Executive Golf Courses Near Phoenix
With almost year-round sun and warm temperatures, Phoenix, Arizona, provides an ideal setting for a round of golf. The Phoenix area has numerous golf courses, including some designed by well-known names like Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus. When you are pressed for time but wish to experience the Phoenix golf scene, consider visiting one of the city’s executive-length courses.
Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club
Voted one of the top 25 executive golf courses in America, the Lakes at Ahwatukee is a par 60 course. Ahwatukee adds challenge to its short layout with 44 bunkers and water on 13 of the 18 holes. Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club hosts the annual Arizona Golf Associations Short Course Championship. The course, which features the work of Gary Panks, measures 4,019 from the back tees with a slope of 106. It’s just 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. The facility enforces a casual dress code, but does not allow cutoffs, tank tops or spiked shoes. Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club 13431 S. 44th St. Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-893-3004 ahwatukeegolf.com
Paradise Valley Park Course
The 18-hole Paradise Valley Park golf course features the work of Jeff Hardin. Measuring 4,082 yards from the back tees, the course has a slope of 88 and a par of 61. Two lakes add water hazards to the back nine, and both greens and fairways have Bermuda grass. The par 5 ninth hole measures 475 yards, making it the longest on the course. The facility has a small driving range.
Paradise Valley Park Course
3505 E. Union Hills Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85050
602-992-7190
Moon Valley Country Club MoonWalk Course
The MoonWalk Course at Moon Valley Country Club is a par 3 course designed to serve as a practice course for members of the club. MoonWalk measures just 1,907 yards and has a par 54 rating with no measured slope. Robert E. Cupp designed the course, which has Bermuda grass throughout. While Moon Valley is a private club, it offers limited privileges to non-members, including access to golf events and group outings.
Moon Valley Country Club
151 W. Moon Valley Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85023
602-942-0000
moonvalleycc.com
Marriott’s Mountain Shadows Golf Club
Golf Arizona recommends Marriott’s Mountain Shadows Golf Club in Scottsdale. Hole No. 6, a par 4 with a dogleg left, forces golfers to take an uphill shot to the green, making it one of the course’s most challenging holes. The course, designed by Arthur Jack Snyder and using Bermuda grass, measures 3,081 yards with a par of 56 and a slope of 87. The placement of the 18th hole makes Mountain Shadows ideal for those interested in twilight golfing, as the sunset behind a mountain serves as its backdrop in the evenings. The facility is just eight miles from the heart of Phoenix.
Marriott’s Mountain Shadows Golf Club
6541 E. Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480-905-8999
mountainshadowsgolfclub.com
Augusta Ranch Golf Club
Augusta Ranch Golf Club, which is in Mesa, has smooth greens and well-maintained fairways, but few mature trees. The executive course measures 3,800 yards with a par of 61 and a slope of 88 over its 18 holes. Bill Phillips designed the course, which opened in 1999. Augusta Ranch earned the title of Best Executive Golf Course from the Arizona Republic.
Augusta Ranch Golf Club
2401 S. Lansing
Mesa, AZ 85209
480-354-1234
augustaranchgolf.com