With more than 50 courses in Scottsdale proper and another 150+ in the vicinity, we know a good round when we see one. Our year-round sunny skies allow for play regardless of season at some of the best courses in the world. A bonus, many have a stellar 19th hole for you to celebrate your round of a lifetime. Here’s what you need to know to plan your next Scottsdale golf trip.
BOULDERS RESORT & SPA SCOTTSDALE
This distinctive North Scottsdale hideaway features two championship golf courses, a full-service spa and 61 beautifully appointed villas and haciendas sculpted into the spectacular, boulder-strewn landscape. When you’re not on the course, take advantage of on-property adventures like guided boulder climbing, hiking and mountain biking.
THE SCOTTSDALE RESORT AT MCCORMICK RANCH
Understated luxury, lush grounds and hacienda-inspired décor welcome you at this longtime favorite Scottsdale resort. Plus, the property’s central-city location means you’re just minutes from the area’s best courses. Enjoy Western-American fare and golf course views at the resort’s Kitchen West restaurant.
INN AT EAGLE MOUNTAIN
Tucked along the eastern edge of Scottsdale, on the 18th green of the Golf Club at Eagle Mountain, this hillside resort features two-room and mini-suites with kiva-style gas fireplaces. Enjoy Italian cuisine at the on-site Pietro’s restaurant and loosen up your swing with a massage treatment at the Life in Balance Wellness Center.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North’s two 18-hole courses stretch through natural desert ravines and foothills in the shadows of North Scottsdale’s iconic Pinnacle Peak. Massive granite boulders, towering saguaro cacti and lush natural foliage combine with Troon’s immaculately groomed fairways and top-notch customer service for an exceptional desert golf experience that should be on every golfer’s must-play list.
TPC SCOTTSDALE
Play where the pros play at the home of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open! The Stadium Course – most famous for its par-3 16th hole – is the WMPO’s home course and is maintained to PGA standards year-round. Its sister, the Champions Course, offers an ideal desert golf experience, flowing seamlessly through the naturally rugged desert terrain at the base of the McDowell Mountains.
SCOTTISH GOLFING EXPERIENCE AT KIERLAND GOLF CLUB
Golf originated over the pond in Scotland, and Kierland Golf Club honors the game’s beginnings with their Scottish Golfing Experience. Your round comes complete with authentic Scottish kilt rentals and a bagpiper who “calls in” golfers at the end of a great game. Cap off the experience with a tasting flight at The Westin Kierland’s 300-label Scotch Library.
MANLY SPA TREATMENTS
Golf is great fun but can leave you with sore muscles, aching joints and sun-stressed skin. Scottsdale spas know that men deserve pampering as part of a healthy lifestyle and have crafted customized treatments especially for dudes. Check out these offerings vetted by local golf expert Tom Mackin. You – and your body – will be glad you did.
Old Town Entertainment District
When you’re ready for some off-the-course diversions, head for Old Town Scottsdale. Warm up with a tasting cruise along the Old Town Ale Trail, then hit the Entertainment District where the party continues with neighborhood bars, high-energy nightclubs, celebrity deejays and even a high-tech bowling club offering craft cocktails and bottle service.
TORO LATIN RESTAURANT & RUM BAR
With nods to both Asian and Latin American cuisine, Toro is a celebration of flavors from around the world. Toro’s scenic views of the TPC Scottsdale’s 18th hole are rivaled only by menu specialties like Crispy Calamari, Carne Asada Tacos and the Toro Dog – an all-beef frank topped with black beans, chipotle mayo, bacon morita chile jam and pico de gallo.
HAND CUT BURGERS & CHOP HOUSE
This Old Town chop house is known for its 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Try it out in specialties like the Tuscan Chopped Meatball, Western Bacon Cheeseburger, Grilled Ribeye and Flat Iron steak. For dessert, don’t miss Hand Cut’s warm butter cake served with roasted peaches, caramel sauce and vanilla bean cream ice cream.
THE THUMB
Not everyone would send you to a gas station for a meal, but we will – and one visit will show you why. Featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” The Thumb boasts authentic hardwood-smoked barbecue for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fuel up on the Brisket Stack, a rack of ribs or The Cuban – a juicy pulled-pork sammie topped with ham (because, more meat), Swiss, mayo, mustard and pickles.
