A Scottsdale stalwart and standout star in the Valley of the Sun. If you only have time to play one of its two courses, opt for Pinnacle, a beautiful sweep through the desert. Troon North lives up to the hype and is widely regarded as the best daily-fee course in the area. Devotees tout not only the incredible golf but the even better service. If you like to play fast, try to snag an early tee time. troonnorthgolf.com
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McDowell, which was established in 1865 by the U.S. Army—has two 18-hole courses. The wide, rolling fairways of the Saguaro, a walkable layout, are more forgiving than a typical desert track. The hole variety changes from short target-style par 3s to par 4s with rollercoaster fairways and elevated greens. One big draw: There are no houses on either Cholla or Saguaro. wekopa.com
A mini road trip to this highly touted desert course in Peoria is worth it. Located about 45 minutes northwest of Sky Harbor airport, it's part of a residential golf community and was ranked as the best public golf course in Arizona for 2015-2016 by Golf Digest. The property is surrounded by the protected lands of the Hieroglypic Mountains, which provide an idyllic combo of desert and mountain golf. quinterogolf.com
Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club
Wickenburg Ranch was named one of the Top 10 Best New Courses of 2015 by Golf Digest. Many say you won't find a better track for the money in Arizona; the bentgrass greens (a rarity in the wilting heat of the desert) are the best a public golfer will find, and the fairways aren't far behind. Tee it forward and you'll have a blast. The downside: The course will be going private in the future so play it while you can. wickenburgranch.com
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
There's not a cactus in site at this Fred Couples-designed links-style course in Maricopa, part of the Ak-Chin Indian Reservation. The bushy native grasses set it apart as do the 104 bunkers, but the greens are the real hazard. Ak-Chin turns its practice range into a 6-hole short course in the late afternoon. Dubbed "#minidunes," it's "the bunny slope for golf" and a perfect spot for happy hour. Consider staying in the area for the nearby Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino. akchinsoutherndunes.com
Photo By: Allan Henry / ahenry.com
The Boulders Resort
This oldie but goodie celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015; the resort itself dates to 1929 and is one of Arizona's first luxury resorts. With 54 holes of golf, it's a destination unto itself and offers a respite from desert golf with its parkland-style courses. Tom Lehman revamped the resort's premier Robert Trent Jones Sr. Gold Course, dubbed "the Arizona Monster" for its brutal 7,430 yards from the tips. With two more courses to choose from at friendlier lengths, consider making the WigWam your home base if you're bringing the family. theboulders.com
This oldie but goodie celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2015; the resort itself dates to 1929 and is one of Arizona's first luxury resorts. With 54 holes of golf, it's a destination unto itself and offers a respite from desert golf with its parkland-style courses. Tom Lehman revamped the resort's premier Robert Trent Jones Sr. Gold Course, dubbed "the Arizona Monster" for its brutal 7,430 yards from the tips. With two more courses to choose from at friendlier lengths, consider making the WigWam your home base if you're bringing the family. wigwamarizona.com
TPC Scottsdale
If you want to play where the pros play, the TPC Stadium course is your ticket. The site of the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open, with the noisiest hole in golf (the par-3 16th), is a lot of fun and worth considering even with the $300 green fee. Time your visit just before or after the January event if you want to play the course in tour-like conditions. Otherwise, your best bet is a vacation package or twilight or summer rate. The TPC Champions course is a great choice too, and won't break the bank. tpc.com
Papago Golf Course
Those in the know give a nod to the quality conditions and great value of this "hidden deal." Now a sister course to the ASU Karsten Course, this busy municipal track 15 minutes from the airport opened in 1963 and was designed by the same architect who created Torrey Pines. It seems to be on the upswing now and, if all works out, it will be the new home to the ASU golf teams. An added bonus: you can walk it. papagogolfcourse.net
Lots and lots of pine trees line this lush course with some of the best greens in the Phoenix area. Within easy driving distance of the airport, the Raven makes a great start or perfect close to a golf trip in the Phoenix area—especially if you'll be heading to some of the Valley's more challenging layouts. It's well maintained, has an expansive practice area and known for a good pace of play. ravenphx.comPHOENIX: DESTINATION GUIDE Where To Eat In Phoenix What To Do (When You're Not Playing Golf)
