Arizona
Top Choice: Stone Canyon Club, Oro Valley
9.9/10
Why it's Spectacular
Designed By: Jay Morrish
Perhaps one of the most amazing views you will ever have on any golf course, hole 18 wraps around some of the biggest cactus you will ever see in your life. There is also an amazing waterfall green, interesting hole layout, and a feel of prestige about the entire experience. You will be well-tended-to and if you're so lucky to be on the course around sunset you are in for a real treat as the shadows of the stunning mountain backdrop and desert air will almost certainly provide you with some stunning photo opportunities. It is a private course, and memberships are spendy but if ever given the chance make sure to accept the challenge.
Other Top Courses
Gold Canyon Golf
Dinosaur Mountain
Pros: Incredibly cool track with some holes that are every bit as spectacular as Wolf Creek. Amazing views, elevation changes, blind shots, undulations and more. It's a mix between fantasy golf and a seriously top tier course.
Cons: There are four or five holes that don't quite keep pace with the rest, but that is only because they are so spectacular.
Score:
9.5/10
Other Notables
The Raven Club
A very pleasant surprise, the Raven Club is in South Phoenix but deserves a very solid ranking given its great conditions, interesting layout and nice attention to detail. A relative sleeper in a golf oasis.
Pros: Immaculate conditions and good general course layout. Reasonably priced and much easier and more affordable than many comparable options.
Score
8.5/10
Cons: None to really note. Less natural elevation changes and views than some that are higher ranked but not a knock on the this course at all.
Arizona Grand Golf Resort
As expected, it has a pretty nice resort feel and you can tell that at one point it was probably one of the nicer courses in the area. Friendly staff and the course was very green and well-kept.
Pros: Interesting holes and good course layout. Reasonably priced and great for a relaxed outing with friends.
Score
8.5/10
Cons: Can't say there was anything specific other than the fact everything felt a little dated. Still would recommend, especially for the price.
TPC Scottsdale (Champions)
It's tempting to play the Stadium Course given it's history with the Phoenix Open, but when it comes down to actually playing yourself, you can barely tell the difference between the two.
Pros: Perfectly manicured and a great overall experience. Definitely cheaper than the Stadium course which feels like good relative value.
Score
8.5/10
Cons: Other than being a little close to some buildings (you are in Scottsdale after all) there is nothing really worth complaining about. Would recommend!
Oak Creek Country Club
Technically outside of Sedona, in the Village of Oak Creek this is actually a bit of a hidden gem. While it looks unassuming from the road, once you get on the course there are more interesting holes and views than you would expect and given a very fair price point, it's worth the stop.
Pros: Some really cool holes and stunning views. You are actually closer to the red rocks than at Sedona Golf Resort which leaves room for a good impression. A few interesting holes and very well kept.
Score
8.4/10
Cons: Surprisingly few. It is a bit of a flat layout so there are no crazy elevation changes or perspectives but for a fair price point the quality of the course and manner in which it's kept make it a really solid value.
We Ko Pa (Saguaro)
To be honest, this was a little disappointing given it's high ranking on many review sites. I played the day after playing Troon North, and frankly, it didn't hold a candle. Not a bad course, but certainly nothing to write home about either.
Pros: Well kept and not overly expensive. Some ok hole layouts, but nothing that special.
Score
8.3/10
Cons: After seeing the reviews, I expected it to be phenomenal, and it fell well short. Pictures online make it look as thought there are spectacular views, but that is not really the case. You are far outside of the city and the perspectives of mountains and desertscape are somewhat underwhelming. I didn't hate it, but you could skip it for many of the other great choices in the area.
Longbow
Located in Mesa, you don't really know what you are going to get given the high density of courses in Phoenix and Scottsdale. It's a bit of a drive but relatively good value once you get out there.
Pros: Some kind of cool holes, big shapely sand traps and a fair amount of water for a desert course. Decently well-kept and interesting enough for a casual round. More appropriate for friends with beers, than a memorable or show-stopping day out.
Score
8.1/10
Cons: Nothing really worth noting although pictures probably over-represent the actual experience. Certainly not bad and once you have hit all the major draws in the area its worth a stop.
Rancho Manana
A surprisingly interesting course that makes strategy and shot making paramount.
Pros: While the course feels quite short in distance, the rolling hills and blind shots create a nice challenge and the overall experience is quite enjoyable.
Score
8.1/10
Cons: Target golf at its finest. If you are wanting to bomb drivers, this is not the place for you!
Arizona National
I played this one when I was young so my review may not be accurate for current standards or conditions.
Pros: I remember it being nice and very well kept.
Score
8.0/10
Cons: Unlike some of the other courses of my childhood, I only kind of remember my round, meaning that it wasn't spectacular or overly interesting. Still, it's probably worth checking out as I do remember good course conditions.
