Scottsdale/Phoenix Golf Guide

Happy Sunday OOB Fam,

It’s been a minute since I hit your inbox, but I’m back and fired up because we’re officially creeping into peak golf season here in the Valley. December through May is when the Valley shows off — firm fairways, smooth greens, and weather that begs for 36 a day. So I figured it was the perfect time to drop a straight-shooting guide to which courses you should actually play…and which ones are lower on totem pole.

If you’re new here, I’m an Arizona native and I’ve logged rounds on well over 100 courses across the Phoenix metro area. I know these tracks like the back of my hand — the good stuff, the pretenders, and the ones that look great on Instagram but leave you wondering where your $250 went.

My goal is simple, save you time, money, and frustration on your next trip to the desert.

I’m breaking everything down by tiers based on layout, conditions, and overall value, not budget.

And yeah, some of this will be controversial — Quintero loyalists, Papago diehards, I hear you — but I’ve played them all and I’m standing on these picks.

Let’s dive in.

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These are the big dogs. If you’re coming to Phoenix to play “the good stuff,” this is your list.

Pure, untouched desert golf — no houses, no noise, no nonsense. Saguaro is Coore & Crenshaw minimalism at its best with ground-game options everywhere, while Cholla is the brawnier, target-golf sibling. Conditions are always elite, and it’s the closest you’ll get to Bandon-meets-Sonoran.

Raptor has real tournament bite while Talon is the more creative shot-maker’s course with killer par threes. Conditioning in peak season is as dialed as anything in the state. Think “Scottsdale energy” but with actual architectural substance.

A big, wide, bold track that wants you to swing hard — this isn’t desert target golf; it’s a links-influenced bruiser with room off the tee and gnarly green surrounds. It’s also the best pure “players’ course” in the valley. Go here if you like hitting every club in your bag.

Classic high-desert Scottsdale golf with granite boulders, huge vistas, and plenty of bite. Pinnacle is the more polished layout, Monument is a touch more dramatic, and both give you that iconic Troon conditioning in peak season. Boys’ trip catnip.

A legit municipal masterpiece with walkable routing, strong bones, and firm conditions that reward real ball striking. The greens complexes are way more interesting than people remember. This is the sneaky “local’s favorite” that always belongs on a trip.

Stadium is the show — wide open off the tee, fun greens, and the chance to play the 16th you’ve watched a million times. Champions has better architecture, more variety, and honestly plays better day-to-day. Both are must-dos for the Scottsdale bucket-list crowd.

South is the purest expression of “golf carved into prehistoric rock.” The routing moves through giant formations in a way that feels almost surreal, and it’s the tighter, more strategic of the two courses. It’s expensive, but peak-season conditions make it worth it.

Still very good golf, still worth playing — just not quite top-shelf.

Wide landing areas, clean conditioning, and a resort-friendly vibe. Not the most architecturally thrilling, but it’s consistently good, especially during rye season.

Playable, forgiving, and always in solid shape with fun resort energy. Architecture is straightforward, but it’s perfect for a chill round or mixed-skill group.

More open and less dramatic than South, though still beautiful. Conditioning is strong, but layout isn’t quite as compelling.

Palmer is more conventional while Faldo brings in big bunkering and a slightly more interesting routing. Good conditioning, great facilities, but it lacks the identity of the elites.

This is the better of the Camelback tracks with a modern, eco-designed routing. Lots of movement, plenty of run-offs — but it can feel repetitive.

Fun parkland-style course with great turf and very playable lines. Not strategic enough to crack Tier 1, but it’s one of the more enjoyable “show up and have a day” tracks.

Spectacular views and dramatic elevation changes. Makes for great photos, but the target-golf routing can feel disjointed — still a fun one-time play.

A legit challenge with some big elevation and strong par fours. Conditions are usually solid, but the layout is quirky in spots.

The more interesting of the two Talking Stick tracks with a minimalist, wide-open Coore & Crenshaw feel. Not dramatic visually, but it’s a thinker’s golf course.

Forgiving, well-maintained, and a good value. The layout is pleasant and the back nine is a beast of a challenge. Huge greens that run smooth in peak season. Locals favorite.

One of the most dramatic back nines in the valley — the “Wicked Six” coming home can take your lunch money. Conditions are good, but it’s penal in places.

Honestly, these aren’t great — but if everything else is booked or out of budget, you’ll still get some desert views and playable conditions.

Playable and friendly with a few fun holes. Routing is simple, conditioning varies.

Beautiful setting tucked under Camelback Mountain, but the redesign left it feeling sanitized and repetitive. Conditions are good, but it’s resort golf through and through.

Old-school layout with some charm, but conditioning swings hard depending on the year. Good for a casual loop, not a showcase round.

Solid, flat, tree-lined golf that feels more “Phoenix traditional” than modern desert. Greens are good, but the layout is straightforward.

The weaker layout of the two — still wide and playable, but lacks the interesting movement and strategy of O’odham.

Classic parkland vibe with three courses, but they all feel a bit tired. Good if you’re staying at the resort, not a must-drive.

Pretty views but a very quirky routing with blind shots and some awkward forced carries. Can be fun, but it’s not for purists.

Spectacular views with lots of elevation change, but the target-golf style and tight landing areas can frustrate. Conditions can be hit or miss.