How to play at Arizona’s most exclusive golf clubs

Can’t snag a tee time at Scottsdale National? No sweat

Author

Terence Daniels
February 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes

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

This week, I’ll show you how to get inside the gates instead of scrolling Instagram and watching others play Whisper Rock.

Shoutout to Dryvebox for supporting you and 1,300 readers.

Whether you’re looking for a high-tech practice session, a fun round with friends, or the ultimate event experience, we’ve got you covered.

Our mobile golf simulator is available for memberships, rentals, and events at Greenfield Lakes or anywhere in Greater Phoenix. From birthday parties to corporate outings and trade shows, we bring the game to you.

Lock in savings with our membership and session packs and make every swing count.

Desert Mountain (Chiricahua Course)

6 Ways to Score Tee Times

Before: You’re sitting on your couch, scrolling through Instagram reels of people playing Whisper Rock, Silverleaf, and Estancia—meanwhile, you’re stuck battling for tee times at your local muni.

After: You’re inside the gates, sipping a well-earned Transfusion after a pure ball-striking day at Desert Mountain.

The difference? Knowing how to get access. And I’ve got you.

You need more than a solid game to experience exclusive golf clubs. These courses don’t take tee-time reservations from the general public, and unless you have the right connections, you’re looking at those fairways from Google Earth.

But there are ways in.

Make friends in high places (aka befriend a member)

The easiest way to play the best private golf clubs is to get to know someone on the inside. Many of these courses operate invite-only, and members hold the keys to your golden ticket.

How to do it:

  • Network at industry events, charity tournaments, or local pro-ams.

  • Frequent high-end golf retailers and club fitters (think Cool Clubs or True Spec).

  • Play at semi-private clubs where private members also tee it up (Moon Valley, Seville, etc.).

Tip: If you get the invite, offer to pick up lunch or drinks.

Get on the Right Charity Tournament List

Many private courses allow limited outside play for charity events. The entry fee isn’t cheap, but it’s a small price to walk the fairways of courses like Sterling Grove or Desert Mountain.

Where to look:

  • Arizona Golf Association (AZ Golf) hosts charity tournaments at premier private clubs. Check their event calendar.

  • Local business networking groups often host events at exclusive courses.

  • National charity organizations like the First Tee of Phoenix or The Thunderbirds sometimes host tournaments at premier clubs.

Leverage high-end stay-and-play packages

Some elite Arizona clubs are tied to high-end resorts, offering limited tee times to guests. While you won’t get on the ultra-exclusive spots like Whisper Rock or Estancia, you can play places like Troon North (via Four Seasons Scottsdale) or The Boulders Resort & Spa.

Best options:

Become a pro (or at least act like one)

Being a local pro or working in the industry can open doors. If you’re not making a living swinging the sticks, there are still ways to leverage connections.

How to do it:

  • Take lessons from a PGA professional at a private club—they might invite you as a guest.

  • Work in golf media, coaching, or equipment fitting. Many exclusive clubs allow industry professionals to play during off-peak hours.

  • Play in local PGA Pro-Am events that give access to private courses.

Join a club with reciprocal privileges

If you can’t join the club you want, find one with reciprocal access. Many private and semi-private courses have agreements that let members play other elite courses.

Best bets:

Epic Golf Club

Epic Golf Club is your golden ticket if you want variety without committing to just one club. With more than 900 members who collectively belong to 86 of America’s 100 Greatest Courses, Epic gives you access to some of the finest private courses in the country.

Why consider Epic?

  • Members gain access to 30+ exclusive outings per year.

  • A concierge service discreetly organizes 160+ rounds monthly at top courses.

  • It fosters a strong networking culture with like-minded golfers serious about the game.

Epic isn’t just about access; it’s about connections. Founder Noah DiPasquale built the club to connect those who want an experience beyond their home course. Members appreciate the ability to host and be hosted, ensuring the experience is always top-tier.

Noah says, “Most of our members already have solid networks. But they want the experience of being hosted by a fellow member, which is 10 times better than having their home pro call ahead.”

Whether you want variety, networking opportunities, or just a chance to play courses otherwise off-limits, Epic Golf Club redefines what it means to belong to an exclusive club.

Getting onto Arizona’s most exclusive golf clubs isn’t impossible—it just takes strategy. If you don’t have the connections now, start building them. If you can’t afford membership, get creative with tournaments and stay-and-plays.

Your favorite course in Arizona is...

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Tracking every shot with Big Game

Need To Know

The PGA TOUR and Pro Shop Studios are expanding their Creator Series in 2025 after the massive success of the 2024 Creator Classic, which amassed 2.6 million views.

The new series will feature 3 high-profile events at TPC Sawgrass, Philadelphia Cricket Club, and East Lake. Over 20 top YouTube golf creators will compete in innovative formats, with broadcast-level production featuring ShotLink data and Trackman technology. With in-person attendance options, events will stream on YouTube, ESPN+, and NBC.

🗞️ News

  • Kevin Kisner joins Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker as a U.S. Ryder Cup vice-captain for 2025, bringing match-play experience, leadership, and energy to Bethpage Black. (more)

  • Do you think greens are the most expensive to maintain? Think again—bunkers take the crown, requiring up to 450 hours of upkeep weekly. Innovative design keeps costs down! (more)

🧰 Equipment

  • Scotty Cameron celebrates 20 years of Studio Style putters with the 2025 Studio Style series, featuring 12 models that blend classic designs with modern materials and technology. (more)

  • PING and Random Golf Club partner to create community-driven golf experiences, offering events, co-branded gear, and exclusive content to connect golfers of all skill levels through innovation and inclusivity. (more)

👕 Fashion

  • Spring 2025 golf fashion brings bold colors, fresh textures, and innovative designs. Standouts include Eastside Golf, FootJoy, and J. Lindeberg. (more)

  • Johnnie Walker and Devereux Golf collaborate for The People’s Open, blending classic golf tradition with modern style to make the game more inclusive for everyday players. (more)

Where to Find Hoka Shoes Deals 2024

Finding Hoka shoes on sale can be tricky, so we’ve rounded up the top 8 stores to find the best deals for Hoka!

In The Know

Netflix’s Full Swing returns! Rory McIlroy’s divorce saga unfolds during a critical stretch of the golf season, likely adding emotional weight. Min Woo Lee’s episode promises high energy, while Scottie Scheffler’s arrest gets behind-the-scenes reactions.

Gary Woodland’s story could be the season’s most emotional, much like Joel Dahmen’s last year. The teaser remains tight-lipped, but anticipation is high.

🗓️ Events

  • Join AZ GOLF for the 2025 Mayan Palace Member Weekend in Puerto Peñasco! Enjoy two rounds, buffet lunches, beer, prizes, and team awards. Register by March 16! (more)

  • Tee off at “Sparky’s Fairway” (February–March)at ASU’s stadium! Hit shots onto the field, enjoy Tempe views, and book a six-person bay for $100. If you live in the valley, I’ve got 1 spot available to join our group on March 9th.(more)

  • The Grand Canyon Invitational, a 54-hole men’s college tournament, takes place March 11-12 at GCU Golf Course, featuring top D1 teams nationwide. Go Lopes! (more)

📰 News

  • Arizona lawmakers are debating House Bill 2411, which would allow golfers to bring their alcohol to courses, aiming to cut costs and boost player freedom. (more)

  • AZ GOLF is giving away branded merch to 15 lucky members weekly from February 1–March 28! Check your inbox daily to see if you win! (more)

  • The long-awaited PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger is nearing completion, with Trump’s influence looming large. A deal is imminent, and golf’s future may be unrecognizable. (more)

Play anytime, anywhere with Dryvebox

With Dryvebox Phoenix, you can play some of the toughest tracks in golf without leaving the city. Our mobile simulator lets you dial in your game, settle bets, and bring the competition anywhere in the valley.