Quintero Golf Club

Overview

Quintero Golf Club just emerged from a complete transformation. After a five-month, multi-million-dollar renovation completed in November 2025, this Rees Jones design in the Hieroglyphic Mountains now features brand-new greens, bunkers, and practice facilities that rival any course in the Southwest.

Ranked #93 in Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses and #2 in Arizona by Golfweek (behind only We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro), Quintero is one of the best public courses near Scottsdale, Quintero combines dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and some of the smoothest greens in the region—now even better after the renovation.

The Bottom Line: This is the splurge round in Scottsdale. At $230-$385 depending on season and time, Quintero costs more than We-Ko-Pa or TPC's Champions Course. But golfers seeking dramatic mountain scenery, significant elevation changes, and tour-quality conditions will find Quintero worth every penny—especially with the newly renovated greens and bunkers creating a fresh, tour-quality experience.

What Makes Quintero Special

The 2025 Renovation Changes Everything

Quintero closed from June through October 2025 for its first major renovation since opening in 2000. Rees Jones himself returned to oversee the project, bringing the course into the modern era while enhancing his original design vision.

What Changed:

• All 18 greens rebuilt with 007XL Bentgrass—a drought-tolerant, disease-resistant variety that produces faster, truer rolls
• All 65 bunkers renovated with new drainage, liners, and Augusta white sand
• Every tee box laser-leveled and resurfaced with premium 419 Bermuda grass
• Enhanced irrigation around greens for consistent coverage year-round
• Completely rebuilt practice facility with new putting green

The result? Quintero now offers some of the finest putting surfaces in the Southwest, with tour-quality greens that hold approach shots and roll predictably even during peak summer heat.

Mountains, Canyons, and Elevation Drama

Unlike the relatively flat desert courses around Scottsdale proper, Quintero winds through valleys separating the Hieroglyphic Mountains near Lake Pleasant. The course elevation ranges from 1,986 to 2,670 feet—nearly 700 feet of total change that creates golf holes unlike anything else in the Phoenix area.

Four par threes feature significant downhill tee shots that require club-and-a-half adjustments. Approach shots play uphill and downhill throughout the round, demanding careful yardage calculation and shot commitment.

This isn't target golf in the traditional desert sense—it's mountain golf in the Sonoran Desert, combining the best elements of both.

Rees Jones Strategic Design

Rees Jones designed Quintero to reward smart course management over raw distance. The fairways are generous enough for mid-handicappers, but strategic bunker placement and green complexes demand precision on approach shots.

The course offers up to nine tees per hole, creating playability for everyone from beginners (5,043 yards) to touring professionals (7,249 yards). Most recreational players will find the Silver tees (6,437 yards, 70.7/137) the perfect balance.

Planning Your Round

Pricing and Tee Times

Quintero uses dynamic pricing based on season, day of week, and tee time. Recent rates range from $161 (hot deals prepaid) to $385 during peak weekend mornings, with most rounds falling in the $230-$267 range including cart.

Booking Tips:

• Reserve up to 90 days in advance
• Arizona residents receive special rates with valid ID
• Best deals appear on weekday afternoons and summer mornings
• Groups of 12+ should contact Mike Poe directly at (928) 501-1500
• Some booking platforms restrict play to even-numbered groups (verify with course)

Cancellation Policy: 48 hours notice required or full charge applies

Getting There

Quintero sits about 45 minutes to one hour northwest of Scottsdale along State Route 74 (also called Carefree Highway). From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, allow 50-60 minutes driving time.

Address: 16752 W State Route 74, Peoria, AZ 85383

The drive is scenic, passing through northern Scottsdale and into increasingly remote desert terrain. The course is less than an hour from the airport but feels worlds away from the city.

What to Bring

• Extra golf balls—the canyon carries and desert terrain will test your driver
• High SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
• Multiple layers (elevation means cooler temperatures, especially in winter)
• Camera for the signature par-3 holes
• Plenty of water (though course provides water stations)

Dress Code

Quintero maintains a traditional golf dress code:

• Collared shirts required for men
• Shirts with collar or sleeves required for women
• Shorts must be mid-thigh or longer and properly hemmed
• Soft spikes only—metal spikes prohibited
• No denim garments allowed on course

The Quintero Experience

Practice Facilities

The newly renovated practice area matches the quality of the course itself. The practice tee has been laser-leveled and resurfaced, while the practice putting green features the same 007XL Bentgrass as the course greens—perfect for dialing in your speed before the round.

Rental clubs (Ping brand) are available, and golf instruction can be arranged through the pro shop.

Stay and Play Options

Quintero offers nine vacation rental units on property—a unique amenity for a daily-fee course. The Terrace Casita and Executive Loft options were fully renovated in 2025 with updated kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and furniture.

This creates an ideal setup for golf buddies planning a dedicated golf trip without resort crowds or Scottsdale prices.

Clubhouse and Dining

The clubhouse received updated flooring, decor, and renovated restrooms as part of the 2025 project. The pro shop was completely remodeled with new displays and merchandise.

Dining options are available on property, though they're more limited than what you'd find at major resort courses like TPC or Troon North.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Round

Ready to experience one of Arizona's finest golf courses fresh off a complete renovation? Contact Quintero directly or book through the Troon tee time system:

Phone: (928) 501-1500 Website: www.quinterogolf.com Address: 16752 W State Route 74, Peoria, AZ 85383

Remember: Book up to 90 days in advance, especially for peak season weekends. Arizona residents should have their valid ID ready for special rate eligibility.

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• best public courses in Scottsdale
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• plan your Scottsdale golf trip