Grayhawk Golf Club

Overview

Grayhawk gives you something rare in Scottsdale — two completely different courses on one property. The Tom Fazio-designed Raptor plays like a lush parkland layout with wide fairways and crowned greens. The David Graham / Gary Panks Talon throws you into deep desert canyons with tight sightlines and multi-tiered putting surfaces. Same club, totally different rounds.

Grayhawk is one of only two Scottsdale courses that have hosted a PGA Tour event. Third-generation superintendent Ernie Pock keeps both tracks in top shape year-round, and it shows — the turf quality here consistently matches private club standards.

What you'll pay: Around $250 per round (plus 8.05% tax and a 5% water resource fee). That puts Grayhawk in the upper tier of Scottsdale public golf, but you get two distinct courses and flexible 36-hole packages that stretch over five days. For golfers spending a few days in town, that variety is hard to beat.

The Raptor Course: Tom Fazio's Masterpiece

The Raptor is pure Tom Fazio — big fairways, smart bunkering, and greens that reward good approach shots. At 7,151 yards from the tips, it flows through gentle hills and shaded arroyos without the target-golf feel you get on most desert courses. The key to scoring here is your approach game. Those crowned, undulating greens will punish lazy iron shots even when you find the putting surface.

Deep greenside bunkers, grass collection areas, and a few well-placed water hazards keep you honest. The saving grace: miss short rather than long, because the collection areas are more forgiving than the drop-offs behind greens. Fazio came back in 2015 to rework holes 15-17, and the new routing tightened up a stretch that used to feel like filler.

Raptor Tournament History

The Raptor has hosted some serious events:

• PGA Tour Frys.com Open (2007-2009)
• Inaugural Williams World Challenge
• Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf
• NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Golf Championships (2021-2023)
• WM Phoenix Open pro-ams
• PGA Jr. League Championship

That's a serious resume for a public course. You're walking the same fairways that touring pros played.

The Talon Course: Desert Drama

The Talon is a different animal. Designed by 1981 U.S. Open champion David Graham and architect Gary Panks, it runs through thick Sonoran Desert vegetation and drops into deep box canyons, especially on the back nine.

Here's the mental game: the fairways look tighter than they are. Graham and Panks built visual intimidation into every tee shot. Commit to your line and swing — the landing areas are wider than they appear. The real challenge is the multi-tiered greens. Hit the wrong level and you're three-putting.

The back nine is where the Talon earns its reputation. McDowell Mountain views, the Phoenix skyline in the distance, and some of the biggest elevation changes on any North Scottsdale course.

Raptor vs Talon: Which Course Should You Play?

This is the most common question golfers ask when planning a visit to Grayhawk. The answer depends on your playing style, skill level, and what you value in a golf experience.

Choose the Raptor if you:

• Prefer traditional parkland golf with generous fairways
• Appreciate strategic architecture over visual intimidation
• Value consistent scoring opportunities and playability
• Want to walk a course (gentler terrain)
• Enjoy putting on large, undulating greens
• Seek a course with PGA Tour pedigree

Choose the Talon if you:

• Love rugged desert landscapes and elevation changes
• Embrace risk-reward decisions and bold shot-making
• Prioritize scenic beauty and photo opportunities
• Don't mind a psychological challenge off the tee
• Prefer intimate, multi-tiered greens
• Want the "quintessential Arizona desert golf" experience

The Verdict

If you can only play one, the Raptor is the safer pick — it consistently ranks higher and the playability is better for most handicaps. But the Talon is the one you'll remember. Most golfers who come back end up playing both through the 36-hole package.

Practice Facilities

The range at Grayhawk is big enough that you're not crammed next to people, and the balls are decent quality — not the rock-hard range balls you get at some courses. There's a dedicated short game area for dialing in your wedges, and the practice putting greens run at speeds close to what you'll see on the actual course.

Show up 45-60 minutes before your tee time. The warm-up area is included with your green fee, so there's no reason to skip it — especially before the Talon, where you need to be dialed in off the tee.

Dining at Grayhawk

Three spots to eat without leaving the property:

• Isabella's Kitchen — The main event. Live music, full menu, and a solid post-round vibe. They celebrated 12 years in October 2024.
• Quill Creek Cafe — Quick sit-down option. Call (480) 502-3110 for reservations.
• The Morning Joint — Grab-and-go before your round. Same number: (480) 502-3110.

Most Scottsdale courses give you a grill room and that's it. Having three options — especially one with live entertainment — sets Grayhawk apart for after-golf plans.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Play

• Peak Season (January-April): Perfect weather, highest demand, advance booking essential
• Summer (June-September): Lower rates, early tee times recommended, courses close for overseed
• Shoulder Season (October-December, May): Good weather, moderate pricing, excellent value

Course Closures to Avoid

For 2025, mark these dates on your calendar:

• Raptor Aeration: July 7-27, 2025
• Talon Aeration: July 28 - August 17, 2025
• Talon Overseed: September 29 - October 12, 2025
• Raptor Overseed: October 13-30, 2025

Booking Strategy

Book tee times online at grayhawk.quick18.com for the best selection. During peak season, reserve 30+ days in advance. For 36-hole packages, call the Golf Shop directly at (480) 502-1800—these packages can be spread over five days, offering flexibility for multi-day golf trips.

Is Grayhawk Worth the Money?

At $250+ per round after taxes and fees, you're paying premium prices. Here's how to think about it:

Yes, if you care about course conditions, want two different rounds at one property, or are putting together a Scottsdale golf trip and want a course with PGA Tour history. The 36-hole packages (spread over five days) sweeten the deal for multi-day visitors.

Maybe not, if you're watching your budget across several rounds. We-Ko-Pa and Southern Dunes deliver similar quality for less money. Check our cheap golf guide for more options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting There

Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

From Sky Harbor Airport: AZ-202 Loop East to AZ-101 Loop North, exit Thompson Peak Parkway, head east. About 35-40 minutes depending on traffic. If you're staying nearby, check our Scottsdale golf resorts guide for hotels with golf packages.

Parking: Free lot at the clubhouse. Show up 45-60 minutes before your tee time.

Contact: (480) 502-1800 | grayhawkgolf.com

Online Booking: grayhawk.quick18.com/teetimes

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