Talking Stick
This is one of my favorite golf destinations in Arizona. There are two different courses, which were designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The two courses have a very different and unique aspect to them. The Golf Club is actually not located in Scottsdale, but on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, which is just on the other side of the freeway from Scottsdale. Both courses are managed by Troon Golf, so you know the experience will be sensational. The North Course is more open with angular holes, bringing the risk-reward equation into play. It is a desert style course.
The South Course offers more tree lined fairways, with a more straightforward style of play. I have played both courses and probably favor the South Course over the North, but you will not be disappointed with either. Talking Stick is the home to many events, including the Arizona Open qualifier and the Gateway Tour.
Eagle Mountain
This is a fantastic golf course with some of the most dramatic and rugged views of the McDowell Mountains, through box canyons and beautiful areas of the Sonoran desert. This course was designed by Scott Miller, and is located just outside of the Scottsdale border in Fountain Hills. One of my favorite layouts of any of the Arizona courses, but sometimes they have trouble keeping the fairways lush.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary golf course is a great choice for scenic golf in Scottsdale and while usually less expensive than the elite Scottsdale courses, plays every bit as challenging and beautiful. It is located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, within the McDowell Mountain Ranch Community, and the scenery is tremendous with city views, mountain views and native plants of the Sonoran desert. This is probably my favorite course to play in Scottsdale at this price point, and is comparable to courses that charge double their green fees. This is a true Arizona desert style course, which requires either active course management or a large supply of balls. Look for online specials.
TPC Scottsdale
TPC is a landmark course in Scottsdale, and is home to the PGA Tour's FBR Open (approximately 500,000 visitors for this event, making it the largest attended golf event in the world). There are two courses here (Stadium and Desert Course), but the Stadium course is what makes this place famous. Both courses are set in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by the McDowell Mountains, so the scenery is great!
The Stadium Course was designed by Tom Weiskopf and is challenging and fun for all levels of ability (plus you can compare yourself to the pros here and get a taste of the PGA experience). In fact, the Stadium Course has many distinctions, including "One of America's Best Courses - Golfweek Magazine" and "One of the Top Golf and Resort Destinations in the World - Conde Nast Traveler". This should be on your list of courses that you must play in your lifetime. Definitely play this course!
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North in Scottsdale, Arizona winds through the Sonoran Desert. Troon North features the Monument and Pinnacle courses that wrap around Pinnacle Peak and offer the ultimate desert golf experience. One of the top courses you can play anywhere with dramatic desert scenery and rugged mountain backdrops.
