4 must play golf courses in Arizona

As many golfers know, Arizona’s unique desert landscape makes for some of the best and most beautiful rounds of golf.

So, grab your golf shoes, throw your clubs in the car and head out to one of these four must play golf courses in the state.

Legacy Golf Club

What’s not to love about Legacy? It’s won numerous awards, including No. 1 best place to play in Phoenix from Golfweek and No. 1 public course in Phoenix from ESPN.

This is an 18-hole, par 71 course with history to boot. It’s on 280 acres of what was originally a 7,500-acre ranch belonging to Dwight and Marie Heard. Along the 18th fairway, you can still see the 1902 grain silos, which were once the tallest structures in Maricopa County.

“Taking great pride in preserving and integrating many of the historical structures and monuments, our 18-hole championship golf course offers a unique look and an added opportunity to experience some Arizona history and of the Heard legacy, from which the golf club takes its name,” Legacy Golf Club says.

With tournaments, a golf academy, a bar & grill, and more, there is plenty to do when you visit Legacy, so book your tee time online.

Whirlwind Golf Club

This 36-hole course is Arizona’s best golf tournament course – and it has plenty to offer individuals and groups of all sizes, as one of the premier golf courses in the southwest.

“A round at Whirlwind is quiet, peaceful and feels like a destination golf club, yet it is only 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport,” Whirlwind says. “Experience for yourself the best golf and dining experience in the south valley.”

The course is built into an ancient landscape that takes advantage of the area by offering evolved desert golf with the Cattail and Devil’s Claw courses. Additionally, the clubhouse has been through a $1 million renovation that includes one of the nation’s Top 100 Golf Shops, according to both Golf World and the Association of Golf Merchandisers.

Before or after your round, you can watch flat screen TVs, sip on a drink and relax in the leather furniture of the Player’s Lounge. Even the locker room is luxurious, with touchpad locks that mean you don’t have to carry a key, stocked and spacious showers, and complimentary towel service.

Book your tee time on the Whirlwind website.

Phoenician Golf Club

This golf course was redesigned and reopened in 2018, and the local architect used its environment to create a distinguished area.

“During the redesign and renovation, the course was transformed with natural rhythm and flow – completely rebuilding the course from tee to green and capturing amazing views of the resort, Camelback Mountain and the Valley of the Sun,” the Phoenician says. “This new course showcases the unique beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and matches the reputation and quality of the award-winning resort.”

Use the Phoenician online reservation system to book your tee time.

Troon North Golf Club

This club boasts two 18-hole courses that go through natural ravines and foothills and are strewn with granite boulders, for an enjoyable and breathtaking time.

“Revered as Scottsdale’s crown jewel, the challenge, visual sensation, and special ambiance of Troon North sets the standard by which all other courses are measured,” Troon North says. “The immaculately groomed fairways, bentgrass greens and exceptional customer service create the renowned Troon Golf Experience.”

The course was recently renovated and offers a classic desert golf game that suits everyone, from beginners to regulars.
Visit the Troon North Golf Club website to reserve your tee time.