This week: Discover the Valley's top 10 most walkable golf courses. Perfect for players who crave rhythm, connection, and the game's purest form.

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10 Best Walking Courses in the Valley

While many courses in the Phoenix area are designed with the desert landscape in mind, which can present challenges for walking, there remains a selection of courses that cater to those who prefer to walk.

As a former pro and coach-turned-writer, I've learned the secret: Walking is golf as it’s meant to be.

No rushing, just rhythm, connecting with the game on a deeper level. Here’s your guide to the Valley’s top 10 golf courses for unmatched walkability and Why I love golf.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro

📍Fort McDowell

Why you should play: Imagine golfing through pure desert tranquility, zero distractions, only Arizona’s stunning natural beauty. We-Ko-Pa’s gentle slopes and lush fairways epitomize golf course walkability. As Golf Digest’s Ron Whitten says, "It's the most peaceful walk you’ll find in the desert."

TPC Scottsdale – Champions

📍Scottsdale

Why you should play: Skip the elevation rollercoaster of its Stadium sibling and enjoy PGA-quality greens without sore legs afterward. Champions offers flat terrain and an ideal pace for walkers seeking a tour-worthy experience.

Grass Clippings Rolling Hills

📍Tempe

Why you should play: Recently reimagined by the Grass Clippings team, this short but sweet layout embodies golf course walkability—fun, fast, and fulfilling. It's ideal for quick loops or twilight strolls with friends.

Paradise Valley Park Golf Course

📍Phoenix

Why you should play: Flat, affordable, and strategically engaging, Paradise Valley Park is the perfect casual walk. The exceptional greens add depth to your short game while keeping your pedometer happy.

Papago Golf Course

📍Phoenix

Why you should play: Urban yet scenic, Papago is beloved by ASU golfers for a good reason. The manageable elevation changes and iconic Arizona views enhance your experience step by step. ASU Golf Coach Matt Thurmond says, “Papago's walkability is unmatched in Phoenix."

Palm Valley Golf Club

📍Goodyear

Why you should play: Flat terrain, vibrant fairways, and scenic surroundings make Palm Valley a delightful, walkable escape. This course will boost your mood as much as your scorecard.

Ken McDonald Golf Course

📍Tempe

Why you should play: Known locally as the "walker’s haven," Ken McDonald offers an easy, flat, and inviting walk. Its open layout is perfect for casual rounds, conversation, and stress-free scoring.

Encanto Park Golf Course

📍Phoenix

Why you should play: Encanto is your classic, walkable city course—short enough to breeze through yet tricky enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for those twilight nines you’ll cherish long after sunset.

Dobson Ranch Golf Course

📍Mesa

Why you should play: Dobson Ranch’s charm lies in its simplicity and consistently solid conditions. A favorite among locals, it's ideal for frequent walkers who want dependable playability every round.

Grand Canyon University Golf Course

📍Phoenix

Why you should play: Post-renovation, GCU’s layout is tailor-made for walkers, with minimal distance between tees and greens. It is ideal for golfers aiming to refine their skills without breaking stride. 🤘🏾

Honorable Mentions: Aguila Golf Course (Phoenix) and Talking Stick Golf Club (Scottsdale) are highly walkable and deserve recognition. They're worth checking out if you're chasing more enjoyable rounds.

Lose the cart, find your rhythm, and reconnect with why you love golf. Walking these exceptional Valley courses improves and transforms your game. For deeper insights into the perks of golf course walkability, visit The Walking Golfers Society.

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Swing State

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Masters Week

Need To Know

Good Good just pulled off an insane $45 million growth-round funding deal. Yep, you read that right, $45 million! Led by Creator Sports Capital, alongside investments from Manhattan West, Sunflower Bank, and (brace yourself) Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, this mega cash infusion sets the stage for explosive growth across media, e-commerce, and unforgettable live events.

Good Good is about to level up

🗞️News

• A groundbreaking 2025 study confirms golf significantly improves mental health, providing robust data for golf professionals to attract players, promote wellness, and grow the game. (more)

• Golf’s boom isn’t slowing down. Participation surged 41% since 2018, reaching 47.2M players in 2024, putting the sport in a prime position for sustained future growth. (more)

🧰Equipment

• This analysis explores how serious golfers assess new technology, gather product insights, and decide on purchases, questioning if the traditional “trickle-down” effect still influences equipment sales. (more)

• Maxfli returns strong after 30 years, launching forged XC2 and XC3 irons with blended tungsten weighting—versatile clubs offering precision, forgiveness, and customizable combo sets. (more)

👕Fashion

• The right golf shoes matter. I compared top brands like FootJoy, Adidas, Under Armor, and PayntrGolf. Which are the best spikeless shoes? Let’s debate. (more)

• Bad Birdie and Taco Bell are teaming up for a bold new collab—launching a golf apparel collection and hosting a high school tournament, the Taco Bell x Bad Birdie Invitational. (more)

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

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In The Know

Grass Clippings is the place to be during Masters Week, April 10–13. Sip on The Azalea, enjoy $6 draft beers and house wines, and watch live action across The Range, the Outdoor Bar, and Glenrosa. Toss in lawn games, sunshine, and solid company, and you have a perfect afternoon.

We’ve got you covered

🗓️Events

• The 2025 Grass League kicks off with franchises tight-lipped about roster moves, as surging interest and elite free-agent golfers promise a thrilling new season ahead. (more)

• Arizona’s 101st Amateur Championship hits Seville Golf & Country Club, August 18–23. Six qualifiers remain. Lock in your spot now (one qualifier per player)! (more)

📰News

• Sun Devil among the azaleas: Arizona State golfer Josele Ballester primed for Masters debut. (more)

• Desert Highlands in Scottsdale has appointed Nicklaus Design to oversee a $10 million renovation of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Construction will begin in April 2025. (more)

• Shalimar Golf Club Closure Sparks Opposition: After over 40 years, Tempe’s Shalimar Golf Club is closing due to costly repairs. The owners plan to sell to a developer intending to build townhomes, a move vehemently opposed by residents. (more)

• Discover the four benefits of walking the course. Ditching the cart can improve your health, sharpen your game, and deepen your love for golf. (more)