Ever wondered where PGA Tour stars like Jon Rahm fine-tune their game when they're in Scottsdale? Tucked into the dramatic canyons of the McDowell Mountains, Silverleaf Country Club offers one of the most exclusive and challenging golf experiences in Arizona — consistently ranked among the top private clubs in Scottsdale.
With a slope rating of 149 from the championship tees and a pedigree that includes legendary designer Tom Weiskopf, this isn't just another desert course—it's where serious golfers come to test themselves against one of the finest layouts in the Southwest. Ranked 10th in Arizona for 2025-26, Silverleaf winds through Horseshoe Canyon and Upper Canyon surrounded by 30,000 acres of protected McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Tom Weiskopf's Design Philosophy
Tom Weiskopf, an eight-time PGA Tour winner and 1973 British Open champion, brought his distinctive design philosophy to Silverleaf. "The spaciousness of the land allowed us to shape a course that follows very natural contour lines, while at the same time providing fun, challenges and views that are just incredible," Weiskopf explained.
The course features traditional routing with modern challenges, including severely undulating greens, strategic bunkering, and holes that make full use of the canyon topography.
Pros
- Tom Weiskopf design ranked 10th in Arizona
- Slope rating of 149 provides championship-level challenge
- Practice facility used by PGA Tour professionals like Jon Rahm
- Surrounded by 30,000 acres of protected wilderness
- 50,000 sq ft Mediterranean-style clubhouse with extensive amenities
- No-tipping policy creates comfortable service environment
- Cell phone prohibition maintains peaceful atmosphere
- Walking permitted
Cons
- Very high initiation fees (estimated $400,000 for golf)
- Membership by invitation only with sponsor requirement
- No public play or outside tee times
- Guests must be accompanied by member at all times
- GPS units and pull carts not available
- Cell phones prohibited throughout property
Signature Holes and Notable Features
Hole 9 - A driveable short par-4 that tempts aggressive players but punishes miscalculation.
Hole 13 - Perhaps the most photographed hole, this water-laden par-4 features a green positioned below lake level.
Holes 16 & 18 - These holes share a dramatically elevated tee offering panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale below.
Par-3s - All three par-3s feature rotating daily tee positions, ensuring fresh challenges throughout the season.
Membership at Silverleaf Country Club
Silverleaf operates as a strictly private club with membership by invitation only. Prospective members must be sponsored by a current member.
Membership Types (Estimated from third-party sources)
Golf Membership
- Estimated initiation: $400,000
- Estimated monthly dues: $2,750
- Membership cap: 350 golf members
Social Membership
- Estimated initiation: $100,000
- Estimated monthly dues: $875
- Membership cap: 240 social members
Note: The club does not publicly disclose fees. Figures are estimates from 2024-2025 sources.
Club Amenities
Beyond the championship golf course, Silverleaf offers resort-level amenities within its 50,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse:
Golf Facilities:
- Expansive practice facility with full driving range
- Pitching and chipping areas
- Multiple putting greens
- Golf school with teaching professionals
- Caddie program available
Clubhouse & Wellness:
- Fine and casual dining options
- Full-service bar
- Full-service spa
- Resort and lap pools
- Fully appointed locker rooms
Unique Policies:
- No-Tipping Policy: Service charges are automatic
- Cell Phone Prohibition: Four phone rooms available for necessary calls
- Walking Permitted: Experience the layout as the designer intended
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silverleaf Country Club private or public?
Who designed Silverleaf Golf Club?
How much does Silverleaf Club membership cost?
Can you play Silverleaf as a guest?
What is the dress code at Silverleaf Club?
Silverleaf Membership Requirements & Process
Silverleaf is among the most exclusive communities in North Scottsdale, and club membership is tied to real estate ownership within the Silverleaf development.
Home prices in Silverleaf typically range from $2 million to $15 million or more. Membership initiation fees are separate from the home purchase and are estimated around $200,000 to $400,000, with monthly dues around $2,750.
The membership process requires sponsorship from current members. Prospective members go through a review process that includes interviews and social introductions. The Tom Weiskopf-designed course is considered one of the finest private layouts in Arizona.
Note: Real estate and membership pricing fluctuate. Work with a Silverleaf-specialized real estate agent for current figures.