Michael Paul/Courtesy of The Estancia Club
Michael Paul/Courtesy of The Estancia Club
Michael Paul/Courtesy of The Estancia Club
Overview
Estancia, our Best New Private Course of 1996, was Tom Fazio’s initial entry into the Scottsdale scene. Positioned beneath the north slopes of Pinnacle Peak and routed to provide a variety of uphill and downhill shots and a change of direction on almost every hole, Estancia is an easterner’s version of rock-and-cactus architecture, with wide turf corridors, few desert carries and greens wilder than most. Former Fazio design associate Kevin Sutherland (no relation to the PGA Tour player of the same name) has made slight design adjustments in recent years.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1999.
2023-'24 ranking: 70th.
Previous ranking: 72nd.
Highest ranking: 61st, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked first, 2011-'24. Ranked inside the top 5, 1997-2010.
2023-'24 ranking: 1st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Estancia Club is located in the foothills near Pikes Peak in Scottsdale Arizona. A private Top 100 club designed by Tom Fazio with stunning desert views and wonderful elevation changes throughout the golf course. I would compare Estancia to Stone Eagle in CA (another great desert course) but with slightly better conditioning and similar shot options. The fairways and greens are amazing and the abundance of local wildlife make this course a "must play" when in town."
Read More2024
Review
“Very strong set of diverse holes. Very few blades of grass out of place, but greens were not in the best shape (seemed like they had been recently punched, but was told this was not the case). The course does a great job of bucking the desert golf template in that while the holes are framed by desert gravel, many of the fairways are really quite generous. Subtle use of elevated greens is a strong feature of the course as well. Some particularly strong holes are the par 5 17th (a true risk reward reachable par 5) and 18 is a great finishing hole with impressive elevation change. I also appreciated that most of the longer par 4s (notably 5 and 12 and 18) play with a very elevated tee box that makes the hole not really as long as the yardage...providing the player executes a well struck tee shot."
Read More2023
Review
“One of Fazio's best on a picturesque site."
Read More2023
Review
“Tom Fazio, 1995 The Estancia Club is an exclusive private club that sits above Scottsdale, Arizona around the base of Pinnacle Peak. It is immaculate in every way. The greens are pure and the fairways are plush. Plenty of vistas from several elevated tees take advantage of the surrounding scenery. The course is challenging and beautiful."
Read More2023
Review
“An absolutely beautiful Tom Fazio course spread out over 640 acres in Scottsdale. Breathtaking views almost distract the player from the difficult shots required to score well at this course. Use of the natural rock formations add to the ambience. A magnificent club house adds to the over-all wonderful golf experience."
Read More2021
Review
“One of the best conditioned courses I've played in years. This embodies our conditioning definition: firm and fast fairways with firm yet receptive greens."
Read More2021
Review
“One of the standouts in the Scottsdale area. Lots of fun and beautiful sights on the course, just not quite tough enough, or possessing enough charm, to get to the top level."
Read More2021
Review
“An upper echelon of attention to detail all around. They have a piece of paper that they give to you with how high the grass is growing around the course. Crazy!"
Read More2020
Review
“I like the way the 1st and 10th tees line up and proximity to clubhouse and practice facility. Elevated tee boxes provide marvelous views of the surrounding Scottsdale area within Pinnacle Peak. Tom Fazio wonderfully incorporates the natural features of the desert terrain. "
Read More2020
Review
“A private club that is not easy to get on unless you are introduced by a member. A challenging Tom Fazio course that is in the top 100 in the USA. In excellent condition when I played it. This course is a challenge to conquer but is fair and should be enjoyable for all ability of golfers. If you get the opportunity to play here do so as you will enjoy the day and experience."
Read More2018
Readers
Collection of reviews from our readers
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