What are the most unique golf courses in Scottsdale?

TPC Champions, Mountain Shadows, Talking Stick Piipaash, and We-Ko-Pa Cholla are among the most unique public course layouts in Scottsdale.

Are there any quirky or creative golf courses in Scottsdale?

Yes, Mountain Shadows features an 18-hole par-3 layout with dramatic elevation and shared greens, and Talking Stick’s Piipaash Course plays like a traditional parkland course.

What makes a golf course layout unique in Scottsdale?

Unique routing, elevation changes, minimal desert carries, and creative greens all contribute to a standout layout in the Scottsdale area.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s Most Unique Public Golf Course Layouts

Discover the most creatively designed public golf courses in Scottsdale, ideal for groups seeking something different and memorable.

September 13, 2025 · 6 min read

If you’ve played a few desert tracks in Scottsdale, you’ve probably noticed a theme: target-style layouts, plenty of cactus, and fast Bermuda greens. But not all courses follow the same blueprint.

This guide highlights the most unique public golf layouts in Scottsdale, featuring designs with funky features, dual greens, elevated tee boxes, and architectural creativity. Perfect for repeat visitors or groups looking to mix things up.

Quick Answer: Most Unique Scottsdale Golf Layouts

If you want an offbeat, memorable round, start with TPC Champions, Talking Stick Piipaash, Mountain Shadows, and We-Ko-Pa Cholla. These courses break from the mold with clever routing, aesthetic quirks, or architectural flair.

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1. TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course

Style: Parkland feel with desert edges

Why it’s unique: Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, Champions winds through natural arroyos and uses risk-reward design without over-punishing. Unusually playable for Scottsdale.

Dual fairways on several holes
Risk-reward finish
Quirky routing through natural desert washes

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2. Talking Stick – Piipaash Course

Style: Traditional parkland with desert backdrop

Why it’s unique: Unlike most Scottsdale courses, Piipaash has tree-lined holes and a gentler flow. It feels like you’ve left Arizona.

No forced desert carries
Gentle doglegs and soft bunkering
Perfect for casual or high-handicap groups

3. Mountain Shadows Short Course

Style: Par-3 executive with bold green designs

Why it’s unique: Redesigned by Forrest Richardson, this 18-hole par-3 course features creative greens and elevation changes. It’s not just a warm-up, it’s a full experience.

Dramatic elevation on several holes
Shared green complexes
Ideal for match play and side bets

Also see: Best 9-Hole and Executive Courses in Scottsdale

4. We-Ko-Pa – Cholla Course

Style: Native desert with minimal manmade interference

Why it’s unique: The routing flows naturally through the untouched Sonoran Desert, creating dramatic transitions and elevation shifts.

Walkable but scenic and wild
Wide fairways and natural transitions
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere

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5. Papago Golf Club

Style: Big-boy muni meets architectural finesse

Why it’s unique: While a city-run course, Papago plays like a private layout, featuring rolling terrain, elevation, and spacious design uncommon in most municipals.

Unique finishing hole with bunker gauntlet
Strategic visuals off the tee
Great for skilled players who like to shape shots

6. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

Style: “Canyon-style” routing

Why it’s unique: The last 6 holes are called the “Wicked Six”, a punishing uphill stretch that tests everything. The layout forces creativity and precision.

Natural canyon movement
Dramatic stretch to end the round
Best played in the morning to avoid the wind

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More Unique Course Ideas for Groups

If you’re planning a group trip, you might also want:

Starfire Golf Club: Arnold Palmer layout with 27 holes
Scottsdale Silverado: Shorter, quirky routing with solid conditions
Continental Golf Club: Budget-friendly, walkable, and beginner-friendly

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This guide helps you find Scottsdale’s most creative public golf courses to keep every round fresh and fun.

Author

Ryan from 18Away Golf trip designer and editor

I help groups plan unforgettable itineraries across the top golf destinations in the U.S., blending real-golfer feedback with first-hand course research.

About the author · [email protected]

About This Scottsdale Guide

Every 18Away guide is independently written and updated by real golfers. We evaluate public access, group-friendly value, and proximity to top courses, referencing thousands of verified reviews, rate data, and on-site experience. Guides are refreshed regularly as conditions & pricing change over time.

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