Looking for the best public golf in Phoenix without the premium price tag? The Legacy Golf Club consistently ranks as the #1 public course in Phoenix according to Ranking Arizona Magazine, ESPN.com/Travel, and multiple golf publications—yet green fees start at just $60 on GolfNow compared to $100+ at comparable courses.
This Gary Panks-designed championship course delivers a complete golf experience: a challenging yet walkable 18-hole layout, a Golf Channel Academy instruction facility with Trackman technology, and practice amenities rivaling private clubs. Whether you're a Phoenix local or visiting golfer, Legacy Golf Club offers exceptional value on a course steeped in Arizona history.
Why Legacy Golf Club Ranks #1 Among Phoenix Public Courses
The Legacy Golf Club has earned its #1 ranking through a combination of quality, value, and accessibility that few Phoenix public courses can match.
Solid design at municipal pricing. Gary Panks created an 18-hole layout that plays between 5,471 and 6,946 yards across four tee boxes, with course ratings from 67.1 to 72.0 and slope ratings from 114 to 127. The routing features five par 3s—an unusual design choice that creates variety and strategic interest.
"I've got a weekend in Phoenix and found a GolfNow deal for $60 at Legacy Golf Club," wrote Reddit user u/RonaldRaygunner. "Would love to not spend $100+ if it's a steal." The course delivers well-maintained conditions at prices typically associated with budget municipal layouts — a genuine cheap golf find near Scottsdale.
Pros
- Ranked #1 Public Course in Phoenix by Ranking Arizona Magazine and ESPN.com/Travel
- Green fees $60-65 on GolfNow vs $100+ at comparable courses
- Walkable layout (rare for desert courses)
- Golf Channel Academy instruction facility with Trackman technology
- Resort amenities: hotel, restaurant, pool, health club
- Wide fairways and elevated tee boxes suit all skill levels
- Historic property with 1902 grain silos and Theodore Roosevelt connection
- Close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (convenient for visitors)
Cons
- Tournaments can block tee time availability (book ahead)
- Dynamic pricing means rates vary significantly by season and day
- Located in Phoenix (not Scottsdale) may disappoint those seeking Scottsdale branding
- Summer heat requires early morning tee times
Course Layout and Design Features
Gary Panks built The Legacy Golf Club in 1999 on land that once comprised the 7,500-acre D.B. Heard Ranch estate. The design philosophy blends traditional golf architecture with Arizona desert aesthetics.
Five par 3s create strategic variety. Most 18-hole courses feature four par 3s, but Panks included five in the Legacy layout. This unconventional routing provides more variety in club selection and shot-making while keeping the course easily walkable at par 71.
The fairways feature TifTuf Bermuda grass, while the greens are planted with TiffEagle—a variety that tolerates Arizona's extreme summer heat while providing consistent roll.
| Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 6,946 | 72.0 | 127 |
| Black | 6,378 | 69.5 | 121 |
| White | 5,958 | 67.1 | 114 |
| Purple (Women) | 5,471 | 70.4 | 117 |
Green Fees and Tee Time Booking
The Legacy Golf Club uses dynamic pricing that ranges from $49 to $177 depending on season, day of week, and tee time.
Best rates through official booking. The course guarantees better rates through its official website (golflegacyresort.com/tee-times/) compared to third-party platforms like GolfNow.
Membership and Discount Programs
- South Mountain Trail Pass: Discounts up to 50% off posted rates, ability to book 10 days in advance
- Email Club: Save up to 40% off tee times (free to join)
Golf Channel Academy Instruction
The Legacy Golf Performance Center operates as an official Golf Channel Academy facility—one of the premier instruction destinations in Phoenix. The facility features Trackman launch monitors, Flightscope ball flight analysis, KVest 3D motion capture, SAMPutt Lab putting analysis, Full Swing Golf Simulator, BodiTrak pressure mapping, and Focusband neurofeedback training.
Practice Facilities
- Elite driving range with Callaway golf balls
- Four-level putting green with 12 different holes
- Short game area with separate chipping/pitching green
- Dedicated practice bunker for sand shot work
Best Time to Visit
Peak season (November-April): Expect higher green fees ($100+) but ideal playing conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s-80s.
Off-peak season (May-October): Green fees drop significantly ($49-80) as temperatures climb above 100°F. Early morning tee times (5:00-7:00 AM) are essential.