8 of the Top Golf Courses in Arizona

With spectacular scenery and year-round warm weather, the golf courses in Arizona make the state one of the top golf destinations in the U.S. for good reason. Tucson and Scottsdale alone are renowned as two of the best winter golf cities! So, whether you’re staying in Flagstaff or the Phoenix area, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to hit the links. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Score a birdie at Raven Golf Club in Phoenix

Raven Golf Club is one of the highest-rated and most scenic semi-private golf courses in Arizona.

If you’re going golfing in Phoenix, Arizona, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive course than Raven. With a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest, Raven is a golf enthusiast’s dream. Once you’ve played a round on the lush, rolling fairways, stop by during happy hour at Grill 36 for half-price appetizers and drink specials, Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Hotels near Phoenix, Arizona: 38

Go-go to Papago Golf Course in Phoenix

Hit birdies all day among the red mountains of Phoenix at Papago Golf Course.

Opened in 1963, Papago is consistently ranked at the top of Arizona public golf courses. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Papago is surrounded by majestic red mountains that enhance incredible sunset views from the greens. And, after you’ve played 18 holes at this recently restored gem, indulge a little at Lou’s Bar & Grill, where weekday happy hours include truffle deviled eggs with $6 cocktails and wine.

Go into the woods at Payson Golf Course in Payson

Payson Golf Course is designed for all ability levels and features great views of the Mogollon Rim.

Dense green forests might not be the first thing that come to mind when you think about golf courses in the Arizona area, but Payson Golf Course is a public course set among hundreds of beautiful pine trees and backed by the majestic Mogollon Rim. Designed for all ability levels, the par-71 course embraces the natural geography of the Rim Country, featuring rolling hills and beautiful views throughout. The region also offers plenty of nearby outdoor family activities, including trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Hotels near Payson, Arizona: 2

Take in the scenery at Continental Country Club in Flagstaff

Kids can take a junior golf class at the Continental Country Club in Flagstaff while adults hit the links among the mountains.

The Continental Golf Club consistently ranks as one of the best Flagstaff golf courses, and it won’t take more than a hole or two to understand why. The lovely course, designed by Bob E. Baldock, has stunning mountain views and plenty of water to add to the scenery. The Continental community is also renowned for its family-friendliness; kids can even take a junior golf class before joining you out on the green.

Hotels near Flagstaff, Arizona: 9

Skip the sand traps at the Tournament Players Club in Scottsdale

With its rolling green hills, it’s no surprise that TPC Scottsdale has hosted the annual Phoenix Open, and many notable golf champions, since 1987.

Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods both know a thing or two about golf, so the fact that they’ve both played in the Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale indicates its high standing as one of the best public golf courses in Scottsdale. If you’re looking to golf in the Phoenix area, there are few spots more dramatic—the course’s lush green grass is set against the sand and stone of the surrounding desert and mountains.

By the way, Scottsdale is a design lover’s paradise, so after hitting the links, hit up Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home, for a tour of one of the architect’s most impressive works.

Hotels near Scottsdale, Arizona: 32

Enjoy natural beauty at Oakcreek Country Club in Sedona

Oakcreek Country Club in Sedona is a moderate-level course featuring the red rocks of the Arizona desert.

Rated as one of the best public golf courses in Arizona, Sedona’s Oakcreek Country Club doesn’t disappoint in the scenery department. Set among the beautiful red rocks of the Arizona desert and surrounded by evergreens, you’ll feel as though the rest of the world has dropped away as you play through this moderate-level 18-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and his namesake son.

Sedona is also packed with a plethora of outdoor activities, including horseback riding through the canyons and even combination kayaking/wine-tasting tours, for those who are looking to take a break from the links.

Hotels near Sedona, Arizona: 11

Take your time at Arizona National Golf Club in Tucson

Golf among the giant saguaro cacti of Arizona National Golf Club in Tucson.

Set in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Mountains and surrounded by giant saguaro cacti and desert, Arizona National Golf Club is a standout among public Tucson golf courses. The flexible course is designed to accommodate everyone, from beginners to accomplished players.

If you have another day to spend in Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-see. Take the kids to the Packrat Playhouse, where they’ll see the world from the perspective of one of the desert’s smallest mammals, or check out the stingray exhibit, where you can touch these mysterious and beautiful animals. (Under expert supervision, of course!)

Hotels near Tucson, Arizona: 11

Play through two sister courses at Randolph Golf Complex in Tucson

Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course was redesigned in 1996 and is one of two adjoining public courses in Tucson.

Of all the Tucson golf courses, the Randolph Dell Urich public golf course stands out largely due to its 1996 redesign of the former Randolph South Golf Course. The course, designed by William F. Bell, features spectacular views and dramatic elevation changes, and once served as a Tucson LPGA tour stop. While you’re here, book a tee time at Dell Urich’s neighboring course, Randolph North Golf Course, which has hosted several PGA and LPGA championships.

Whether you’re traveling specifically to experience Arizona’s world-renowned courses or just spending an afternoon on the green, there are tons of incredible golf courses in Arizona, so get out there and hit ’em straight!