Golfing in Paradise: Best Courses in Town

In the heart of Arizona, Paradise Valley is a premier destination for those seeking the highest standards in leisure and sports. The community is defined by its dramatic mountain backdrops and a collection of meticulously maintained fairways that attract players from across the globe. Exploring the local greens reveals a commitment to architectural excellence and environmental stewardship, making the region a centerpiece of Arizona golf destinations.

The Paradise Valley Country Club is a private, member-owned club established in 1953. Its 18-hole course was originally designed by Lawrence Hughes and underwent a comprehensive renovation by the prestigious team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The layout is a classic parkland-style course that winds through the lush, residential heart of the community. The course is known for its fast, true greens and fairways lined with mature pine and palm trees.

The Ambiente Course at Camelback Golf Club represents a significant $10 million transformation of the original Indian Bend layout. Designed by architect Jason Straka of Hurdzan Fry Environmental Golf Design, this course is notable for its elevation changes, bold bunkering, and eco-friendly approach. The design focuses on water conservation and the restoration of native desert habitats, replacing many of the traditional parkland features with rugged desert landscapes and native grasses.

The Padre Course offers a traditional parkland experience within the same 36-hole complex. Designed by world-renowned architect Arthur Hills, this course is defined by its towering trees, multiple lakes, and impressive bunkering. The layout prioritizes accuracy over distance, as the fairways are lined with mature vegetation that penalizes errant tee shots. The strategic placement of water hazards creates high-stakes approach shots, particularly on the back nine.

Stonecreek Golf Club is often described as one of the best-kept secrets among Paradise Valley golf courses. Initially designed by Roy Dye and Gary Grandstaff, it was later modernized by Arthur Hills & Associates. The layout meanders through a valley, following the natural path of a creek bed that comes into play on five separate holes. The course features a traditional links-style design with hilly fairways and elevated greens that offer panoramic vistas of the Squaw Peak Mountains. Bermuda grass fairways and immaculate greens provide a consistent playing surface throughout the year.

Mountain Shadows Resort offers a unique golfing experience, known as The Short Course. Redesigned by Forrest Richardson in 2017, this par-3 course is directly at the base of Camelback Mountain, providing some of the most intimate mountain vistas available in the region. The greens are notoriously undulated and fast, featuring complex slopes and ridges that challenge even the most experienced putters. A distinctive feature is the bonus "Hole 17.5," a par-2 putting-only hole used to settle bets or resolve ties.

The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club offers a prestigious 36-hole experience located in the heart of Phoenix, bordered by the affluent Biltmore neighborhood. In late 2023, the club unveiled its newly redesigned Estates Course, a par-71 layout crafted by Lehman Design Group and five-time PGA TOUR champion Tom Lehman. This parkland-style course features contoured fairways, intricate green complexes, and striking white sand bunkers. The second half of the complex is the Links Course, a par-71 designed by Bill Johnston. This course meanders through the foothills of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and is known for its rolling, tree-lined fairways.

The Arizona Country Club is a private, member-owned sanctuary located just south of Camelback Mountain in the Arcadia district. Founded in 1946, the club maintains a world-class championship parkland-style course that served as the host of the Phoenix Open from 1955 to 1973. The 88,700-square-foot award-winning clubhouse serves as the hub for social and athletic life. Beyond the fairways, the facility features seven lighted tennis courts, four lighted pickleball courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center offering specialized classes such as HIIT, TRX, and Barre.

The Continental Golf Club is renowned as a public destination for accessible, fast-paced play in the heart of Scottsdale. This 18-hole executive layout, designed by Greg Nash and Jeff Harbin, is a par-60 course that emphasizes accuracy and precision in the short game. Mature trees frame the parkland-style fairways, while several picturesque water features add both beauty and technical challenge to the round. The course is a local favorite for its "Night Golf" sessions, where the facility utilizes specialized lighting to allow play well after sunset.

Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club is an 18-hole championship layout that has become one of the most popular daily-fee courses in the region since opening in 2000. The front nine follows a level terrain, with holes 6 through 8 playing from slightly elevated tees. In contrast, the back nine introduces greater elevation changes and offers dramatic views of Mummy Mountain and the surrounding desert peaks. The par-3 18th hole is the course’s signature finale, featuring water surrounding much of the green and a spectacular view from the clubhouse terrace.

Gainey Ranch Golf Club is an exclusive 27-hole facility available only to private members and guests of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort. Designed by Michael Poellot and Benz & Associates, the club offers three distinct nine-hole layouts: the Lakes, the Dunes, and the Arroyo. The Lakes course is defined by its abundant water features, culminating in a dramatic waterfall at the final hole. The Dunes course offers a links-style experience with rolling terrain that demands precise accuracy off the tee.

Clayton Wolfe understands that the prestige of local fairways is a primary factor in the high desirability of Paradise Valley real estate. Clayton delivers localized insight and professional advocacy required to help clients secure a property that perfectly aligns with their passion for a world-class Arizona lifestyle.

Interested in Paradise Valley real estate? Contact us today to find your dream home in Paradise Valley.