Arizona is home to a wealth of public golf opportunities that rival some of the most prestigious private clubs in the country. The state’s dramatic desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and year-round sunshine make it an ideal destination for golfers from around the world. While private facilities get plenty of attention, Arizona golf courses public players can access are both plentiful and world-class. This guide ranks the top ten Arizona golf courses and explains why each deserves a spot on your golfing bucket list.
Why Public Golf Matters in Arizona
Public golf Arizona destinations are essential because they make world-class golf available to everyone, not just members of private country clubs. These courses often blend resort-quality conditioning with unique desert backdrops and accessible tee times. Some even function as public access private golf Arizona courses, giving golfers the elite club experience without the permanent dues.
Top 10 Arizona Golf Courses Public Players Can Access
Troon North Golf Club – Scottsdale
Ranked as Arizona’s premier public golf facility, Troon North features the Pinnacle and Monument courses. Its granite boulders, natural washes, and desert landscape create a true championship setting. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine frequently place it among the top 25 public courses in the U.S. Monument’s par-5 holes test strategy, while Pinnacle’s elevated tees showcase panoramic desert views.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Fort McDowell
A close second, We-Ko-Pa stands out for its two highly rated courses, Cholla and Saguaro, both consistently ranked within the top 100 public courses in America. With no housing developments cluttering the fairways, golfers experience untouched desert and distant mountain scenery. The Saguaro course, designed for walking, has earned acclaim for its traditional layout combined with modern desert design.
Grayhawk Golf Club – Scottsdale
Home to the Talon and Raptor courses, Grayhawk ranks among the most popular public access private golf Arizona options. The Raptor course, designed by Tom Fazio, has hosted the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championships. Its layout requires precision with bunkers and undulating greens, while the Talon course offers panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains.
Quintero Golf Club – Peoria
Quintero often ranks within the top three Arizona golf courses public players can access in national lists. Known for dramatic elevation changes and pristine course conditions, it has been labeled “pure golf” by critics. Each hole feels secluded, offering an exclusive atmosphere. The par-3s in particular stand out as some of the finest in the state.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club – Maricopa
A host site for several amateur and professional events, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is ranked within the top 100 U.S. public courses. The design challenges golfers with wide fairways bordered by massive bunkering and native grasses. Its open layout emphasizes wind strategy, giving each round a new personality depending on conditions.
Papago Golf Course – Phoenix
Papago is a historic course ranked highly among municipal layouts nationwide. Recently renovated, it now serves as the home course for Arizona State University’s golf teams. The design emphasizes wide fairways with subtle greens, making it approachable for beginners while still testing seasoned players. Its proximity to downtown Phoenix makes it a favorite among visitors.
Whirlwind Golf Club – Chandler
Whirlwind offers two courses, Devil’s Claw and Cattail, both ranked among the best resort-style public layouts in Arizona. Each incorporates cultural elements of the Gila River Indian Community, highlighting desert flora and wide expanses of open land. Whirlwind is consistently praised for immaculate conditions and memorable holes with risk-reward water features.
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Why Laughlin Ranch Should Be Your First Choice
Raven Golf Club – Phoenix
Unlike many desert courses, Raven ranks high for its unique design featuring over 6,000 pine trees and lush fairways. This parkland-style layout surprises players expecting a traditional desert experience. It is consistently rated as one of the best value courses among Arizona golf courses public players can book.
Legacy Golf Resort – Phoenix
Legacy earns its place in the top ten due to its historical ties and welcoming layout. Built on what was once Dwight B. Heard’s ranch, the course features forgiving fairways and resort-style playability. Its location near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport makes it convenient for traveling golfers seeking a quick but memorable round.
Sedona Golf Resort – Sedona
Ranked for sheer beauty, Sedona Golf Resort provides one of the most scenic public golf Arizona experiences. Set among red rock cliffs and dramatic elevation changes, the par-3 10th hole has been featured in national golf publications as one of the most breathtaking holes in the Southwest. While not as demanding as Scottsdale’s top courses, its views secure its place in the top 10.
Why Laughlin Ranch Belongs in Your Plans
While these ten Arizona golf courses public players love are ranked among the state’s finest, nearby destinations can add even more value to a golf trip. Laughlin Ranch Golf Club in Bullhead City, Arizona, offers a championship layout framed by mountain views and desert landscapes. Beyond golf, the club features a full-service spa in Laughlin and a popular restaurant, making it more than just a round of golf—it’s an experience. For players traveling between Nevada and Arizona, Laughlin Ranch is a must-stop.
Planning the Ultimate Arizona Golf Tour
Building your itinerary depends on what kind of golf you want. For a Scottsdale-centered trip, Troon North, Grayhawk, and We-Ko-Pa provide the highest-rated desert golf experiences. Pair those with a drive north to Sedona or a detour west to Laughlin Ranch for diversity in scenery and challenge. Public access private golf Arizona facilities like Grayhawk and Laughlin Ranch give golfers a private club atmosphere without the strict need of a membership.
Final Thoughts
Arizona continues to dominate as a premier destination for public golf. With ranked courses that consistently appear in national publications, the state has proven that public golf Arizona players can enjoy is second to none. From the red rocks of Sedona to the desert peaks of Scottsdale, these ten courses provide unforgettable experiences. Adding Laughlin Ranch to the itinerary ensures your trip blends championship golf with relaxation and desert hospitality.
Next time you plan a golf getaway, remember that the best Arizona golf courses public players can access are waiting to be discovered, one tee time at a time.