The Hidden Golf Course Gems of Scottsdale

With 51 golf courses in the city and over 200 in the surrounding area, great golf experiences can be overlooked in Scottsdale.

Colorado AvidGolfer

With 51 golf courses just within the city limits of Scottsdale, and more than 200 in the surrounding area, it can be easy to overlook some hidden gems and extraordinary golf experiences at great values. Below are just a few of the underrated courses golfers should check out while in Scottsdale.

Starfire Golf Club 
Formerly Scottsdale Country Club, Starfire was built on the former site of one of Scottsdale’s original golf courses. Starfire is a daily-fee club featuring 27 holes of golf designed by Arnold Palmer located in northern Scottsdale. Three nine-hole layouts (King, Hawk and Squire) take players on a winding journey through thick eucalyptus, pine and cottonwood trees each presenting a unique challenge for golfers of all skill levels. 

Rancho Manana Golf Club
Located on the northern edge of Scottsdale in historic Cave Creek, Rancho Manana is one of the most scenic golf courses in the Valley. Rancho Manana is also home to the award-winning Tonto Bar & Grill after the round.

Gainey Ranch Golf Club
Located at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Gainey Ranch is home to 27 holes of one of Scottsdale's most classically styled golf courses. The Lakes,is a gorgeous challenge with gently cascading water features on six holes. The aptly named Dunes course is similar to a Scottish style-links course with natural hazards and sand dunes. The Arroyo course requires both power and placement, especially on the peninsular green of the finishing hole. The club is a private facility, but guests of the hotel are permitted to play.

McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Nestled in the foothills of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, McDowell Mountain Golf Club got a facelift in 2011 from legendary PGA TOUR pro Phil Mickelson and his longtime coach Steve Loy. The renovation was designed with both low and high handicappers in mind, providing a wonderful golf experience for players of all skill levels.

To learn more about why Scottsdale is “the World's Finest Golf Destination,” visit ExperienceScottsdaleGolf.com.

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Colorado AvidGolfer is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.