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Scottsdale

A Melting Pot

Scottsdale, Arizona, has become one of the most unique communities in professional golf, where the traditional hierarchy of the sport blurs. In the valley, golfers compete weekly alongside PGA Tour players, Korn Ferry hopefuls, and elite amateurs.

Public courses like Papago and McCormick Ranch host high-stakes money games, while Whisper Rock and Silverleaf serve as the inner sanctum of golf’s elite. This dynamic creates a proving ground where the lines between weekend warriors and tour pros are shorter than ever.

Every round offers a glimpse into the competition and raw talent that define Scottsdale’s golf scene.

Why Scottsdale?

Scottsdale’s evolution into the underworld of pro golf can be traced to three major factors:

1. Playing Conditions – With 330+ days of sunshine, Scottsdale is a golfer’s dream. Unlike Florida, there’s no humidity, and rainouts are almost nonexistent. For tour pros needing a consistent training ground, it’s a no-brainer.

2. High-Level Competition – The Asher Tour, AGA, and money games at places like Papago and Raven Golf Club create an ultra-competitive environment. If you can’t survive here, making it on the PGA Tour is a long shot.

3. Golf Business – Scottsdale is not just a place to play; it’s a place to network. Equipment companies, instructors, and sponsors all have a footprint here. Deals get done at The Henry over coffee and Olive & Ivy over cocktails.

What You Don’t See on TV

While the PGA Tour and LIV Golf grab headlines, Scottsdale’s underground golf scene is where real stories unfold. At courses like Talking Stick and Camelback, Max Homa may show up to empty your pockets.

Meanwhile, top instructors like Mike Krahe shape the next generation, often in the shadows, helping promising talents refine their craft.

Whisper Rock, perhaps Scottsdale's most famous “boys” club, is home to dozens of Tour players. But even public courses offer a taste of the underworld.

The AZ Skins Game offers weekly action on Tuesdays at Mountain Shadows and Wednesday nights at Grass Clippings. Last week, I shared What I really think about Grass Clippings.

Golf’s Sin City

Scottsdale isn’t just a golfer’s paradise—it’s also a city known for its nightlife, and that’s where careers can take a detour. Just ask Colt Knost!

Old Town’s bars and clubs are legendary, and it’s no secret that many aspiring pros found the bottom of a bottle under neon lights. Scottsdale requires more than just talent—it demands discipline.

For every Jon Rahm who used the city as a launchpad, there’s a long list of players who got caught in the trap.

The lesson? If you’re coming to Scottsdale to chase a golf career, you better know when to say no to one more round (on or off the course).

The Future of Scottsdale

With NIL deals allowing college players to earn money earlier than ever, Scottsdale’s influence is only growing. More young players are making the move, and the lines between amateur, professional, and weekend high-stakes grinder continue to merge.

With more money and competition flowing into the game, Scottsdale is set to remain the epicenter of golf’s underground scene.

Scottsdale is the ultimate proving ground for those with the game and the grit. For the rest? Well, there’s always real estate.

Desert Highlands

Desert Highlands made headlines in the 1980s as the first U.S. course to feature an 18-hole putting course designed by Gary Panks. 1983, it hosted the inaugural PGA Skins Game, featuring legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Watson.

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Need To Know

Season 3 of Full Swing drops February 25, and watching Rory crumble at Pinehurst is must-watch TV. With stars like Scottie, Bryson, and Min Woo in the mix, this season dives deeper into the chaos, the comebacks, and the heartbreak that makes pro golf so addicting.

• Why the pros may need to adjust their wedges for better success in the TGL Green Zone. (more)

• TaylorMade unveils the Qi35 series, building on the Qi10’s success. Innovations include Chromium Carbon and the Trajectory Adjustment System for improved distance and performance. (more)

• A good long-sleeve polo isn’t just about keeping some chill away—it’s about versatility, comfort, and putting a differentiator into your golf-style arsenal. (more)

• Due to wildfires in LA, the 2025 Genesis Invitational relocates. New venue details are coming soon. Fans are urged to support relief efforts via the Red Cross. (more)

• Did you watch the LIV vs. Grass League match? (full video)

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In The Know

With Rickie, Homa, and Burns in the field, TPC Scottsdale is set for another epic showdown. Expect insane crowds, epic shots, and the best party on the grass (hopefully better than last year). See you this week!

• Good Good GolfNow Desert Knockoutat Grass Clippings Rolling Hills on February 5. Watch top creators, former pros, and elite golfers battle under the lights in an intense knockout format—live on YouTube at 7 p.m. ET, then on GOLF Channel at 8 p.m. ET! (more)

• Scottsdale PD’s new RAVE Alert System offers real-time updates for safety during the 2025 WM Phoenix Open. Text GOLF25 to 67283 to stay connected. (more)

• Do you think you’ve got what it takes to challenge Micah Morris? Here’s your chance. Join us on Feb 3rd for an epic showdown featuring long drives, shrinking targets, and maybe a few surprises up our sleeves. (more)

• Whether it’s your first time at TPC Scottsdale for the WM Phoenix Open or you’re a seasoned vet, it’s always good to brush up on the do’s and don’ts. (more)

• If you live in Scottsdale, the best way to stay in the know is with The Scottsdale Scoop—your go-to source for the hottest events, exclusive deals, and must-see happenings. (join)