Ever wondered what it's like to play championship golf at one of Arizona's only AAA Five Diamond resorts? The Phoenician golf course delivers a top-notch desert experience at the base of Camelback Mountain, combining excellent course conditions with the luxury amenities you'd expect from a property recognized as North America's Leading Golf Resort. It's one of the best resort courses near Scottsdale.
The Phoenician Golf Club offers a par 71 championship layout ranging from 4,322 to 6,352 yards across five distinct tee options. Managed by Troon Golf and completely redesigned by Phil Smith in 2018, this course transformed from a 27-hole facility into a cohesive 18-hole experience that showcases Sonoran Desert beauty through a transparent design philosophy.
The 2018 Phil Smith Redesign
In 2018, the Phoenician Golf Club underwent a dramatic 10-month transformation that changed the course's identity. Designer Phil Smith, who spent 24+ years working with legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, converted the previous 27-hole configuration into a cohesive championship 18-hole layout.

Smith's design philosophy centers on transparency - everything you need to see is visible from the tee box. No blind hazards, no surprise bunkers tucked behind hills. The renovation, managed by Troon Senior VP Ron Despain with Superintendent Tom Bush, reopened November 1, 2018, to immediate acclaim.
Course Details: Five Tees for Every Skill Level
| Tee Box | Yardage | Men's Rating/Slope | Women's Rating/Slope |

|---------|---------|-------------------|---------------------| | Players | 6,352 | 70.5 / 128 | 76.0 / 135 | | Member | 6,139 | 69.4 / 125 | 75.0 / 133 | | Phoenician | 5,896 | 68.0 / 122 | 73.9 / 132 | | Canyon | 5,232 | 64.7 / 112 | 70.0 / 123 | | Jokake | 4,322 | 61.0 / 100 | 64.7 / 109 |
The course features TifEagle greens that run true and fast, with 419 Bermuda fairways that provide excellent lies throughout the year.
Pros
- top-tier resort amenities and service
- Five tee options accommodate all skill levels
- Consistent course conditions year-round
- Spectacular Camelback Mountain backdrop
- Transparent design - no blind shots or hidden hazards
- Complimentary range balls included with tee times
- Excellent practice facilities and golf instruction
Cons
- Premium resort pricing (dynamic rates vary daily)
- No published green fee schedule - must contact for rates
- Resort guests get 30-day advance booking (limited public availability peak season)
- Can be busy during resort high season (January-April)
- Cart-path-only rules during wet conditions
Pricing and Tee Time Policies
The Phoenician uses dynamic pricing similar to airlines and hotels - rates change daily based on demand and availability. Sample pricing shows rates around $181.89 per player during November, with higher rates during peak season (January-April) and lower rates during summer months.

Resort Guest Benefits
- 30-day advance tee time booking (vs. limited advance booking for public)
- Unlimited golf package options with resort stay
- Preferred tee times during peak demand
- Complimentary range balls (included through December 31, 2026)
- Access to Canyon Suites amenities (if staying in the Forbes Five Star boutique hotel)
For current green fees and resort golf packages, contact the golf shop at (480) 423-2450.
Best Time to Play
Peak Season (January-April)

Scottsdale's peak golf season brings perfect weather with daytime highs in the 70s and low 80s. Expect premium pricing and the need to book well in advance. The course conditions peak during this window, with the 419 Bermuda fairways at their greenest.
Shoulder Season (October-December, May)
Excellent value and availability characterize the shoulder months. October and November offer warm temperatures (80s-90s) with lower green fees.
Summer (June-September)
Summer golf requires heat tolerance but delivers the best value pricing of the year. Early morning tee times (first available at 6:00 AM) provide comfortable temperatures.
Practice Facilities and Golf Instruction
- Driving Range: Full-length range with complimentary balls (included with tee times through 2026)
- Short Game Area: Dedicated chipping and pitching practice
- Putting Green: TifEagle greens matching on-course surfaces
- Golf Shop: Premium equipment and resort logo apparel
- Golf School: Professional instruction available
- Private Lessons: Available with PGA professionals
