Desert Canyon Golf Club

With the world's tallest fountain erupting 560 feet into the Arizona sky every hour, Desert Canyon Golf Club offers one of the most visually striking backdrops in Scottsdale-area golf. This John Allen-designed championship course delivers 6,489 yards of desert golf challenge across rolling terrain with elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and views that extend from the iconic fountain to distant mountain ranges.

Originally opened in 1971 as Fountain Hills Golf Club, this par-71 layout has tested golfers for over five decades. Whether you're a local looking for a solid public track or a visitor exploring golf courses in Fountain Hills, Desert Canyon combines good conditions with accessibility.

What Makes Desert Canyon Special

The World's Tallest Fountain

The signature feature isn't a hole - it's the view. Fountain Hills' famous fountain shoots water 560 feet into the air at the top of every hour, creating a spectacular landmark visible from virtually every hole on the course. Originally built in 1970 for the town's development, the fountain has become an Arizona icon and provides a constant visual reference point during your round.

The fountain's hourly schedule means you'll likely witness multiple eruptions during an 18-hole round. Golfers often time their pace to catch the show from signature viewing spots on the course.

Championship Desert Design

John Allen's 1971 design makes full use of the natural desert terrain. The course features:

Elevation Changes: Multiple holes play from elevated tee boxes, while others require uphill approaches to elevated greens. Hole 13's extremely elevated green is notorious for requiring extra clubs.

Strategic Bunkering: Hole 8 exemplifies Allen's strategic approach, with bunkers saturating the entire green complex. You'll find fairway bunkers positioned to catch drives and greenside sand guarding optimal approach angles.

Water Hazards: The opening hole introduces you to Desert Canyon's use of water, with a hazard running down the left side and threatening the green on this sharp dogleg left.

Open Fairways and Tight Corridors: The design alternates between generous landing areas and narrow corridors through doglegs, rewarding course management.

Course Layout & Challenge

Desert Canyon stretches to 6,489 yards from the tips, playing to a 69.9 rating and 125-126 slope. Multiple tee options accommodate all skill levels:

Notable Holes

Hole 1 (Par 4): Your round begins with an elevated tee box offering fountain and mountain views. The fairway makes an abrupt left turn, and water guards the left side of the green. Favor the right side off the tee to set up the best approach angle.

Hole 8 (Par 4): Bunkers saturate the green complex from every angle. Precision matters more than power here - the penalty for missing the green is severe.

Hole 9 (Par 4): Considered one of the most challenging par fours on the course, the 9th tests every aspect of your game before you make the turn.

Hole 13 (Par 4/5): The extremely elevated green makes club selection critical. Trust your GPS and add extra clubs - most players underestimate the elevation change and come up short.

Hole 16 (Par 3): A beautiful one-shotter from an elevated tee box showcases desert views and the natural terrain. Pick your club carefully as the elevation plays with depth perception.

Green Fees & Booking

Desert Canyon operates with variable pricing based on season, day of week, and resident status. Cart fees are $29 per person. The course does not publish specific green fees on its website, with rates varying for Fountain Hills residents versus visitors and by season.

Booking Options:

• Official website: desertcanyongolf.com
• Phone: (480) 837-1173
• GolfNow and other tee time platforms

Membership Programs:

• DC Plus Membership: Benefits for frequent players
• Range Plus Passes: Practice facility access

Practice Facilities & Amenities

Desert Canyon offers some of the most full practice facilities in the Fountain Hills area:

Practice Areas

• Driving Range: Full-service range for all clubs
• Multiple Putting Greens: Practice speed and break reading
• Short Game Practice Area: Dedicated chipping area
• Bunker Practice Area: Work on sand shots before your round
• Pitching/Chipping Green: Dial in distance control

Services & Instruction

• PGA Professional Staff: Expert instruction available
• Golf Academy: Structured learning programs
• TaylorMade Club Rentals: Quality rental sets available
• Mobile App: GPS yardages and scoring on your phone

Clubhouse Amenities

• Pro Shop: Well-stocked with equipment and apparel
• The Grill Restaurant: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM
  • Happy Hour: 2-5 PM daily
  • Phone: (480) 837-1561
• Outdoor Patio Dining: Enjoy meals with fountain views
• Golf Shop: Open 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM daily

Best Time to Visit Desert Canyon

Peak Season (October-April)

Perfect weather in the 70s and 80s makes this the prime season. Expect higher green fees but ideal playing conditions. Morning tee times offer cooler temperatures and less wind.

Summer Season (May-September)

Temperatures climb above 100°F by midday, but rates typically drop significantly. Book the earliest available tee time (golf shop opens at 6:30 AM) to complete your round before extreme heat sets in. The course maintains excellent conditions even during summer months.

When to See the Fountain

The fountain erupts at the top of every hour from 9 AM to 9 PM daily. Plan your round to catch multiple shows - an 18-hole round typically spans 3-4 hours, meaning you'll see it several times. The best photo opportunities come when you're playing holes with direct fountain views during eruption times.

Getting to Desert Canyon Golf Club

Address: 10440 N Indian Wells Dr, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

From Central Scottsdale: Take Loop 101 north to Shea Boulevard, then head east. Turn north on Palisades Boulevard and follow signs to Fountain Hills. The course is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Scottsdale.

From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: Allow 45-50 minutes via Loop 202 to Loop 101 north.

Parking: Ample free parking at the clubhouse.

Playing Tips from Course Knowledge

Based on verified course reviews and player feedback:

1. Green Reading Made Easier: Greens generally slope away from the mountains. Use this as your default read when you're uncertain.

2. Trust Your GPS: The cart GPS systems are accurate. On elevation change holes like 13, trust the adjusted yardage rather than the marker yardage.

3. Yardage Markers: Look for 100, 150, and 200-yard markers on par 4s and 5s. They're clearly visible and helpful for club selection.

4. Fountain Photos: Bring your phone or camera. The fountain makes for spectacular golf course photography, especially from elevated tee boxes.

5. Warm Up Properly: With full practice facilities available, arrive early to use the range, putting greens, and short game areas. The elevation changes on the course reward golfers who've dialed in their distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Desert Canyon Visit

Desert Canyon Golf Club delivers authentic desert golf with a landmark twist. The world's tallest fountain provides constant visual interest, while John Allen's strategic design rewards smart course management over pure power. Excellent practice facilities, GPS-equipped carts, and quality on-site dining round out the experience.

Located in Fountain Hills just 30 minutes from central Scottsdale, this 1971 championship layout offers better value than many resort courses while maintaining strong conditions year-round. Whether you're a local looking for a regular course or a visitor seeking unique desert golf, Desert Canyon combines challenge, scenery, and playability.

Ready to play? Call (480) 837-1173 or visit desertcanyongolf.com to book your tee time. Arrive early to warm up at the practice facilities, grab breakfast at The Grill, and time your round to catch the fountain's hourly eruption from the course.

Nearby Courses & Guides

• Sunridge Canyon Golf Club
• golf courses in Fountain Hills
• Eagle Mountain Golf Club
• best public courses in Scottsdale