Located in the eastern part of Maricopa County, Scottsdale was named after Winfield Scott, a retired US Army chaplain who founded the city in 1888. Dubbed the “The West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale currently has an estimated population of 258,069 – a far cry from the 2,000 residents logged during its incorporation in 1951.
Scottsdale is bordered by the Arizona cities and towns of Phoenix and
Paradise Valley on the west, the Tonto National Forest on the north, Tempe on the south, and Fountain Hills and the McDowell Mountain Regional Park on the east.
As Scottsdale is located in the northern reaches of the Sonoran Desert, the city enjoys an arid climate, making it the perfect spot for those who wish to live in an environment that’s sunny and warm for most of the year.
Because of the city’s warm weather and abundance of sunshine, Scottsdale is home to luxury resorts and spas, the majority of which cater to tourists from the Midwest, the Northeast, and even places as far away as Canada.
In addition to the city’s attractions, Scottsdale is also considered to be among the most livable in the country – a reputation attributed to the high quality of life it offers residents.
And nothing speaks of the city’s superior quality of life more than Scottsdale’s golf courses.
How Scottsdale, AZ Became the World’s Finest Golf Destination
Scottsdale is home to more than 200 golf courses, not to mention countless golf-related facilities and stores that seal the city’s reputation as a golfing community.
While Scottsdale is now known as The World’s Finest Golf Destination, it wasn’t always a sought-after golfing hotspot.
City historians say it was only in 1920 that golfers realized that the arid weather in the Sonoran Desert, specifically the Phoenix area, was the perfect place to keep playing golf even during the winter. Those quick to spot a business opportunity immediately jumped on the chance to start building what would become the best golf courses in Scottsdale, the first of which was located on Indian School Road.
Golfing’s popularity in the city soon led to the founding of the Phoenix Open during the 1930s. This event saw Hollywood giants, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, in attendance. Their appearance brought the public’s attention to this neck of the Arizona woods, while a flurry of construction soon followed. Developers were in a race to design and build the most beautiful, if not the best, golf courses in the city.
Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Of the hundreds of greens in and around Scottsdale, the following stand out:
TPC Scottsdale
7020 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ
TPC Scottsdale continues to be the epicenter of Scottsdale golf, hosting the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open. Its Stadium and Champions courses are renowned for their undulating fairways, manicured greens, and dramatic bunkers, all set against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. The 2025 WM Phoenix Open is expected to deliver a memorable experience, with enhanced crowd management and improved fan amenities following last year’s record attendance and weather challenges. The course’s lively atmosphere—especially at the iconic 16th hole—remains unmatched in professional golf.
The Phoenician Golf Club
6000 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ.
Following a transformative renovation, The Phoenician Golf Club now features a completely new 18-hole, par-71 layout designed by Phil Smith. With five sets of tees ranging from 4,418 to 6,501 yards, the course offers a natural flow and stunning desert views. The expanded golf shop, luxurious locker rooms, and the 19th Hole dining venue further enhance the player experience. The Phoenician’s commitment to service and quality keeps it among the region’s elite golf destinations.
The Boulders Golf Club
34631 N Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree, AZ
Located among ancient granite boulder formations, The Boulders offers two world-class, 18-hole championship courses. Members enjoy not only exceptional golf but also access to a 24-room spa, multiple dining options, tennis and pickleball courts, and resort-style pools. The course conditions remain excellent, with recent updates ensuring a challenging and scenic round for all skill levels.
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
13100 Sunridge Drive, Scottsdale, AZ
SunRidge Canyon continues to impress with its Keith Foster-designed 18-hole course, famed for the dramatic “Wicked 6” finishing stretch. The club’s state-of-the-art Hot Stix fitting facility and new 7,000-square-foot Wellness Center add to its appeal. Members and guests can enjoy expert instruction, group fitness classes, and a variety of outdoor activities, all with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The Country Club at Rio Verde
18731 East Four Peaks Boulevard, Rio Verde, AZ
Just outside Scottsdale, Rio Verde offers two distinct courses—Quail Run and White Wing—both renovated by Tom Lehman. The club’s lush fairways, excellent greens, and scenic mountain vistas provide a tranquil yet luxurious golfing experience. The vibrant community atmosphere and resort-style amenities make it a standout, especially for those seeking a peaceful setting.
Whisper Rock Golf Club
32002 N Old Bridge Road, Scottsdale, AZ
Whisper Rock is the epitome of exclusivity, featuring two private courses: the Lower (designed by Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson) and the Upper (by Tom Fazio). The Lower Course is renowned for its flawless greens, expansive chipping areas, and strategic bunkering, making it a favorite among PGA Tour pros and serious golf enthusiasts. Membership is strictly invitation-only, ensuring privacy and a true club atmosphere.
Estancia Club
27998 N 99th Place, Scottsdale, AZ.
Designed by Tom Fazio, Estancia is set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacle Peak. The private, par-72 course offers a thoughtful routing with a variety of uphill and downhill holes, wide fairways, and fast, undulating greens. Estancia’s exclusivity, pristine conditioning, and stunning desert views make it a must-play for those with access.
Silverleaf Club
18701 N Silverleaf Drive, Scottsdale, AZ
Silverleaf is an elite private club featuring a Tom Weiskopf-designed course stretching nearly 7,400 yards. The course winds through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, offering panoramic desert vistas and immaculate playing conditions. The Mediterranean-style clubhouse boasts a world-class spa and fine dining, making Silverleaf a top choice for luxury golf in Scottsdale.
Desert Highlands Golf Club
10040 E Happy Valley Road, Scottsdale, AZ
A classic Jack Nicklaus design, Desert Highlands is known for its strategic layout, split fairways, and desert washes that demand thoughtful shot-making. The club is undergoing a $10 million renovation in 2025, including new greens and course enhancements, ensuring it remains at the forefront of Scottsdale’s luxury golf scene. The club’s storied history includes hosting the first Skins Games, adding to its prestige.
Honorable Mentions
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Troon North Golf Club: Offering two public-access courses, Troon North is a luxury option for non-members, with dramatic boulder formations and Open Championship-inspired design elements.
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Mirabel Golf Club: Consistently ranked among the top 100 private golf communities, Mirabel’s Tom Fazio course is lauded for its playability and mountain views.
Comparison Table of Some of the Top Luxury Golf Courses in Scottsdale
| Course |
Designer(s) |
Type |
Notable Features |
Access |
| Whisper Rock |
Mickelson/Stephenson |
Private |
PGA Tour pro hangout, flawless greens |
Invitation Only |
| Estancia |
Tom Fazio |
Private |
Pinnacle Peak views, strategic routing |
Member Only |
| Silverleaf |
Tom Weiskopf |
Private |
Panoramic preserve views, luxury clubhouse |
Member Only |
| Desert Highlands |
Jack Nicklaus |
Private |
Classic design, major 2025 renovation |
Member Only |
Scottsdale’s luxury golf scene continues to set the standard for both exclusivity and quality, with a mix of historic classics and modern masterpieces. Whether you’re seeking a high-energy PGA Tour venue or a secluded, members-only retreat, these courses represent the very best the region has to offer.
Living the good life in Scottsdale, AZ
A cropped shot of a woman enjoying a road trip
Golf isn’t the only reason Scottsdale is such a livable city. Here are some of the things that make it perfect for just about everyone.
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Scottsdale is a city of jobs and business opportunities.
Scottsdale’s economy is largely dependent on tourism, with the city hosting over 9 million visitors annually. These visits generate $3.7 billion dollars for the city. A tourist mecca, Scottsdale is known for having the highest number of spas and resorts per capita of any city in the United States. Notable among them are The Phoenician, The Canyon Suites, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, and the Fairmont Princess Resort and Spa. Other industries such as technology, finance and insurance, real estate, social services, healthcare, and food services also fuel Scarsdale’s economy. With more than 25,000 businesses as of the last count, Scarsdale consistently ranks high when it comes to providing employment opportunities to residents, with WalletHub even naming the city as the best place in America to find a job.
If you’re planning to raise a family or at least put down roots, Scottsdale and its surrounding communities may just be the right city for you. FBI data shows that compared to other communities with a similar size and population (250,000 as of 2019), Scottsdale has fewer crimes.
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Scottsdale abounds in gastronomic delights.
If you’re always on the lookout for that next delicious culinary adventure, Scottsdale, Arizona, and its multitude of restaurants and dining establishments have you covered. For what it calls “vibrant French Mediterranean cuisine,” book a table at
FRANCINE, the newest restaurant of acclaimed French-born restaurateur, Laurent Halasz. For being fresh, seasonal, and full of flavor, the menu pays tribute to the home-cooked meals the owner’s mother used to make. If you ever find yourself in the mood for some good old-fashioned Southwestern and Sonoran cooking, a visit to
Old Town Tortilla Factory at Scottsdale’s East Main Street just might be all that you need. Best known for its scrumptious tacos, enchiladas, and grilled selections, Old Town Tortilla Factory is also known for its world-renowned tequila bar that offers a whopping 140 premium variants of the popular alcoholic beverage. Hankering for fresh seafood?
Chula Seafood is a popular, family-owned establishment serving sustainably sourced, high-quality catch. Taste the freshness in the restaurant’s scrumptious spicy tuna bowls and the freshest sashimi platters. Fans of Latin American and Spanish cuisine should make a beeline to
Talavera, which offers a stunning selection of traditional fare such as paella, gambas al ajillo, as well as authentic jamón ibérico. For vegan and vegetarian offerings,
FnB might be the restaurant for you. As the darling of the Scottsdale culinary scene, FnB is best known for its dynamic, ever-changing menu as well as its commitment to source its ingredients from vendors and farms located in Scottsdale and its nearby communities. Owner-chef Charleen Badman was awarded Best Chef in the Southwest in 2019 by the James Beard Foundation.
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Scottsdale is home to upscale shopping.
Those who missed visiting brick-and-mortar shops to indulge in some good, old-fashioned retail therapy will be delighted to know that Scottsdale – nicknamed the “Beverly Hills of the Southwest” – is home to a multitude of upscale shopping centers, including the famed Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, and Scottsdale Quarter. A fashion center unlike any other,
Scottsdale Fashion Square houses nearly 200 high-end retailers and brands under its roof, including luxury labels such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Located across Scottsdale Road from the Quarter,
Kierland Commons, on the other hand, is an outdoor shopping center filled with signature merchandise from Coach, Michael Kors, Eileen Fisher, Sundance, and White House|Black Market. Much like Kierland Commons,
Scottsdale Quarter is an upscale, outdoor shopping destination that hosts some of today’s most sought-after fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands and services. You’ll find Kendra Scott, Free People, Bonobos, Warby Parker, Planet Blue, L’Occitane, Restoration Hardware, and Lululemon Athletica. Scottsdale Quarter is also home to some of Arizona’s best dining establishments such as Dominick’s Steakhouse, True Food Kitchen, SOL Mexican Cocina, and Breakfast Kitchen Bar.
Real Estate in Scottsdale AZ: Finding your new home is a breeze
Exterior of a house with golf course views in the background
Sweeping mountain and golf course views surround this newly built 9,567-square-foot custom home in Scottsdale.
With amenities designed to cater to residents used to the finer things in life, as well as opportunities that promise a pathway to achieve that dream, Scottsdale offers some of the most coveted houses and real estate properties on the market today. Buyers are spoilt for choice, with everything from sprawling single-family homes to luxury condominiums in the offing.
Throw in the beautiful, natural scenery and 330 days a year of swimming pool weather (“You don’t have to shovel sunshine. Ever,” exhorts a
tourist site), and Scottsdale makes it clear that it is one of the most desirable cities in the central Arizona area.
One particularly popular architectural style in Scottsdale is Mid-Century Modern, which was popularized by architects Al Beadle and Ralph Haver in addition to Frank Lloyd Wright.
An example of this is “Shadow Caster” at Desert Mountain, which boasts an area of 6,852 square feet, beautiful concrete and steel structures, as well as impressive floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking the breathtaking city, mountain, and golf course views.
Designed by renowned architect David C. Hovey and constructed by Optima Development, “Shadow Caster” has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a fully furnished kitchen, a heated swimming pool, and a 3-car garage.
Another popular style in Scottsdale is Spanish Mission, which is characterized by the heavy use of stucco, plaster, and adobe brick, as well as the use of architectural features such as archways and enclosed courtyards.
One example of this is the Silverleaf estate at Rimrock Drive. The house has a gated entrance, an extended driveway, and a grand motor court. The estate, which has an area of 13,111 square feet, also has 6 ensuite bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and a 2-bedroom guest home.
Due to its rich history and its dynamic environment, the architecture in Scottsdale – and by extension the rest of Arizona – is diverse. In addition to Mid-Century Modern and Spanish Mission, you’ll find stunning examples of Ranch, Contemporary, and historic homes.
The Titus House, built in 1892 and the only remaining Victorian residence in Scottsdale is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is also historically significant. It served as the famed architect’s personal winter home, studio, and architectural laboratory. Taliesin West’s walls are made of local desert rocks, all stacked within wood forms, and then filled with concrete. As with all of Wright’s work, natural light is a major component of the home. Experts have described the home as “Idiosyncratic Modern.”
The time to buy is now.
With Scottsdale’s solid reputation as a residential community, amenities that are second to none, a rich history, and over 200 golf courses, homes here don’t stay on the market for long.
For buyers keen on securing a home near the best golf courses in Scottsdale, AZ, the
Matheson Real Estate Team is ready to open doors and opportunities.
Composed of passionate and driven real estate agent and agents, this award-winning and industry-recognized team operating under Re/Max Fine Properties has sold more than $1 billion in real estate and over 2,500 properties.
Led by Jenny and Don Matheson, the Matheson Real Estate Team embodies the qualities that have made the Mathesons a formidable representative of both buyers and sellers in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley markets. The team uses their experience, education, and exceptional attention to detail to provide a very high level of service to their clients.
Says client Dr. Werner Bonadurer, “I have been doing private real estate transactions not only in the US but also abroad. What differentiates The Matheson Team’s approach most is their outstanding after-the-sale service. I always felt that they were there for the entire family and make transitioning from one location to another so much easier. Don and Jenny Matheson offer great value from start to finish and beyond. Don even helped improve my golf game in the beautiful Valley of the Sun.”
