Troon North Golf Club: Pinnacle vs Monument Guide (2026)

Troon North has held its spot among Arizona's best public courses for over 30 years. Tom Weiskopf routed two courses through raw Sonoran Desert at the base of Pinnacle Peak -- granite boulders, natural washes, saguaro forests, and elevation changes that make every hole feel carved from the landscape rather than imposed on it.

This guide covers both courses, the holes that define each one, green fees, booking strategy, and how to choose between Monument and Pinnacle if you can only play one.

Located at 10320 E Dynamite Blvd in North Scottsdale, Troon North offers 36 holes across the Monument Course (1990) and Pinnacle Course (1995). Both play through boulder-strewn terrain with slope ratings of 147-148 -- this is real desert golf that punishes offline shots.

Monument Course: British-Inspired Desert Golf

Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish built Monument in 1990. Weiskopf came back in 2007 to redesign it, with Ron Despain and Brad Anderson refining it again in 2017. The result plays like a British Open course dropped into the Sonoran Desert -- firm greens, bump-and-run approaches, and a routing that rewards ground game over aerial attack.

The numbers: Par 72, 7,039 yards from the tips, course rating 73.3, slope 148. Bent grass greens, Bermuda fairways.

Four par-5s exceed 500 yards. The green complexes accept running shots rather than demanding high, soft approaches -- unusual for desert golf. If you grew up playing links-style courses, Monument will feel familiar despite the cacti.

The elevated terrain gives you views of surrounding desert and distant mountain ranges from most tees. You'll play through corridors of massive boulders that create both visual drama and strategic decisions off the tee.

Pinnacle Course: Elevation Drama

Pinnacle opened five years later (1995), designed by Weiskopf and Phil Smith. Where Monument asks you to think, Pinnacle asks you to commit. More severe elevation changes, deeper arroyos, and fairways that disappear behind boulders and hills.

The numbers: Par 71, 7,009 yards, course rating 73.2, slope 147. Same bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways as Monument.

The signature hole is the par-5 16th. It's 609 yards from the Black tees -- a three-shot hole for nearly everyone. The approach plays through a narrow chute to a green protected by bunkers and natural desert. Par here feels like birdie.

Pinnacle's greens are larger than Monument's but with subtle breaks that look flat and aren't. Expect to three-putt more than you'd like until you learn to read them.

Monument vs. Pinnacle: Which One?

Play Monument if you:

• Like links-style ground game adapted to the desert
• Prefer bump-and-run over aerial approaches
• Want four par-5s over 500 yards
• Enjoy firm, fast conditions that reward creativity

Play Pinnacle if you:

• Want dramatic elevation changes and visual excitement
• Like carrying shots over desert hazards and arroyos
• Want to test yourself on a 609-yard par 5
• Prefer larger greens with subtle reads

Best answer? Play both. Book consecutive days and experience two different courses that share the same conditioning standards. Monument in the morning for the ground game, Pinnacle the next day for the views.

Green Fees and Pricing

Troon North uses dynamic pricing -- rates change based on demand and tee time. What you pay Monday morning differs from Saturday afternoon.

What to budget:

• Peak season (Jan 18 - Apr 26, 2026): $300+ for prime morning times
• Shoulder season: Reduced rates as temperatures climb
• Summer (June-September): 50%+ off peak -- real savings if you can handle the heat
• Twilight: Lower prices but no guarantee you'll finish 18

Watch for the 5% water surcharge. It's added at check-in and not included in quoted rates. Factor it into your budget.

Book up to 90 days out for best availability. The course guarantees 4:30 pace of play.

For current rates: troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ or call (480) 585-7700.

What to Know Before You Play

Practice Facilities

Show up early. The practice area is worth your time.

Driving range: Full-length turf facility with six target greens (50-250 yards). Open Tuesday-Sunday 5:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Range access is only for players with a tee time that day -- no walk-up range passes.

Putting green: Large surface with a dozen+ practice holes. Speed and break match what you'll see on the course.

Short game area: Chipping green with bunker practice. Hit your wedges here before you go out.

Forecaddies

Troon North offers free forecaddies during peak season on select days:

• When: Thursday-Saturday, 8:00-11:00 AM tee times
• Season: January 18 - April 26, 2026
• Cost: Free (recommended tip: $40+ per player)
• Format: They ride in a separate cart, not walking caddies

A forecaddie is worth the tip. They'll read greens, give you landing zones, find errant balls in the desert, and save you 2-3 shots if you listen. Even good players benefit from local knowledge on these green complexes.

Desert Golf Tips

1. Bring extra balls. The desert doesn't give them back. Anything offline disappears into cacti, rocks, or native vegetation.

2. Club up on approaches. Desert elevation means the ball flies farther than at sea level. Elevation changes add confusion. When in doubt, take more club.

3. Aim for the center of greens. With slope ratings of 147-148, the center of the green is your friend. Attack pins on your second round, not your first.

4. Stay on cart paths. The terrain is fragile. Designated paths only.

5. Drink water. Even in winter. Desert sun dehydrates you faster than you think.

6. Trust the landing areas. Boulder-framed fairways look tighter than they play. Most landing zones are more generous than the view from the tee suggests.

When to Play

By Season

Winter/Spring (January-April): Pros: Perfect weather (70s-80s), peak conditioning, forecaddie program available. Cons: Highest rates, most crowded, need to book weeks ahead.

Fall (October-November): Pros: Great weather, lower rates, good availability. Cons: Courses recovering from summer -- still excellent, just not peak.

Summer (June-September): Pros: Lowest rates, easy availability, early morning rounds. Cons: Extreme heat (100+). Afternoon play is brutal.

Late Spring (May): Pros: Transitional pricing, still good conditions. Cons: Temperatures pushing toward summer levels.

By Time of Day

First tee times: Coolest temps (critical in summer), freshest conditions, fastest pace. Highest rates in peak season.

Afternoon/Twilight: Lower rates, softer light for photos. Risk of not finishing 18. Warmer.

Overseeding Note

Both courses overseed in late September/early October. During that 2-3 week window, conditions dip while new grass establishes. Ask about the schedule before booking fall rounds.

Amenities

Clubhouse and Dining

The 37,000-square-foot clubhouse anchors the facility. The Dynamite Grille serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the courses and surrounding desert. Good post-round spot.

The pro shop (2,200 sq ft, AGM Platinum Award) carries premium golf gear and Troon North logo merchandise.

Callaway Performance Center

On-site club fitting with launch monitor analysis, custom equipment orders, and professional instruction. Worth visiting if you're in the market for new clubs.

Group Events

Corporate outings, tournaments, weddings, and private group bookings available. Call (480) 585-7700 for group rates and availability.

How to Book

Online: troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ -- select Monument or Pinnacle, pick your date, book.

Phone: (480) 585-7700 -- ask about conditions, rates, or course recommendations.

Four Seasons packages: The resort manages some tee time inventory. Stay-and-play deals available at fourseasons.com/scottsdale/golf/.

Booking tips:

• Book 90 days out for peak season (January-April)
• Check multiple days -- dynamic pricing means Monday and Wednesday might differ by $50
• Twilight saves money if you're okay with possibly not finishing
• Call the shop to ask about conditions before you book
• Confirm total cost including the 5% water surcharge

Dress Code

Standard golf attire. Collared shirts or approved golf tops, golf shorts/slacks, golf shoes (soft spikes or spikeless). No denim, cargo shorts, or athletic wear.

Getting There

10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. About 25 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, 15 minutes from the 101 freeway via Scottsdale Road. Arrive 30+ minutes early for check-in and warm-up.

Coming Soon: Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North

A luxury stay-and-play resort is scheduled to open in 2026 on 2.7 acres west of the current clubhouse. On-site accommodations steps from the first tee. This will make Troon North a true overnight golf destination instead of just a day trip.

Pair It With These Courses

Building a Scottsdale golf trip? Troon North pairs well with:

• -- Cholla and Saguaro courses, top-tier desert golf
• -- Stadium and Champions courses, the PGA Tour venue
• -- Talon and Raptor in excellent condition
• Quintero Golf Club -- Rees Jones links-style design in nearby Peoria
• -- Scott Miller design with dramatic elevation in Fountain Hills

For the full list, check our or the rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to play Troon North?

Dynamic pricing means rates change daily. Peak season (Jan 18 - Apr 26): $300+ for prime morning times. Summer: 50%+ off. Add 5% water surcharge at check-in. Current rates at troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ or call (480) 585-7700.

Is Troon North a public course?

Semi-private. The course has members, but public tee times are available up to 90 days in advance through the website or by phone.

What is the hardest hole at Troon North?

The 16th on Pinnacle -- a 609-yard par 5 from the Black tees. Three required shots through a narrow corridor. On Monument, several par-5s exceed 500 yards and present serious challenges.

Can you walk Troon North?

Cart fees are included in the green fee. The terrain makes walking impractical for most players -- significant elevation changes through desert landscape. Call (480) 585-7700 for specific walking policies.

Which course is better, Monument or Pinnacle?

Different, not better. Monument plays like links golf adapted to the desert -- firm greens, bump-and-run. Pinnacle has more elevation drama and the 609-yard 16th. Play both if you can.

When is the best time to play Troon North?

Peak season (Jan-Apr) for the best conditions and weather, but highest rates. Fall (Oct-Nov) for value and good weather. Summer for maximum savings if you can handle 100+ degree heat with a sunrise tee time.

Does Troon North have a driving range?

Yes. Full-length turf range with six target greens (50-250 yards). Open Tuesday-Sunday 5:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday until noon. Range access requires a tee time that day.

What is the dress code?

Collared shirts or approved golf tops, golf shorts/slacks, golf shoes. No denim, cargo shorts, or athletic wear.

The Bottom Line

Troon North earned its reputation over three decades, and the courses back it up. Two Weiskopf designs through raw desert, conditioning that matches the price tag, and a setting at the base of Pinnacle Peak that makes every hole memorable.

Play Monument for the ground game. Play Pinnacle for the elevation drama. Play both if you have two days. Book 90 days out, arrive early enough to hit the range, and bring extra balls. The desert keeps what it catches.

Ready to book? Visit troonnorthgolf.com or call (480) 585-7700.

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