12 Golf Courses with the best views in Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale's Most Photogenic Golf Courses

Boasting nearly 200 immaculate golf courses, Scottsdale earns its nickname as the “Golf Capital of the World.” But it’s the stunning backdrops that elevate play at certain layouts to an entirely new level. Beyond challenging design and impeccable conditioning, some Scottsdale tracks feature panoramic scenery that makes them truly unforgettable.

Surrounded by towering peaks, lush desert, and colorful sunrises and sunsets, courses like We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and Troon North transport golfers with their breathtaking natural beauty. The rugged, untamed landscapes of both serve as the ultimate playing partners. Other courses like Eagle Mountain and SunRidge Canyon seamlessly integrate top-tier design with the unique topography of the McDowell Mountains, creating an ideal fusion of challenge and eye candy.

Not to be outdone, TPC Scottsdale provides a one-of-a-kind venue with electric crowds and a raucous atmosphere on its world-famous Stadium Course. Yet the Champions Course offers a more serene take on championship golf amidst Scottsdale’s vibrance. For traditional parkland beauty, Grayhawk delivers two premier tests bordered by the thriving Sonoran Desert.

These are just a sampling of the Scottsdale area layouts that complement world-class design and amenities with picture-perfect surroundings. Whether seeking major championship venues, secluded desert golf, or affordable daily-fee play, Scottsdale has no shortage of options where the views rival the design. Read on to discover some of the area’s most visually spectacular courses.

Flying to Arizona

The airports closest to Scottsdale, Arizona:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) - The major airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area, located about 20 miles from downtown Scottsdale. PHX offers connecting flights across the US and to international destinations.
• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) - A smaller regional airport in Mesa, about 25 miles southeast of Scottsdale. It handles some low-cost carrier flights.
• Scottsdale Airport (SDL) - A small municipal airport located just a few miles from downtown Scottsdale. It handles small private and charter aircraft.

The most convenient and accessible option for travelers flying into Scottsdale is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It has terminals with all major domestic airlines plus car rental, public transit and shuttle options for getting to Scottsdale and surrounding cities.

Troon North Golf Club, AZ

Regarded as the pinnacle of desert golf, Troon North's two 18-hole courses are carved through the natural foothills and ravines of Arizona's rugged high Sonoran desert.

With immaculate conditioning and unmatched service, Troon North sets the standard for the ultimate golf experience against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak.

The Monument and Pinnacle layouts, consistently ranked at the top of every golfer's wish list, have been reimagined by original architect Tom Weiskopf. By seamlessly blending the two tracks, the new designs optimize playability while maintaining the integrity of the landscape. From the first tee to the final green, Troon North offers a sensational visual experience and unforgettable challenge.

The 37,000 square foot clubhouse provides the perfect complement with exceptional amenities from the award-winning golf shop to world-class dining. For desert golf at its finest, Troon North stands alone.

Quintero Golf Club, AZ

Nestled within the lush desert just outside of Phoenix, Quintero Golf Club stands as an exclusive destination for golfers seeking the ultimate experience. Designed by acclaimed architect Rees Jones in the tradition of the world's finest courses, Quintero goes beyond – it transports.

Carved from pristine Arizona desert, the secluded course offers unmatched scenery, first-class service, and masterful design. Ranked the #1 Public Golf Course by Golf Digest, Golfweek, and Golf Advisor, Quintero provides a memorable test for all skill levels.

The championship layout stretches over 7,200 yards, with strategic bunkering and multi-tiered bentgrass greens that demand precision and finesse. 

Multiple tee boxes also make Quintero eminently enjoyable for novice golfers. The exceptional conditioning provides the smoothest, truest putting surfaces in the Southwest.

For visiting golfers and Phoenix-area residents alike, playing Quintero is an essential experience showcasing the region's best golf. The rare tranquility, peerless amenities, and receptive yet challenging layout inspire golfers to return again and again to this desert oasis. If playing iconic Southwestern golf at its finest, Quintero is truly unforgettable.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, AZ

Carved into the rugged ridges and canyons of Scottsdale's McDowell Mountains, SunRidge Canyon ranks among Arizona's premier desert golf experiences.

The stunning layout gradually descends through pristine Sonoran Desert, culminating in the daunting "Wicked 6" holes that provide a memorable test for all skill levels. Conveniently located near Scottsdale yet isolated enough for authentic desert golf, SunRidge Canyon unfurls along the mountainous terrain.

The newly remodeled clubhouse, fire pits, and lively Wicked 6 Bar & Grill offer opportunities to relax after your round. Enjoy live music, bagpipes at sunset on Fridays, and savor wood-fired pizza on the panoramic patio. SunRidge Canyon is also home to Hot Stix, the #1 golf club fitters, providing custom fittings with the latest technology.

The Phoenician Golf Club, AZ

After a dramatic redesign by renowned course architects, The Phoenician Golf Club has emerged with a reimagined 18-hole, par-71 layout that artfully showcases the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Featuring five sets of player-friendly tees and no hidden hazards or surprises, the course offers an ideal blend of playability and visual splendor. Winding through indigenous terrain with panoramic views, The Phoenician provides an unforgettable golf experience amidst Arizona's stunning landscapes.

TPC Scottsdale, AZ

Situated just outside vibrant Scottsdale, TPC Scottsdale features two acclaimed championship courses open to the public – the iconic Stadium Course hosting the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and the beautifully challenging Champions Course. 

Recognized among the world’s premier golf destinations, TPC Scottsdale pairs stunning views of the McDowell Mountains with an unparalleled experience showcasing everything from acclaimed instruction to luxury partner hotels.

Both courses offer undulating, lavishly conditioned terrain, sculpted bunkers, and meticulous green complexes designed to PGA TOUR standards. The Stadium Course's rollicking atmosphere contrasts with the Champions Course's untouched Sonoran beauty. 

With a choice of two legendary layouts amidst Scottsdale's vibrant lifestyle, TPC Scottsdale lets you experience championship golf at its finest.

The Westin Kierland Golf Club, AZ

At The Westin Kierland Golf Club, guests encounter an elevated golf experience brimming with innovation and unique offerings.

Designed by Scott Miller, the 27-hole Troon-managed course features three complementary nines dotted with serene lakes and desert washes, all set within vibrant Sonoran landscapes.

Beyond traditional golf, Kierland offers an expanding portfolio of advancements to enhance the game, from Scottish-style play in kilts to modern transports including golf boards, bikes, and family-friendly carts. 

With its dramatic yet welcoming layout, exceptional conditioning, and constant innovations, The Westin Kierland Golf Club provides new ways to embrace the golf lifestyle amidst Scottsdale's scenic beauty.

Mccormick Ranch Golf Club, AZ

Situated in the heart of vibrant Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch is a renowned 36-hole public facility offering a premier golf experience. 

With a welcoming clubhouse, restaurant, lounge, banquet areas, pro shop, and practice facilities, the club provides amenities to match its world-class conditioning and service. Surrounded by premier Scottsdale resorts and boasting breathtaking Southwestern scenery, McCormick Ranch is open 365 days a year and able to accommodate 600 players per day. 

It's the perfect venue for tournaments, weddings, and memorable golf events backed by an attentive staff.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, AZ

With two award-winning courses set within the pristine Sonoran Desert, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club delivers Arizona's ultimate golf experience.

The stunning landscapes unravel completely free of encroaching development, with ancient saguaros serving as the only "high-rises."

The Cholla Course by Scott Miller flows over rugged desert terrain, with greens cradled into hillsides and washes. Providing expansive panoramas, Cholla embodies the essence of desert golf. The Saguaro Course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw takes inspiration from traditional walking layouts, seamlessly integrating the natural topography.

Garnering worldwide acclaim, Saguaro and Cholla offer wholly distinct tests across the desert. But both connect golfers to the transcendent beauty and challenge of this untamed environment. For immersive Southwestern golf at its finest, We-Ko-Pa captures the imagination like no other.

Grayhawk Golf Club, AZ

With two premier courses that have played host to the PGA TOUR, Grayhawk Golf Club is a premier destination for golfers seeking variety and challenge just minutes from downtown Scottsdale.

The Raptor and Talon courses, consistently ranked among the top public tracks in Scottsdale, offer strikingly different tests across the Sonoran Desert terrain. Strategic bunkering, water hazards, and doglegs demand precision on the Raptor Course, while the Talon presents a more traditional parkland-style layout.

Beyond world-class golf, Grayhawk offers outstanding dining at venues like Phil's Grill, inspired by brand ambassador Phil Mickelson, as well as polished event spaces ideal for tournaments, weddings, and more. The club's Golf Shop boutique provides an upscale retail experience, while the Learning Center features instruction from acclaimed coaches.

For buddy trips, corporate outings, or casual rounds, Grayhawk provides a blend of golf, cuisine, and amenities tailored to Scottsdale's vibrant lifestyle under the desert sun. It's no wonder it remains a must-play for visitors and locals alike.

Gainey Ranch Golf Club, AZ

As Scottsdale's premier private club, Gainey Ranch Golf Club sets the gold standard with three exceptional courses designed by acclaimed architects.

Lush greenery and sparkling waterways give the Lakes Course a delightful personality. The rugged Dunes Course demands precision across the natural desert. And the Arroyo Course provides a formidable test of distance and placement.

With top-tier conditioning and amenities, this world-class troika combines to offer an unparalleled golf experience amid Scottsdale's beauty. Gainey Ranch leaves an indelible impression through layouts crafted to the highest standards and superlative service unmatched anywhere else. For exceptional golf made extraordinary, Gainey Ranch stands alone.

Eagle Mountain Golf Club, AZ

Set within the rolling hills and natural ravines of Arizona's McDowell Mountains, the captivating Eagle Mountain Golf Club is a harmonious fusion of breathtaking terrain and masterful design.

Scott Miller crafted this acclaimed layout to incorporate the lush valleys, box canyons, and vibrant sunrises and sunsets of the surrounding Sonoran Desert.

At 6,800 yards, Eagle Mountain entwines a spectacular landscape with a challenging yet fair test of golf skills across contoured fairways and impeccable greens. Lauded by leading golf outlets as a premier Arizona course, Eagle Mountain provides an unforgettable golf experience in an incomparable setting managed to pristine standards.

Legend Trail Golf Club, AZ

Designed by acclaimed architect Rees Jones, Legend Trail Golf Club unfurls through the Sonoran Desert to offer a memorable test for all skill levels.

The exquisitely conditioned layout features the area's iconic landmarks, including panoramic views of Pinnacle Peak. 

Meandering seamlessly across the rugged landscape, Legend Trail provides a fair yet engaging golf experience, boosted by the location and natural surroundings.

Ranked among Arizona's premier courses by leading publications, Legend Trail presents diverse shot-making challenges along with stunning scenery. For public desert golf at its finest, Legend Trail stands out as a must-play.

Final thoughts

With nearly 200 pristine courses to choose from, Scottsdale is a golfer's paradise. But some layouts rise above the rest with their breathtaking natural scenery. Courses like We-Ko-Pa and Troon North offer stunning desert panoramas and rugged beauty that enhance the challenge. 

Others such as TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk integrate top-tier design with unforgettable backdrops ranging from mountain vistas to championship atmosphere. Scottsdale truly has it all when seeking courses that complement world-class playing surfaces and amenities with unparalleled views.

Whether gazing at lush landscapes, elevated sightlines, or sunrise/sunsets, golfers won't just play these courses - they'll experience them.