5 Arizona Golf Resort Guide: Top Picks from a Phoenix Local
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As someone who is born-and-raised Phoenix and who’s spent decades exploring Arizona’s golfing gems, I have some amazing golf resorts in Arizona that I seem to visit and revisit frequently. I still remember the first time I teed off at Troon North with the Sonoran Desert glowing in the morning light. From Scottsdale’s luxury resorts to hidden-course sanctuaries just outside the Valley, I’m excited to guide you to the best Arizona golf resort experiences I’ve personally discovered.
Introduction: Arizona Golf Resort
Arizona’s golf scene is world-class and it’s not just the courses, but the resorts, views, and experiences that make it so special. Whether you’re chasing a challenging round in the desert heat or a luxurious stay with spa time after 18 holes, this guide breaks down the top Arizona golf resorts. Based on my personal experiences and local insights. I cover where to play, where to stay, and what makes each one stand out.
1. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
No list of Scottsdale golf resorts would be complete without mentioning Troon North Golf Club. This resort is home to two of the most highly regarded courses in Arizona: The Monument and The Pinnacle. Both courses wind through the natural desert terrain, offering a true Sonoran Desert golf experience with dramatic elevation changes and rugged landscapes. The courses at Troon North are consistently ranked among the best in the country, and it’s easy to see why.
For those who want to improve their game, the Troon North Performance Center offers top-notch golf instruction, using the latest technology to analyze your swing and provide personalized tips.
Accommodations: Enjoy spacious, Southwestern-style casitas with private patios and stunning views of the surrounding desert. The resort’s luxurious amenities include a heated outdoor pool and a full-service spa.
Dining: Savor southwestern cuisine at Proof, an American Canteen, or enjoy a more casual meal at the Onyx Bar & Lounge.
Activities: Beyond golf, the resort offers hiking trails, tennis courts, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Book a twilight round to experience the courses at sunset. The desert hues combined with the impeccable course conditions make for an unforgettable golfing experience.
2. We‑Ko‑Pa Casino Resort
Located just east of Scottsdale in Fort McDowell, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. Set on Yavapai tribal land, the resort is surrounded by untouched Sonoran Desert beauty, with no roads, no houses, just mountains, saguaros, and stunning sunsets. The Southwestern-style rooms are spacious, the pool is a refreshing desert oasis, and the on-site casino adds a fun twist for those looking to unwind after a round. Dining is casual but tasty, with the Ahnala Mesquite Room offering Native American-inspired cuisine and sweeping views.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is home to two of the most celebrated public courses in the state: the Cholla and the Saguaro. Scott Miller’s Cholla course offers a thrilling desert-style layout, while the Saguaro Course, which was designed by the legendary Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and is widely considered one of Arizona’s top golf experiences. Hopwever, what makes these courses unique is their serenity, meaning no homes or developments line the fairways. Just you, the desert, and pure golf.
Accommodations: The We-Ko-Pa Casino is right next door to the golf course and offers modern rooms with the Native-American inspired decor. The spa is incredible and there is also a resort-style pool onsite, which is perfect to enjoy after a round of golf.
Dining: This resort has onsite dining for both the steak and seafood lovers and for those looking for more of a casual vibe.
Activities: Besides enjoying their amazing onsite spa, this Arizona golf resort also has a casino floor, with slots and tables, and of course the onsite pool to enjoy. There are also a number of off-site activities that you can enjoy like hiking and desert jeep tours.
Pro Tip: If you are looking to visit during a budget-friendly season, come in the summer, but book very early tee times as our temperatures can soar to over 110 degrees.
3. Grayhawk Golf Club
Even though Grayhawk doesn’t have its own hotel, it’s a part of the greater Scottsdale luxury experience. If you stay at nearby at resorts like the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess or Hotel Adeline it will give you easy access to this premier club. Grayhawk’s clubhouse is stylish and energetic, known for its lively patio scene and delicious southwestern cuisine at Phil’s Grill, named after PGA legend Phil Mickelson, who’s closely tied to the club.
Grayhawk is home to two championship courses: Talon and Raptor. The Talon, designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, offers dramatic elevation changes and carries over desert canyons. Whereas the Raptor was designed by Tom Fazioit is a longer, more strategic, and used in NCAA championships and PGA Tour events. It’s the kind of place where you’ll likely see college stars warming up next to snowbirds and golf tourists.
Accommodations: Although there isn’t a resort onsite, Grayhawk partners with nearby luxury hotels like Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and Four Seasons Scottsdale, both just a short drive away.
Dining: Onsite dining includes Phil’s Grill, named after Phil Mickelson, offering elevated pub fare with a view of the course. Quill Creek Café is a favorite for brunch and post-round cocktails.
Activities: Just minutes from shopping and nightlife at Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter. Great for golfers who want vibrant dining and nightlife after their round.
Pro Tip: Book a lesson or fitting at the club’s high-tech Golf Performance Center.
4. The Phoenician
The Phoenician in Scottsdale stands as a crown jewel among Arizona golf resorts, delivering 5-star luxury right at the base of the iconic Camelback Mountain. From the moment you arrive, the resort impresses with its lavish offerings, including plush rooms, marble bathrooms, sparkling pools, and an award-winning spa. Furthermore, the resort grounds are nothing short of magnificent, making The Phoenician a top Arizona golf destination not only for out-of-town guests but also, especially, for locals looking to indulge during the off-season
The resort is just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale with lots of great shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. This resort is also a recommendation of mine for those who are visiting and want a mix of luxury, activity, and relaxation.
The Phoenician Golf Course
The Phoenician golf course features a single 18-hole course that was redesigned in 2018 in order to give it a more modern and desert-style vibe. Even though this particular golf course may be shorter when compared to some of the other courses here, the one thing this course does offer, that most do not, is sweeping view of the entire city. This course is perfect for the causal player who enjoy the game but always want to enjoy a luxury course with a relaxed feel. Even though this course actually winds through the Phoenician resort’s grounds, it’s integrated so well, you wouldn’t even notice, making it a very seamless integration.
Accommodations: Lavish rooms, casitas, and suites with desert or pool views. The property features multiple pools, a serene spa, and an exclusive feel.
Dining: Choose from fine dining at J&G Steakhouse, casual bites at Mowry & Cotton, or enjoy the city views at night at the rooftop Thirsty Camel Lounge.
Activities: Golf, luxury spa, tennis courts, hiking Camelback Mountain, and family-friendly amenities.
Pro Tip: Book a spa treatment after your round the Phoenician Spa is one of the most awarded in Arizona and overlooks the course.
5. JW Marriott Camelback Inn
The Camelback Inn has been a fan favorite since the 1930’s and truly feels like a desert escape. This Marriott-owned resort is a part of the JW line. This 5-star hotel is the perfect blend of authentic adobe architecture, luxury, and is surrounded by natural beauty. The casita-style rooms have a southwestern charm and the pool deck is perfect for grabbing your favorite book and relaxing poolside.
Camelback Golf Club, just a short shuttle ride away, features two 18-hole courses: Ambiente and Padre. The Ambiente Course lives up to its name with rolling terrain, native grasses, and dramatic backdrops of Camelback Mountain. The Padre Course offers more traditional resort-style play with water features and tree-lined fairways. Both of these courses offers unique challenges and are extremely well maintained.
Accommodations: The resort features Adobe-style casitas, lush garden paths, and private patios, maintaining an intimate, old-Arizona feel.
Dining: Highlights include Lincoln Steakhouse, Rita’s Cantina & Bar (amazing Mexican food), and seasonal poolside dining.
Activities: Spa treatments (the best spa in Scottsdale in my opnion), guided hikes, and yoga with mountain views, plus close proximity to Scottsdale shopping and art galleries.
Pro Tip: Play the Ambiente Course in the early evening for golden-hour views of Mummy Mountain and follow it with dinner on the resort’s terrace.
Arizona Golf Resort Trip Planning Tips
When planning your Scottsdale golf vacation, keep in mind that the peak golf season is from November to April, when the weather is cooler, and the courses are in pristine condition. However, if you don’t mind the heat, you can find great deals on golf packages during the summer months.
Here are a few additional tips to make the most of your golf trip:
Book Tee Times in Advance: Scottsdale is a popular golf destination, so it’s a good idea to book your tee times as early as possible, especially during peak season.
Arizona Golf Package: Many resorts offer golf packages that include accommodations, rounds of golf, and additional perks like dining credits or spa treatments.
Rent Golf Clubs: If you don’t want to travel with your clubs, most Scottsdale resorts offer high-quality rental clubs.
Conclusion: Best Scottsdale Golf Resorts
If you’re looking for the best Arizona golf resort, here’s where you should tee off: Scottsdale’s high-end offerings (Troon North, Grayhawk, Phoenician) for luxury and challenge; We‑Ko‑Pa for serene, pure desert golf; and Camelback Inn for desert charm and historical character. With year-round sunshine, unforgettable views, and world-class greens, Arizona delivers. Let me know if you’d like side-by-side resort comparisons, stay‑and‑play packages, or advice on booking the perfect tee time in Phoenix’s backyard.