There’s no way around it: golf can be a complicated, intimidating and nerve-wracking sport, and that holds true even for experienced golfers. For a beginner? Well, it can be downright scary. But fear not, newcomers do not have to understand every single nuance right away. That takes a lot of practice, and many rounds out on the course. Fortunately it’s all manageable if you take things step-by-step. After all, you’re outdoors in a green space, likely with friends, and having a few laughs along the way. And no matter how you play, a bad day at the golf course usually beats a good day in the office! Fortunately, Scottsdale and its neighbors have more than 200 golf courses to choose from, including a trio of par-3s courses that standout as the perfect golf courses for beginners.
THE SHORT COURSE AT MOUNTAIN SHADOWS
Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to finding good golf courses for beginners. That’s why the aptly named Short Course at Mountain Shadows, featuring 18 par 3s that range from 50 yards to 150 yards from the forward tees, is a fun option. The first four holes are a bit narrow, but overall, it’s an easy walk (or ride in a golf cart) and the shorter yardages ease the pressure a good bit (although the greens are no pushovers). There’s even a putting hole – named The Forrest Wager after course architect Forrest Richadson – where all you have to do is putt!
#miniDunes at AK-CHIN SOUTHERN DUNES
Every beginner should get comfortable on the driving range before heading out on the golf course. But what if the course is actually on the driving range? That’s the case with #miniDunes, a six-hole short course located right on the range at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes just south of Scottsdale. With holes that range from 60 to 115 yards and no forced carries, the layout is pure fun, especially for beginners. Each round of golf is unlimited, so you can play six, 12, 18 holes or more for just $25 on Wednesday and $35 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting just before sunset. Even better? Since April 2024, #miniDunes been lit up for night play!
KIERLAND GOLF CLUB
Get ready for your round here on the massive practice putting green on the shaded range or the fun short-game area. Then take on a pairing from among the three nine-hole layouts designed by Scott Miller. He thankfully framed many holes with mounding that often helps direct wayward shots back onto fairways. Entrances to most greens are accessible, and forced carries are few. Definitely try to play the Acacia nine, where you only have to clear some desert landscape off the tee once.
TALKING STICK GOLF CLUB
Hills and uneven lies are challenging even for the most experienced golfers, let alone beginners. You won’t find many of either here on the O’Odham (formerly North) and Piipaash (South) courses that opened in 1998 and are located right behind Talking Stick Resort & Casino. Everything is right out in front of you thanks to the stellar work of talented architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Keep in mind that the Piipaash layout has less crowned greens than its sibling, so you may get comfortable there a bit more quickly.
GRASS CLIPPINGS AT ROLLING HILLS
History was made in December 2023 when Grass Clippings, located right next to Papago Park just west of Scottsdale, became the first golf course ever in Arizona to offer night play under the lights. It’s open during the day too, when it plays as a par-59 (with five par 4s and the rest par 3s) and then it becomes all par 3s when the sun goes down. Holes then range from 108 to 200 yards, and with music, a food truck, and an eclectic restaurant, it’s quite the scene for beginning golfers and veterans alike. A cool Toptracer driving range also is available, providing a fun place to work on your game.
There you have it – five of our best golf courses for beginners! Just remember, even the top-ranked pro golfers were once where you are – relax and enjoy the game!
