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Welcome to The Cactus Club, where I highlight cool sh*t in the world of golf.

This week, I’ll share my favorite golf courses in Arizona.

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Courses You Need To Play

Living in Arizona for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of teeing it up at some of the state's finest courses.

From breathtaking desert landscapes to championship-level challenges, Arizona golf is an experience every golfer should savor. In this newsletter, I’ll review my top public and private clubs in the Grand Canyon State, each with unique appeal and challenge.

Public Courses

5. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)

Grayhawk’s Raptor Course, designed by Tom Fazio, is one of Scottsdale’s premier public golf destinations. The layout is tournament-tested, having hosted numerous PGA Tour events. It challenges golfers with strategically placed bunkers, fast greens, and a combination of long and short holes.

The desert scenery is spectacular, and the course is always in excellent condition. With wide fairways and desert surrounds, it’s a beautiful place to play, but the fast greens and numerous hazards demand sharp skills. The Raptor Course offers a thrilling golf experience that combines aesthetics with a tough challenge.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Challenging

• Number of rounds: Over 25

• Favorite Hole: The 18th – a dramatic downhill par 5.

• Why You Should Play: It’s a great skill test with a tournament-quality layout, stunning views, and a lively clubhouse atmosphere.

• Rating: ★★★★★

4. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course)

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, featuring the Cholla and Saguaro courses, is a pure desert golf experience without any real estate development to distract from the natural beauty. Both courses are meticulously maintained and offer challenging and scenic layouts with spectacular Sonoran Desert views.

Saguaro, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is more strategic, while Cholla is longer and more challenging off the tee. Wide fairways, desert vistas, and the absence of homes make We-Ko-Pa a peaceful escape for golfers seeking a genuinely authentic Arizona golf experience.

• City: Fort McDowell

• Course Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

• Number of rounds: 11-25

• Favorite Hole: The 15th on Saguaro – a very long par 3.

• Why You Should Play: This course offers a pure desert golf experience with no distractions, just incredible views and top-tier conditions.

• Rating: ★★★★★

3. Las Sendas Golf Club

Las Sendas Golf Club is one of the top-rated public courses in Arizona, known for its rugged beauty and challenging layout. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course takes full advantage of the surrounding desert and terrain, offering dramatic elevation changes, stunning views, and strategic shot-making opportunities.

The fairways are tight, and the greens are fast, demanding accuracy and patience. Set against the backdrop of the Usery Mountains, the course provides an actual test for golfers of all skill levels while delivering an unforgettable desert golf experience.

• City: Mesa

• Course Difficulty: Very challenging

• Number of rounds: 1-10

• Favorite Hole: The 18th – a long par 5 with sweeping valley views and a tough approach over water.

• Why You Should Play: Las Sendas combines scenic desert beauty with a tricky, rewarding layout, perfect for those looking to test their skills while enjoying breathtaking views.

• Rating: ★★★★★

2. Troon North Golf Club (Monument Course)

Troon North is a world-renowned golf destination featuring the Pinnacle and Monument courses designed by Tom Weiskopf. Nestled among giant boulder formations and the towering saguaros of the Sonoran Desert, Troon North offers an unforgettable golf experience with sweeping vistas and high-end desert course conditions.

Both courses are well-balanced, with tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens that require precision. The sheer beauty of the desert landscape, combined with the course’s impeccable layout and conditioning, makes Troon North one of the most celebrated golf experiences in the state.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Challenging

• Number of rounds: Over 25

• Favorite Hole: The 3rd on Monument – a picturesque par 5.

• Why You Should Play: Troon North is one of Arizona’s top bucket list courses. It offers stunning views and a demanding layout.

• Rating: ★★★★★

1. Find out in Part 2

Private Clubs

5. Pinnacle Peak Country Club

Pinnacle Peak Country Club is a traditional-style private golf course set against the scenic backdrop of Pinnacle Peak. Designed by Dick Turner, it’s known for its tree-lined fairways, lush conditions, and relatively flat terrain, making it more walkable than most desert courses.

The course offers a fair challenge for all skill levels, with smooth greens and well-placed bunkers. The intimate, welcoming atmosphere and impeccable service make Pinnacle Peak a hidden gem among Arizona’s private clubs.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Moderate

• Number of rounds: 1-10

• Favorite Hole: The 12th – a short par 4 framed by mature trees and desert.

• Why You Should Play: A beautifully maintained course with a traditional design, offering a relaxing yet challenging round in a picturesque setting.

• Rating: ★★★★★

4. Desert Mountain (Cochise Course)

Desert Mountain is home to six private courses, with the Cochise Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, standing out as one of the finest. The course offers a spectacular desert golf experience, with dramatic elevation changes, challenging greens, and strategic water hazards.

Known for hosting the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour Finals, the Cochise Course is a test for even the most skilled players. It provides a premier, high-caliber golf experience with stunning desert views and world-class conditions.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Challenging

• Number of rounds: Over 25

• Favorite Hole: The 7th – a signature par 3 with a stunning island green.

• Why You Should Play: A world-class Nicklaus design, Cochise offers championship-level golf in a stunning desert setting.

• Rating: ★★★★★

3. Whisper Rock Golf Club (Lower Course)

Whisper Rock is a private haven for serious golfers, boasting two courses designed by Phil Mickelson and Tom Fazio. Its rugged, natural desert terrain and challenging layouts make it a favorite among Arizona’s elite players.

Both courses feature wide fairways, fast greens, and strategic hazards that demand precision. Whisper Rock is renowned for its member-driven atmosphere, focusing purely on golf without distractions. It’s a perfect blend of challenge and beauty.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Very Challenging

• Number of rounds: 1-10

• Favorite Hole: The 16th on the Lower Course – a scenic, strategic par 4.

• Why You Should Play: Whisper Rock is pure golf, designed for those who take the game seriously and seek a peaceful, private experience.

• Rating: ★★★★★

2. Estancia Club

Estancia Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is known for its flawless design and stunning views of Pinnacle Peak. The course perfectly integrates the natural desert landscape with wide fairways and undulating greens. It’s a test of shot-making, with strategic bunkers and elevation changes throughout.

Estancia's exclusivity ensures a pristine, peaceful round with immaculate course conditions and first-class amenities. Every hole offers a scenic yet challenging experience.

• City: Scottsdale

• Course Difficulty: Challenging

• Number of rounds: 1-10

• Favorite Hole: The 7th – a dramatic par 3 with elevated tee boxes and stunning mountain views.

• Why You Should Play: This private oasis offers an elite, serene desert golf experience with perfect conditions and top-tier design.

• Rating: ★★★★★

1. Find out in Part 2

My Notes

Arizona golf is as diverse as it is challenging. Whether you're playing a top-tier public course or the finest private club, there's something here for every golfer. Check out over 125 course reviews with 5 category filters. HERE