State Rankings

Best Public Golf Courses in Arizona

Arizona is one of the premier golf travel destinations in the United States, with Scottsdale alone hosting dozens of nationally ranked resort courses. The desert terrain creates dramatic elevation changes and forced carries that push slope ratings higher than the visual appearance of the course might suggest. The courses below cover the breadth of Arizona golf — from the famous Scottsdale corridor to Phoenix municipal gems and mountain layouts.

1
Troon North
Scottsdale, Arizona

Troon North features 18 holes of exhilarating golf with a par of 71 and offers yardage options from 6,220 yards on the forward tees to 6,645 yards from the back. This course provides a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels, with multiple tee options including Black, Gold Pinnacle, and Silver. The lush fairways and well-maintained greens are highlighted by unique desert landscaping, making for an engaging visual experience as well. Expect to navigate a variety of hazards and elevation changes that test your shot selection and course management skills.

2
WE-KO-PA Cholla
Fort Mcdowell, Arizona

WE-KO-PA Cholla is a remarkable 18-hole course that presents a genuine challenge with a par of 72 and yardage ranging from 6,114 yards from the forward tees to 7,225 from the back. Golfers can choose from four tee options, including Purple, White, Composite, and the Cholla tees, catering to varying skill levels. The course features pristine bent grass on both the fairways and greens, providing a smooth playing surface that rolls true. Players will encounter a mix of strategic holes and stunning desert-inspired views, making it as much about skill as it is about appreciating the landscape around you.

3
Grayhawk - Raptor
Scottsdale, Arizona

Grayhawk's Raptor course stretches across 7,135 yards from the back tees, challenging golfers with its par 72 layout. The course features a mix of tee options, including the gold and various combo tees, making it accessible for players of different skill levels while maintaining its competitive edge. With Bermuda grass carpeting both the fairways and greens, you can expect a smooth roll and lively lies. The design emphasizes strategic shot placement, ensuring that every hole presents a unique puzzle to solve.

The TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course offers an engaging 18 holes, stretching from 6,127 yards from the forward tees to a challenging 7,094 yards from the back. With a par of 71, golfers will find this course both rewarding and demanding, especially with its mix of tight fairways and strategically placed hazards. You can test your skills across various tees—Black, Blue, or White—making it accessible for players of all levels. The course features pristine Tifway 419 Bermuda grass, ensuring great lies and smooth putting conditions. Golfers will appreciate the thoughtful design that calls for precision and strategy at every turn.

5
Boulders - South Course
Carefree, Arizona

The Boulders - South Course presents an engaging round with its 18 holes, measuring a manageable 6,207 yards and playing to a par of 71. Golfers will appreciate the well-maintained grass types that contribute to a smooth playing experience. With a slope rating that offers a good challenge without being overwhelming, this course is ideal for players ranging from mid-handicappers to seasoned pros. Those playing from the white tees will find it accessible yet stimulating, with each hole thoughtfully designed to test their skills and strategy.

6

The Quintero Founders Course features 18 holes of golf with a par of 72, providing a diverse yardage that ranges from a manageable 5,043 yards from the forward tees to a challenging 7,266 yards from the back. Golfers can choose from multiple tee options, including Gold, Silver, and Copper, ensuring a suitable challenge for all skill levels. The course is characterized by its unique layout, blending natural desert landscapes with manicured fairways and greens, all while being framed by the stunning Arizona backdrop. With a slope rating that emphasizes strategy and shot placement, this course requires thoughtful club selection and course management to navigate successfully.

7
Papago Golf Course
Phoenix, Arizona

Papago Golf Course features 18 holes with a par of 72, offering a unique challenge ranging from 5,404 yards from the forward tees to a lengthy 12,755 yards from the back. The course features several tee options, including Black, Blue, White, and Gold, which cater to players of all skill levels. Papago's layout is complemented by lush grass types, providing a pleasant playing surface year-round. Golfers can expect a combination of risk and reward, especially on the well-placed water hazards and strategically designed bunkers that can catch the unwary.

8
Dove Valley Ranch
Cave Creek, Arizona

Dove Valley Ranch is a delightful 18-hole course that stretches between 5,337 and 7,011 yards, accommodating players of all skill levels with its multiple tee options: Black, Black-Gold Combo, Gold, White, and Green. This par 72 course features a mix of challenging holes and scenic vistas, all while being wrapped in the lush desert landscape. With a slope rating that gives it a moderate level of difficulty, golfers will find a good balance of strategic play and enjoyment through its meticulously maintained fairways and greens. The experience here is designed to engage both seasoned players and newcomers alike, making each round feel special.

9
Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mtn.
Apache Junction, Arizona

Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain is a unique challenge with a par of 70 and yardages ranging from 4,794 yards from the forward tees to 6,652 yards from the back. Golfers can choose from five sets of tees—Gold, Black, Blue, White, and Copper—accommodating all skill levels. The course features Arizona’s typical desert landscape, with excellent drainage and lush fairways that can put up a fight if you stray too far. The rolling terrain and strategically placed obstacles demand thoughtful shot selection, making it an engaging round for both novice players and seasoned golfers alike.

10
Talking Stick - North Course
Scottsdale, Arizona

The Talking Stick North Course is a unique 18-hole layout that measures between 5,945 yards from the forward tees and stretches out to 7,095 yards from the back. With a par of 70, it challenges players of all skill levels, offering four sets of tees including the Black, Gold, Gold/Jade, and Jade options. The course features a mix of lush Bermuda grass and native desert flora, creating a stunning contrast while also providing a strategic golfing experience. Golfers will find the layout offers a variety of risk-reward holes, and the slope rating ensures that both beginners and seasoned players can enjoy their round.

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