Old Town Scottsdale.
  • Laid back old-school, super cheap course. Basic layout.
  • Good place for beginners or if you want to wear a T-shirt and shorts while you play.

CONS

  • Probably the cheapest-priced 18-hole course in the valley - don't expect much when it comes to facilities, course conditions, and design.

*PRO TIP*

  • Walk the course (fairly flat and super short) for the full old-school vibe.
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CORONADO

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Coronado Golf Club)

PROS

  • Famous lighted driving range (open until 9 pm every night!)
  • Laid back, retro old Scottsdale spot.
  • Great place to practice for cheap.
  • They sell alcohol in the pro shop!

CONS

  • Only has 9 basic holes to play.
  • Cash only.
  • Range conditions are not pristine, but they match the price.

*PRO TIP*

  • Go hit balls during happy hour (4-8 pm) for $2 beers and discounted buckets of balls!
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ROLLING HILLS

AZ Golf Trip Guide
(Photo by Rolling Hills Golf Course)

PROS

  • TBA- Rolling Hills renovation into lighted night course coming in January 2024!!!

CONS

  • TBA
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TESTIMONIES

Chris, Consultant

“My name is Chris and I play anywhere from 5 to 25 handicap. My favorite course is Quintero. I shot a 39 on the back nine in very windy conditions. Probably had a 55 on the front. Ha ha“

Stephanie, PGA Teaching Pro

"I love having Lone Tree as my home course because of the sense of fellowship and the staff. The course has well-maintained practice facilities and the layout requires you to use every club in your golf bag. The greens are awesome. Good vibes and an excellent place to work on your golf game!"

Jordan, Caddie

"Las Sendas is the best course in the valley for the price. It's a bit of a drive from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, but it's worth it. The course is always in good shape, the greens are as good as any other course in the valley. I've played all the main public tracks in town, this is a bargain when compared to the other top courses."

Megan, Tech Salesperson/Part-Time Housewife

"Coronado golf course. 🙂 I like it because it's only a few minutes away from my house and for beginners like me, it makes it convenient without breaking the bank!"

Brian, First Assistant Teaching Pro

"I feel that this course is challenging but fair. The layout for the course really sets up for every type of player, no matter what your handicap is. The views and the course are the epitome of the pure desert classic. Plus, the course conditions are always great and the staff at Troon does a great job."

Ryan, PGA Teaching Pro

“My favorite public golf course in AZ would have to be Quintero Golf Club. There are multiple reasons why, they're immaculate course conditions year round, majestic par 3’s, and 360 desert views from every hole. I wouldn’t have a hard time playing Quintero every day!”

Will and Elizabeth Anne, sales + real estate, social golfers

“I like Troon North!! It’s got some of the prettiest views and also is challenging. All the wildlife makes it that much more enjoyable, and they have an amazing staff!“

-EA

“Silverado!

1. Location. One of the closest courses to Old Town Scottsdale I could find, and has a great view of Camelback mountain. Plenty of restaurant options in the neighborhood for post round drinks/dinner.

2. Price. The surrounding courses are usually much steeper in price and have the same view of Camelback. They also sell a summer pass for $120 that gets you $20 green fees + cart every day of summer (May-September).

3. Difficulty. Easy playing course with forgivable fairways. It’s the only course in Arizona I’ve played with only a single ball. Easy to find your out-of-bounds shots without having to fight a cactus.“ -Will

Adam, Outside Services Manager

“I’d say my favorite public course would be Quintero.

Mostly because it’s always in great shape, the course layout is fantastic and the unique Par 3s.”

Chelsea, Assistant D1 Golf Coach

"Favorite course- Troon North Pinnacle. Love the amazing views as well as the challenge of the course design. Best in Scottsdale and a desert classic. Always in great shape."

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