Golf
Arizona has more golf courses per capita than any other state west of the Mississippi River, making it one of the most popular golf destinations in the United States. The sport is also one of Arizona's major industries, and greens fees can run from $35 at a public course to more than $500 at some of the premier golfing spots. Pricing can vary greatly—online reservation systems automatically adjust pricing by demand, day of the week, hour, and even the weather. New courses seem to pop up routinely: there are more than 200 in the Valley (some lighted at night), and the PGA's Southwest section has its headquarters here.
Municipal Courses
Encanto Park. The 9-hole course and 18-hole course at Encanto Park are among the most affordable in the Valley. 2775 N. 15th Ave., North Central Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. 602/262–6862; www.phoenix.gov/parks/golf. $20 for 9 holes, $50 for 18 holes.
Papago Golf Course. Phoenix's best municipal course—considered the best public course in the state—is low-priced (compared to its private, ritzy neighbors) and has 18 holes. 5595 E. Moreland St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85008. 602/275–8428; phoenix.gov/parks/golf. $95.
Public Courses
Hillcrest Golf Club. With 18 holes on 179 acres of well-designed turf, Hillcrest Golf Club is the best course in the Sun Cities. 20002 Star Ridge Dr., Sun City West, Arizona, 85375. 623/584–1500; www.hillcrestgolfclub.com. $70.
Raven Golf Club—Phoenix. Thousands of Aleppo pines and Lombardy poplars at this course make it a cool, shady 18-hole haven for summertime golfers. 3636 E. Baseline Rd., South Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85042. 602/243–3636; www.ravenphx.com. $200.
Resort Courses
Arizona Biltmore Country Club. The granddaddy of Valley golf courses, Arizona Biltmore Country Club has two 18-hole PGA championship courses, lessons, and clinics. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 24th St. and Missouri Ave., Camelback Corridor, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016. 602/955–9655; www.arizonabiltmore.com. $159.
Lookout Mountain Golf Club. This property at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs has pristine greens and beautiful mountain views. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs, 11111 N. 7th St., North Central Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85020. 602/866–6356; www.tapatiocliffshilton.com. $329.
The Wigwam. This country club is the home of the famous Gold Course, as well as two other 18-hole courses. 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona, 85340. 623/935–3811; wigwamarizona.com. $139.
