Where can golfers find a destination with guaranteed glorious sunshine virtually all year round? Scottsdale, Arizona emerges as a formidable contender. While much of the world shivers in late-year cold, Arizona basks in temperatures soaring towards 30 degrees Celsius, offering mild, pleasant conditions for locals and visitors alike. Every golf enthusiast knows the Phoenix Open unfolds at TPC Scottsdale, but the region boasts a diverse array of exceptional courses and superb accommodations. The Daily Mail ventured there in November to experience this golfing paradise firsthand.
Golf Courses
TPC Scottsdale
Undoubtedly the headline act when visiting Scottsdale, TPC Scottsdale hosts the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open, typically in late January or early February. Golfers familiar with video games or social media clips will recognize the iconic par-three 16th hole. The venue exudes prestige and history from the moment you step into the clubhouse and pro shop, a feeling that intensifies as you board your cart.
Through the first nine holes, the course is decent but not mesmerizing, with many European courses rivaling it at a fraction of the cost. However, the back nine transforms the experience. A series of signature holes, including the reverse-camber No. 12, the drivable par-four 17th, and the challenging approach of the 15th, captivate players. Yet, the 16th hole remains the primary draw. The annual stadium construction, with most stands erected during our visit, adds a unique lustre unmatched by most courses worldwide.
Boulders
What an extraordinary course! Boulders, along with North Troon, immerses golfers in the Arizona desert landscape, featuring massive boulders scattered throughout. The brilliance lies in how the course integrates this environment, creating holes with genuine character. With both north and south courses, we played the latter, marveling at its natural beauty and thoughtful layout.
The par-three No. 7 is essential, with tees adjacent to the famous 'Rosie’s Rock'—a gigantic boulder perched delicately on a smaller stone altar near the hotel. The fifth hole provides the round's best photo opportunity, perhaps of the entire trip, as a scenic formation of boulders frames the green like a stadium stand, making the approach magical.
North Troon
This course competes directly with Boulders for the title of best on the trip, potentially edging out its neighbor. It shares hallmark desert features but impresses with near-perfect fairways, greens, and tee boxes. The terrific clubhouse serves as a hub for the pro shop, club hire, and bar, all overlooking the action.
Almost every hole deserves praise, but two favorites on the back nine blend fun, challenge, and breathtaking scenery. Playing the Monument course (one of two, alongside Pinnacle), we enjoyed the 16th, dubbed the 'postcard hole' for its incredible views. This par-three plays way downhill over classic Scottsdale terrain, leading to a monstrous green. Preceding it, a drivable par-four over rocks challenges golfers with a green surrounded by rock formations.
Papago
Papago offers excellent course conditions but is more open and forgiving than others on this list. The clubhouse provides wonderful food and service, worthy of a visit even without golf. Staff were exceptionally warm and helpful throughout.
Warming up by driving balls toward a distant mountain sets a pleasant tone. The first hole is a tasty par-five with a green requiring skill to avoid a rightward slope into water. The back nine's first par-three challenges players over water, while the 18th features a delicious fairway leading to a putting surface near the clubhouse. Although not part of the round, the on-site Thunderbirds Golf Complex, where Arizona State teams train, is a jaw-dropping facility that golf nerds dream of accessing.
While Papago cannot rival other courses for natural beauty, with dirt areas awaiting cart paths, its open, well-kept layout ensures a very playable experience.
We-Ko-Pa
We-Ko-Pa, meaning 'four peaks,' features two courses: Cholla (opened 2001) and Saguaro (opened 2007). We played Cholla, immediately struck by pristine conditions in the clubhouse and on the course. The wide-open landscape, with seemingly endless sprawling land, makes the golf course appear a small fraction, enhancing visibility.
A healthy mix of split fairways, ball-attracting riverbeds, and enormous cacti delivers the full Arizona experience on a remarkably maintained course. The eighth hole, the signature and number one handicap, features dramatic elevation changes, hazards, and a challenging green. The 18th concludes the round with a split fairway leading to a raised green protected by water and bunkers. The 15th, a drivable par-four, offers a textbook risk-reward challenge that is wildly fun.
Places to Stay
Four Seasons
This hotel masterfully incorporates beautiful surroundings, with cacti and rocky mountains ever-present, as if dropped into the heart of the desert. Facilities, including a lovely swimming pool and excellent restaurant, complement superbly finished rooms. Their restaurant, Proof, delighted with breakfast and dinner options. After a long travel day arriving at 1am, they provided a perfect double cheeseburger to the room. A first Four Seasons experience that won't be the last.
Boulders
Much like its golf course, the Boulders hotel occupies a special setting that enhances its aura. The pool and jacuzzi sit just behind the main hotel and bars, with a short trail leading to a boulder-top vantage point overlooking miles of scenery—highly recommended. Rooms resemble studio apartments with all necessities, featuring incredibly effective air conditioning. Located just 5-10 minutes from town, it offers easy access to numerous bars and restaurants.
Fairmont Scottsdale
This grandiose hotel, mere minutes from TPC Scottsdale, is undoubtedly the largest accommodation on our trip. Although we stayed only one night due to a packed schedule, the legendary Christmas decorations already being erected are a local highlight. A fantastic bar area adjacent to the in-house shop and a sleek, modern pool impress. Rooms, while smaller than other resorts, are very nice, with the hotel likely housing hundreds more rooms than competitors.
