With Arizona's best landscaping scenery and 6,900+ yards of target golf winding through dramatic boulder formations, Boulders Golf Club draws golfers seeking the quintessential Sonoran Desert experience. But is the premium pricing justified?
Boulders Golf Club sits in Carefree, Arizona, 40 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The facility features two 18-hole championship courses designed by Jay Morrish in the mid-1980s: the private North Course (6,959 yards, par 72) and the public/resort South Course (6,917 yards, par 71). Both courses showcase Morrish's pioneering minimalistic desert design philosophy.
North Course vs South Course: Key Differences
Understanding which course fits your visit is critical since the North Course is members-only while the South Course welcomes public play.
North Course (Members Only)
- Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,959 yards
- Rating: 73.3 | Slope: 138
- Access: Private - members only
- Opened: 1985
The North Course meanders through the Boulders residential community with spectacular Black Mountain views. At 6,959 yards from the championship tees with a 138 slope rating, it's the slightly easier of the two courses despite being longer.
South Course (Public/Resort Access)
- Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,917 yards
- Rating: 72.9 | Slope: 142
- Access: Public and resort guests
- Opened: 1984 | Renovated: 2022 (TifEagle Bermuda greens)
The South Course features more dramatic elevation changes and natural boulder formations. With a 142 slope rating, it's the more challenging test despite being 42 yards shorter.
Pros
- Arizona's most scenic golf course with unmatched boulder formations
- Two championship courses with distinct personalities
- 2022 greens renovation on South Course delivers exceptional putting surfaces
- Integrated resort amenities (spa, pools, dining)
- Dynamic pricing rewards early booking (90 days in advance)
Cons
- Premium pricing ($180-$339) may not be justified vs. We-Ko-Pa or Quintero
- North Course restricted to members only
- Target golf demands accuracy - tough for high handicappers
- 40-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor
- Seasonal closures for overseeding (typically October reopening)
Green Fees and Booking
Boulders Golf Club uses dynamic pricing that adjusts rates based on day, time, and booking window:
- North Course: $180-$339 per player (members only)
- South Course: $217-$314 per player (public access)
Book tee times up to 90 days in advance for best rates. Contact the pro shop at (480) 488-9028.
Additional Fees
- Callaway Club Rental: $90 peak / $50 off-season (18 holes)
- Shoe Rental: $25
- Rider Fee: $28
The Reddit Reality Check: Scenery vs Value
Reddit's golf community consistently ranks Boulders among the most beautiful courses in Arizona, but opinions split on value:
"I love Boulders - it has better landscaping scenery than any other AZ course." - u/shitz_brickz
"Hard skip The Boulders. Don't get me wrong it's a very nice, well maintained course, but it charges a premium over comparables I've never understood." - u/EDMlawyer
In direct Reddit comparisons, We-Ko-Pa earned 9-3 preference over Boulders primarily based on value. If you're comparing options, see our best public courses breakdown.
Amenities and Facilities
Practice Facilities:
- Full driving range with target greens
- Short game area with practice bunker
- Putting green
Dining:
- Bogey's - Casual dining adjacent to golf shop
- The Grill - Clubhouse dining with full lunch service
Resort Amenities (Members and Guests):
- 4 swimming pools
- 6-court Tennis Garden
- 12 pickleball courts
- 33,000 sq ft spa
- Fitness center