Scottsdale Golf Courses with the Best Views
These are the most scenic public golf courses in Scottsdale with unforgettable desert landscapes and mountain backdrops.
July 17, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
Scottsdale has no shortage of great golf, but if you're chasing that perfect desert backdrop, some courses stand out more than others. The right course can elevate your trip from great to unforgettable, especially when every tee box feels like a postcard.
Here’s your definitive guide to the most scenic public golf courses in Scottsdale, where the views are just as memorable as the shots you’ll hit.
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Quick Answer: Best Golf Views in Scottsdale
Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, and The Boulders top the list of Scottsdale’s most scenic public courses. Expect wide-open desert panoramas, towering rock formations, and sunset tee shots your group will talk about for years.
For a complete 3-day golf trip already built for you, check out our Scottsdale Bachelor Golf Trip Itinerary that includes top-tier scenic courses and nightlife.
What Makes a Scottsdale Golf Course Scenic?
Scottsdale has more than 200 golf courses nearby, but only a few offer a truly jaw-dropping visual experience. Here’s what we look for:
- Elevated tee shots with mountain or canyon views
- Saguaro-lined fairways and rugged desert terrain
- Courses tucked into rock formations or open wilderness
- Sunset lighting that makes your Instagram pop
- A layout that feels immersive, remote, and natural
All of the courses listed below are open to the public. No memberships or private invites required.
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.
Most Scenic Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Troon North Golf Club (Monument & Pinnacle Courses)
North Scottsdale ($$$)
Troon North is widely regarded as the crown jewel of desert golf in Arizona. Both courses (Monument and Pinnacle) wind through dramatic rock formations and elevated terrain. Expect long desert carries, sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains, and some of the best-maintained fairways in the region.
Why it stands out:
- Elevated tee boxes with skyline backdrops
- Towering granite boulders
- Unmatched sunset views
Relevant read: Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course)
Fort McDowell ($$$)
If you want wide-open views and zero housing interference, this is your spot. We-Ko-Pa’s Saguaro Course is completely untouched by development and showcases the Sonoran Desert in its rawest form.
Why it stands out:
- Panoramic desert and Four Peaks views
- No homes or roads, just pure golf
- Strategic design with elevation changes
Pairs well with: What Does a Scottsdale Golf Trip Cost?
Planning a Scottsdale golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.
The Boulders (North Course)
Carefree ($$$)
Carved into massive granite formations, The Boulders delivers a one-of-a-kind visual golf experience. You’ll play through natural canyons and past formations that look like a sculpture park in the middle of the desert.
Why it stands out:
- Towering rock features are unique to Arizona
- Serene setting in the Sonoran foothills
- Semi-private, but open to public play with a booking
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Fountain Hills ($$)
An under-the-radar course that still delivers big on scenery. Rolling elevation and high vantage points offer sweeping views over the Valley of the Sun, especially on the back nine.
Why it stands out:
- Great value for the scenery
- Strategic layout with cliffside fairways
- Less crowded than the big-name resorts
Also see: Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
Papago Golf Club
Phoenix (just west of Scottsdale) ($)
Don’t let the budget price fool you, Papago has skyline views of downtown Phoenix, unique sandstone buttes, and wide-open holes framed by Camelback Mountain.
Why it stands out:
- Excellent value and playability
- Mountain views without leaving town
- Easy to access from Old Town or Tempe hotels
Best Times to Play for Scenic Impact
- Golden hour (after 4 PM): Arizona sunsets add a glow to desert terrain
- Early mornings: Crisp air and sharp contrasts in the landscape
- Winter and spring: Lush desert colors after overseeding or spring bloom
For more ideas on fitting these courses into your schedule, explore the full Scottsdale Golf Trip Planning Hub or take our quick Golf Trip Quiz to find your perfect 3-day mix.
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Where to Eat After Golf in Scottsdale
- What to Pack for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
- Scottsdale Golf Trip Mistakes to Avoid
- Best Scottsdale Golf Trip Itinerary for Bachelor Parties
- Best Places to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.
Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
If you want courses with killer views and no planning stress, this guide makes it easy to tee up the scenic side of Scottsdale.
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