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

Gold Canyon Golf Club. Near Apache Junction in the East Valley, Gold Canyon Golf Club offers fantastic views of the Superstition Mountains and challenging golf. 6100 S. King's Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, Arizona, 85218. 480/982–9090; 800/827–5281; gcgr.com. Dinosaur Mountain: $225; Sidewinder: $130.

Grayhawk. This 36-hole course has beautiful mountain views. In summer the greens fee is much lower. 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255. 480/502–1800; grayhawkgolf.com. $260.

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.

SunRidge Canyon. East of Scottsdale, SunRidge Canyon is a great 18-hole course for both the low handicapper and those who score above 100. The incredible mountain views are almost distracting. 13100 N. Sunridge Dr., Fountain Hills, Arizona, 85268. 480/837–5100; www.sunridgegolf.com. $165.

Troon North. Long considered one of the finest golf courses in the country, a visit to Troon North is a must for any golfer that wants to experience a desert course. The multimillion-dollar views add to the experience at this perfectly maintained 36-hole course. 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85254. 480/585–7700; www.troonnorthgolf.com. $275 .

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.

Camelback Golf Club. Challenging water holes and layouts make the two 18-hole courses at the JW Marriott's Camelback Golf Club among the best in the area. JW Marriott Camelback Inn, 7847 N. Mockingbird La., Paradise Valley, Arizona, 85253. 480/948–1700; www.camelbackinn.com. Padre $259, Ambiente $299.

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.

Ocotillo Golf Club. There's water in play on nearly all 27 holes at Ocotillo Golf Club, which was designed around 95 acres of man-made lakes. 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr., Chandler, Arizona, 85248. 480/917–6660; www.ocotillogolf.com. $119.

The Phoenician Golf Club. Set at the base of Camelback Mountain, the Phoenician's Phil Smith-designed course debuted in 2018 and is one of the most aesthetically beautiful courses in the Valley. The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Rd., Camelback Corridor, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251. 480/941–8200; www.thephoenician.com. $250.

Tournament Players Club of Scottsdale. This 36-hole course is the site of the PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open, which takes place in January/February. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., North Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85255. 480/585–4334; 888/400–4001; www.tpc.com. Stadium $300, Champions $175.

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.