The Best Golf Courses in Arizona

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB
The McDowell Mountain Golf Club course is a visually stunning par-72 championship course stretching 7,118 yards. Golfers frequently return for the views and challenges. For those wanting the full Sonoran Desert experience, McDowell Mountain Golf Club is located in the shadows of the McDowell Mountains and set in the heart of the native Sonoran Desert, notes general manager Ron Wojcicki. Sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, vibrant desert flora and cityscape create a stunning backdrop for each hole.

Beyond golf, McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers exceptional amenities, events and dining experiences. “Rossa Kitchen & Patio at McDowell Mountain is quickly becoming a favorite neighborhood go-to spot, with a reputation for great wood-fired pizzas, an expansive menu and exceptional libations,” Wojcicki says.

BOULDERS GOLF CLUB
Head to Boulders Golf Club in Carefree for a truly unique landscape just west of North Scottsdale. Their two 18-hole, 72-par championship golf courses were designed by famous golf course architect Jay Morrish, making it one of the most demanding courses in the Southwest. Its picture-perfect surroundings include indigenous desert plants, rock formations and friendly wildlife on almost every hole.

“Our ‘signature’ holes on Boulders South Course include hole five, which is carved from the desert and characterized by a dramatic rock outcropping that shelters the green, and hole seven, where a three-story-high boulder sits precariously atop a tiny one—just an arm’s length from golfers on the tee,” golf director John Wright explains.

Boulders Golf Club includes tennis courts, a golf academy, dining, and a Japanese-inspired spa for zen-like relaxation.

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TUBAC GOLF RESORT
A hidden gem in southern Arizona, Tubac Golf Resort is an oasis in the high-desert landscape with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. This 27-hole course stretches across Arizona’s Santa Cruz River Valley, which means there’s not only scenic beauty but wildlife. Expect to encounter cattle, deer and all kinds of birds as you play.

The course is also known for its lush fairways framed by centuries-old cottonwoods, scenic water features and stunning views of the Santa Rita Mountains. If you’re a fan of golf history, you’ll appreciate that this course was featured in the ICONIC film “Tin Cup,” where Kevin Costner teed off on these very greens.

After your round, relax at the resort, which offers luxury accommodations, dining and a full-service spa, making it perfect for a stay-and-play getaway.

THE CLUB AT STARR PASS
Are you looking to surround yourself with the ICONIC saguaro cactus? Book your tee time at The Club at Starr Pass. This golf destination marries challenge, luxury and breathtaking natural scenery amidst the rugged beauty of Tucson’s desert landscape.

If that isn’t ICONIC enough for you, the legendary Arnold Palmer also designed the 18-hole and nine-hole courses on property. Carved into the foothills of the Tucson Mountains, the courses offer dramatic elevation changes, lush fairways and desert vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see–even to the mountains in Mexico on a clear day.

Beyond golf, the club offers luxurious amenities, including fine dining, a world-class spa, fitness facilities and access to the adjacent JW Marriott resort, ensuring an unforgettable experience both on and off the greens.

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OAKCREEK COUNTRY CLUB
You can’t talk about Arizona’s natural beauty without including its northern region—and one of the most ICONIC locations—Sedona. Its famous red rocks are easily visible throughout this course, while the thick greenery and surrounding trees create a forestlike feel within the canyon.

Circled by towering sandstone formations and lush pine forests, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. collaboration is a masterpiece of natural beauty and timeless design. Each hole weaves seamlessly through the majestic scenery, with tree-lined fairways and meticulously manicured greens that reflect the artistry of its creators.

Gentle breezes, serene mountainscapes and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife enhance the experience, making every round feel like a retreat into nature’s grandeur. Oakcreek Country Club is more than a destination—it’s a testament to the harmony between world-class golf and Sedona’s unparalleled natural beauty.

Here’s to great golfing–and great views!