Overview
With 36 holes of championship golf designed by legendary Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Talking Stick Golf Club offers golfers a choice between two distinctly different experiences on the same property. Located on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land, the O'odham Course (links-style) and Piipaash Course (traditional parkland) consistently rank among Arizona's best.
The O'odham Course ranks #10 in Arizona by Golf Magazine and #48 among casino courses by Golfweek in 2025. Whether you prefer wide-open desert golf with strategic bunkering or tree-lined fairways with water features, this 36-hole facility delivers top-tier golf at daily-fee rates — one of the best public courses near Scottsdale.
The Two Courses
O'odham Course (Links-Style)
The O'odham is Talking Stick's links-style layout playing 7,133 yards from the black tees (par 70). This minimalist design features wide fairways with angular holes, low-profile slightly crowned greens, and strategic bunkering. Close-cropped approaches allow running shots into greens.
| Tees | Yardage | Rating/Slope |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 7,133 | 72.7/125 |
| Gold | 6,510 | 69.7/120 |
| Jade | 5,532 | 64.9/113 (M), 70.2/116 (W) |
Piipaash Course (Parkland)
Traditional parkland golf at 6,833 yards (par 71). Tree-lined fairways bordered by eucalyptus and cottonwood provide a contrasting aesthetic. Raised greens and water features require more aerial approach shots.
| Tees | Yardage | Rating/Slope |
|---|---|---|
| Black | 6,833 | 72.1/127 |
| Gold | 6,430 | 69.9/121 |
| Jade | 5,331 | 65.4/111 (M), 69.1/117 (W) |
Pros
- Two distinct championship courses by Coore & Crenshaw
- Arizona's largest public practice facility (17,000 sq ft)
- O'odham ranked #10 in Arizona by Golf Magazine
- Golf Card program offers significant savings
- 26,000 sq ft clubhouse with award-winning pro shop
- Walking allowed on both courses
Cons
- Dynamic pricing can push rates above $200 in peak season
- Tee times only available 3 days in advance
- Desert location means extreme heat May-September
- Links-style O'odham may surprise traditional golfers
Green Fees & Golf Card
Talking Stick uses dynamic pricing ranging from $93 to $250 per player:
- Peak Season (January-April): $150-$250
- Shoulder Season: $100-$150
- Summer (May-September): Often under $100
Golf Card ($129 for 2025-2026 season):
- One complimentary round (Monday-Wednesday after 10 AM)
- Preferred cardholder rates with dynamic pricing
- 20% off food and beverage at The Grill
- 15% off golf shop merchandise
Practice Facilities & Amenities
- Driving Range: 17,000 sq ft (150 yards wide by 360 yards long) - Arizona's largest public range
- Practice putting green and short game area
- Instruction: True Spec Golf (fitting), Andrew Welk Golf, Labauve Golf
- Clubhouse: 26,000 sq ft with award-winning pro shop
- Dining: The Grill (full-service) and Sandwich House (quick service, 7 AM - 5 PM)
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (January-April): Perfect weather (65-80°F), best conditions. Book 3 days out for premium times. Expect 4.5-5 hour rounds.
Shoulder Season (October-December, May): Excellent weather (70-85°F), moderate rates. Best value for visitors.
Summer (June-September): Extreme heat (95-115°F), lowest rates (often under $100). Book first available tee times (6:00 AM).
Local Tip: November and March offer the sweet spot - great weather without peak-season crowds or pricing.