Scottsdale area course recommendations

[sprnkls]

I'm heading to Scottsdale at the end of the month for a solo golf trip. I've already booked a few courses, but I have room for 1-3 more and I would like to get people's opinions on what I should add.

 

Here is what I already have planned/booked:

• Saturday (I arrive early afternoon)
  • Mountain Shadows - I wanted something a little shorter since this is a travel day. I played this course when I was in the area last year and really loved it.
• Sunday
  • Nothing planned yet, but I have room in my schedule for a round here.
• Monday
  • Possibly add a round here.
  • Grayhawk (Raptor)
• Tuesday
  • Possibly add a round here.
  • We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)
• Wednesday
  • Troon North (Pinnacle)
• Thursday (I'm leaving town around 10-11AM)
  • Mountain Shadows - I decided I could get one more quick round in here before I leave.

 

I am currently looking at the following courses:

• Gold Canyon (Dinosaur Mountain)
• Sunridge Canyon
• Boulders (South)
• Eagle Mountain

 

My questions are:

1. I can definitely add a round on Sunday, and maybe rounds on Monday and Tuesday. With that in mind, which course should I add on Sunday, and what two courses should I have on standby if I'm able to add rounds to Monday and/or Tuesday? I'm definitely leaning towards the four listed above, but I'd be open to others as well.
2. If I only consider the four courses above, what order would you rank them?
3. Boulders is almost twice as much as the other three I listed. Is it worth the extra cost?
4. Are there any courses I've already booked that you would recommend replacing with something else, what would you replace it with, and why?

 

I'd like to add that I was in the area for a couple days around the same time last year and played two rounds, both with 3PM tee times, so I'm fully aware of how hot it will be and am not worried about that. I'll be drinking tons of water, applying sunscreen liberally and frequently, and largely avoiding alcohol (especially on the course).

[Hageman11]

1. If only playing one extra round on Sunday and don't mind playing a course a little out of the way I would recommend Ak Chin Southern Dunes.  People may recommend Quintero for the wow factor.  I think it's a no brainer to add We-Ko-Pa Cholla as an extra round if you are already out there for Saguaro on Tuesday.  Monday you could look at adding obviously Talon or something close like TPC Champions.

 

2. I would rank Boulders and Dino Mtn similar, depends who you ask.  Both have good conditions normally, elevation and views with Boulder being more resorty/pricier.  Biggest knock on Dino Mtn is it's out there a ways depending on where you're staying.  Eagle Mountain is enjoyable and would recommend.  Sunridge Canyon is very much target golf and demanding with so so conditions, not a course I would want to play everyday.

 

3. Everything about Boulders is spendy.  Not sure of prices in June, but during peak rates I'm not sure any course out there is worth it, but it beats the cold.  If I was playing as a solo I'm not sure I'd pay what they are asking.

 

4. You already listed a majority of the better courses in the Scottsdale area.  You could add in TN Monument to think about or TPC (which i personally feel is overrated).  Kind of like I stated with Ak Chin, if you don't mind travelling you could bring a few more possibilities in like Verrado or Whirlwind.

 

 

[sprnkls]

Ak-Chin looks like an awesome recommendation. I especially like that it's in the middle of nowhere, like We-Ko-Pa, rather than surrounded by houses. I'll definitely add that one to my short list. I've seen Quintero recommended a bunch, and I did look at it, but it looks like they're closed for renovations until November. I did actually think about playing Cholla and just hitting both We-Ko-Pa courses the same day. Based on what I've read, I'm not sure if I would like it over some of the other courses mentioned, but it would make for less driving around, and I think they offer a small discount for playing both.

 

I'm staying in Scottsdale, and it looks like Dinosaur Mountain is only about 40 minutes away, so I'm not worried about the drive. As far as it being a toss up between Dinosaur and Boulders, that's the impression I've gotten from what I've read elsewhere as well. I've actually seen Sunridge recommended a bunch, but if it is a target golf type of course I'll probably skip it as I'd probably be chasing balls all day as I'm only about a 20 hdcp.

 

Unless someone else provides a compelling reason to pick Boulders over Dinosaur, I'll probably save the money and play Dinosaur if I end up choosing between the two.

 

I would like to play TPC, just because it's TPC, but I've seen almost everywhere that it's overrated and that without the stands set up, the course becomes a lot less impressive, but I'll definitely keep it on the list just in case. I'll take a look at Verrado and Whirlwind as well. I don't remember seeing them come up when I was initially looking for what courses to play.

 

Thanks for the response.

[AZ_JHWK]

Summer conditions can be a little sketchy at some courses. The overseed is gone and the Bermudagrass is trying to take over. Also, summer maintenance can play a role.

 

I've played Dino Mtn in June before, and it doesn't look like they put 100% effort into summer conditions. This year could be different. 

 

I love both We Ko Pa courses, but both tend to look better in August. But I wouldn't pass them up either. Just an FYI.

 

I feel like Troon and Grayhawk have the most consistent conditions, but you do pay extra for that. 

 

I'd consider TPC Champions. Better price and pretty nice conditions. Southern Dunes is always a good choice.

[GolfGuy321]

10 hours ago, sprnkls said:

Gold Canyon (Dinosaur Mountain)

Sunridge Canyon

Boulders (South)

Eagle Mountain

Sunridge is a good course, Id rather play there than troon.  Its often not super wide but a good course.  Great views and restaurant.  Typically they close for 2 months in the summer.  Check dates. The WIcked six, final 6 holes are two par 3s. two 4s and two 5s, all uphill into the wind.

 

Eagle Mtn is almost across the street from sunridge.  Fun course, most fairways  have berms too help funnel balls back to the fairiway.  Played it a few times last summer, was always in good shape.  Lots of rattlesnakes in summer, be aware.

 

Boulders South is good and scenic.  Worth a round.

 

[sprnkls]

Every time I feel like I've eliminated a course from my list, someone makes a good case for not only keeping it but moving it higher up. If I could add a few extra days to my trip, I definitely would just so I could play them all. I think Scottsdale will have to become a yearly trip for me for at least a few years so that I can hit them all.

Thanks to those that have responded so far. I'll try to remember to update with which courses I ended up playing and what I thought of them when I get back in a few weeks.

[hackeraz]

I am sure you already are aware of this and I realize it's completely unsolicited, however, I have to say it after looking at that schedule. As a resident of Scottsdale for going on 30 years, an avid endurance athlete, someone that runs 90+ miles weekly year round, and someone that spends a lot of time outside in our summers; I cannot imagine playing back to back 36 round days (bookended by 18) end of June in the Phoenix valley unless we happened to get a cooling low coming through. I would be absolutely drained and the deteriorating quality of my game through the days would push me to an unenjoyable experience. With that said, I highly recommend Mortal hydration mix, I'd go with the "salty". 

 

Quintero is most definitely closed. As a 20ish cap I'd probably put Eagle Mountain on your list as consideration, you can get away with a fair amount there and it has some great views too.  Rolling Hills offers fully lit night golf with a pretty fun atmosphere if you're looking for a slightly out of the standard type experience. 

 

Have an awesome trip! 

Edited June 10 by hackeraz

[sprnkls]

I played a couple rounds in the Phoenix area last June, so I'm definitely aware of the heat, which is why I'm somewhat hesitant to add rounds to Monday and Tuesday. I did want to get opinions on courses though in case I decide to try and brave the heat for 36 holes a day on those two days. Thank you for the advice though, unsolicited or otherwise. Having been in the military, I'm well aware of the dangers related to extended heat exposure, but I know many aren't, so I completely understand you wanting to make that point.

 

I haven't heard of Mortal, but I'll look into it.

 

Currently Eagle Mountain is hanging out pretty high on my list. I've read that the course design makes it more beginner friendly than a lot of courses in the area (fairways that slope inwards and whatnot).

 

I just took a look at Rolling Hills, and the night golf looks really cool. The rates are on the high side, but there also aren't a lot of places that offer night golf, so I may check it out.

Edited June 11 by sprnkls

[GolfGuy321]

If worried about heat/hydration there are now a tons of IV stores in Scottsdale.  Last summer I needed one after 36 in the afternoon when it was over 110+.  $75 for 1L saline.  They try to upsell $400-500 nonsense.  Just get the saline 

[sprnkls]

On 6/12/2025 at 12:25 AM, GolfGuy321 said:

If worried about heat/hydration there are now a tons of IV stores in Scottsdale.  Last summer I needed one after 36 in the afternoon when it was over 110+.  $75 for 1L saline.  They try to upsell $400-500 nonsense.  Just get the saline 

I've never been to one of those places, but I'll definitely keep it in mind. Thanks for the suggestion.