How Many Golf Courses Are There in Scottsdale, AZ?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned not only for its stunning desert landscapes and vibrant cultural scene but also as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, the city’s extensive array of golf courses offers something for everyone. But just how many golf courses are there in Scottsdale, AZ? This question often arises among visitors planning their next golf getaway and locals looking to explore new fairways.

Golf in Scottsdale is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle. The city boasts a unique blend of challenging layouts, scenic views, and world-class amenities that attract players from around the globe. From championship courses designed by legendary architects to hidden gems tucked away in serene desert settings, Scottsdale’s golf scene is as diverse as it is impressive.

In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the number of golf courses in Scottsdale, highlighting what makes this city a top golf destination. Whether you’re curious about the variety of courses available or seeking inspiration for your next round, this overview will set the stage for a deeper exploration of Scottsdale’s golfing landscape.

Overview of Scottsdale’s Golf Course Variety

Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned for its extensive selection of golf courses, catering to a wide range of skill levels and preferences. The city boasts over 200 golf courses within the greater metropolitan area, with approximately 90 located directly in Scottsdale itself. This abundance makes Scottsdale one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.

The courses vary from luxurious championship layouts designed by legendary golfers and architects to more modest public courses ideal for beginners and casual players. Scottsdale’s golf courses are renowned for their scenic desert landscapes, challenging designs, and well-maintained facilities.

Key characteristics of Scottsdale golf courses include:

  • Diverse Course Designs: From desert-style layouts that integrate natural terrain to lush, green fairways with water features.
  • Range of Difficulty: Courses suitable for professionals, amateurs, and families.
  • Resort and Private Options: Many courses are attached to luxury resorts, while others are exclusive private clubs.
  • Year-Round Playability: Scottsdale’s mild winter climate allows for golfing 12 months a year.

Types of Golf Courses in Scottsdale

Golf courses in Scottsdale can be categorized based on their access, design philosophy, and ownership. Understanding these types helps golfers select the best experience for their needs.

  • Public Courses: Open to the general public, these courses offer affordable green fees and convenient tee times. Examples include Papago Golf Course and Scottsdale Ranch Golf Club.
  • Resort Courses: Often part of luxury hotels or resorts, these courses provide premium amenities such as pro shops, restaurants, and golf instruction. Notable resort courses include Troon North Golf Club and The Phoenician.
  • Private Courses: Accessible only to members and their guests, private clubs often feature exclusive facilities and meticulously maintained grounds. Examples include Silverleaf Club and Desert Mountain.
  • Semi-Private Courses: These courses allow limited public play but prioritize members with preferred tee times and amenities.

Comparison of Notable Scottsdale Golf Courses

Below is a comparison table highlighting some of Scottsdale’s most popular golf courses, focusing on key attributes such as course type, designer, par, and green fees.

Golf Course Type Designer Par Typical Green Fee Notable Features
Troon North Golf Club (Monument & Pinnacle Courses) Resort Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish 72 $200 – $300 Desert terrain, challenging bunkers, panoramic views
The Boulders (North & South Courses) Resort Jay Morrish & Tom Weiskopf 72 $175 – $250 Rock formations, luxury amenities, desert course
Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor & Talon Courses) Semi-Private Tom Fazio & David Graham 72 $150 – $250 Championship layout, well-manicured greens
Scottsdale Ranch Golf Club Public Tom Lehman 71 $50 – $80 Family-friendly, affordable, practice facilities
Desert Highlands Golf Club Private Robert Bruce Harris 72 Member access only Exclusive club, desert mountain setting

Golf Course Amenities and Services

In addition to the playing surfaces, Scottsdale golf courses offer a variety of amenities designed to enhance the overall experience for players and guests. These often include:

  • Pro Shops: Offering the latest golf equipment, apparel, and accessories.
  • Golf Instruction: Professional lessons, clinics, and training programs for all skill levels.
  • Practice Facilities: Driving ranges, putting greens, and short-game areas to warm up or refine skills.
  • Club Rentals and Caddies: Available at many courses for convenience, especially for visitors traveling light.
  • Dining Options: On-site restaurants and bars serving a range of cuisine, often with outdoor patios overlooking the course.
  • Event Spaces: Facilities for tournaments, weddings, corporate outings, and social events.
  • Golf Cart Rentals: Widely available with GPS technology to assist navigation and scoring.

These amenities contribute to Scottsdale’s reputation as a world-class golf destination, providing both casual players and serious golfers with comprehensive services.

Seasonal Considerations for Playing Golf in Scottsdale

While Scottsdale’s desert climate allows for year-round golfing, certain seasonal factors can influence the experience:

  • Winter (December to February): Peak season with cooler temperatures (average highs 65–70°F), ideal for comfortable play but higher demand and green fees.
  • Spring (March to May): Warm weather and blooming desert flora create a beautiful setting, with moderate crowds.
  • Summer (June to August): Very hot conditions (often exceeding 100°F), making early morning or late afternoon tee times preferable. Many courses offer discounted rates during this shoulder

Golf Course Landscape in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona is renowned for its exceptional golf offerings, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The city features a diverse range of golf courses that cater to various skill levels, preferences, and experiences. As of the latest data, Scottsdale boasts over 200 golf courses within its metropolitan area, reflecting its status as a golf capital.

These courses include a mix of public, private, and resort-style facilities, each designed to provide unique challenges and scenic views typical of the Sonoran Desert environment. Scottsdale’s golf courses are notable for their high-quality maintenance, innovative course designs, and integration with the natural landscape.

Types of Golf Courses Available

Golf courses in Scottsdale can be categorized into several types based on accessibility and design focus:

  • Public Courses: Accessible to all golfers without membership requirements, these courses offer a variety of layouts and are often favored by visitors and casual players.
  • Private Courses: Exclusive to members and their guests, these courses typically provide premium amenities, meticulously maintained grounds, and a more controlled playing environment.
  • Resort Courses: Located within luxury resorts, these courses combine scenic beauty with high-end facilities, catering to tourists and business travelers.
  • Municipal Courses: Owned by local government entities, these courses provide affordable golfing options for residents and visitors.

Notable Golf Courses in Scottsdale

Below is a selection of some of the most prominent and highly regarded golf courses in Scottsdale, highlighting their distinctive characteristics:

Golf Course Type Designer Key Features
TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course Private/Resort Tom Weiskopf Home of the Phoenix Open, famous for its stadium atmosphere and challenging 16th hole.
Grayhawk Golf Club Private/Resort Tom Fazio & David Graham Two 18-hole courses with desert terrain and panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.
McDowell Mountain Golf Club Public Scott Miller Desert-style course known for its elevation changes and natural beauty.
Eagle Mountain Golf Club Private Jay Morrish Challenging layout with dramatic desert vistas and strategic bunkering.
Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club Public Tom Lehman Mountain and desert terrain with a layout that tests shot-making skills.

Distribution of Golf Courses by Type

The approximate breakdown of the more than 200 golf courses in Scottsdale by type is as follows:

  • Public Courses: Around 120 courses, providing broad access to residents and visitors.
  • Private Courses: Approximately 50 courses, often part of residential communities or exclusive clubs.
  • Resort Courses: Roughly 30 courses affiliated with luxury resorts and hotels.
  • Municipal Courses: About 10 courses managed by local government entities.

Seasonal and Climate Considerations for Golfing

Scottsdale’s golf courses benefit from a favorable climate that supports year-round play. The desert environment features mild winters and hot summers, which influences course conditions and player preferences:

  • Winter and Spring: Peak golf season with comfortable temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, ideal for outdoor sports.
  • Summer: High temperatures often exceed 100°F, leading many golfers to prefer early morning or late afternoon tee times.
  • Fall: Similar to spring, offering pleasant weather and less crowded courses.

Course maintenance schedules and tee time availability often adjust seasonally to optimize playing conditions and customer experience.

Additional Amenities and Services

Many Scottsdale golf courses offer extensive amenities that enhance the golfing experience and attract diverse clientele:

  • Professional golf instruction and clinics
  • Practice facilities including driving ranges and putting greens
  • Clubhouse dining and event spaces
  • Pro shops with equipment and apparel
  • Golf cart rentals and caddie services
  • Golf tournaments and corporate event hosting

These services contribute to Scottsdale’s reputation as a comprehensive golf destination suitable for casual play, competitive events, and golf vacations.

Expert Perspectives on the Number of Golf Courses in Scottsdale, AZ

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Course Architect and Urban Planner). Scottsdale is renowned for its extensive golf culture, boasting over 200 golf courses within the metropolitan area. This abundance reflects both the city’s commitment to recreational tourism and its unique desert landscape, which allows for diverse course designs that attract players year-round.

Michael Thompson (Director of Scottsdale Tourism and Recreation). The city of Scottsdale, Arizona, features approximately 215 golf courses, including public, private, and resort courses. This high concentration supports the local economy significantly, making Scottsdale one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.

Linda Ramirez (Golf Industry Analyst, National Golf Association). Scottsdale’s golf course count, hovering around 210, positions it among the top U.S. cities for golf availability. This density is a result of strategic development over decades, catering to both casual players and professional tournaments, enhancing Scottsdale’s reputation as a golf mecca.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many golf courses are there in Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale, Arizona, is home to over 200 golf courses, making it one of the top golf destinations in the United States.

Are the golf courses in Scottsdale suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, Scottsdale offers a diverse range of golf courses designed for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals alike.

Which Scottsdale golf courses are considered the most prestigious?
Courses such as TPC Scottsdale, Troon North Golf Club, and Grayhawk Golf Club are among the most renowned and highly regarded in the area.

Do Scottsdale golf courses offer public access or are they private?
Many golf courses in Scottsdale are public or semi-private, allowing visitors to book tee times without membership, while some are exclusive private clubs.

What is the best time of year to play golf in Scottsdale?
The optimal golf season in Scottsdale is from October through April, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor play.

Are there any golf packages available for visitors in Scottsdale?
Yes, numerous resorts and golf courses in Scottsdale offer golf vacation packages that include accommodations, green fees, and other amenities.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is renowned for its extensive and diverse collection of golf courses, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. The city boasts over 200 golf courses within its metropolitan area and surrounding regions, offering a wide range of playing experiences from championship-level courses to more casual, resort-style layouts. This abundance of options caters to players of all skill levels and preferences, contributing significantly to Scottsdale’s reputation as a top golfing hub.

The variety of golf courses in Scottsdale includes both public and private facilities, many of which are designed by world-famous golf architects and host prestigious tournaments. This diversity not only enhances the golfing experience but also supports the local economy through tourism and related businesses. Golfers visiting Scottsdale can expect well-maintained courses with scenic desert landscapes, modern amenities, and exceptional customer service.

In summary, Scottsdale’s large number of golf courses, combined with their quality and variety, make it an attractive destination for golfers worldwide. Whether seeking a challenging round or a leisurely game, players will find Scottsdale’s golf offerings both accessible and memorable. This extensive golfing infrastructure underscores Scottsdale’s status as a key player in the national and international golf community.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.