Looking for a Scottsdale golf experience that lets you choose your own adventure? The Westin Kierland Golf Club offers 27 holes arranged in three distinct nine-hole courses - Ironwood, Acacia, and Mesquite - giving you six different 18-hole combinations to play.
This Scott Miller-designed resort course opened in 2002 and quickly earned recognition as one of Golf Digest's "Most Cheerful Golf Courses" in America. Located at 15636 N Clubgate Dr in Scottsdale, the Troon Golf-managed facility combines championship golf with resort amenities, panoramic desert mountain views, and unique transportation options including custom bicycles and Segways alongside traditional GPS-equipped carts.
The Three Nines: Ironwood, Acacia, and Mesquite
Mix and Match Your 18-Hole Round
The Westin Kierland Golf Club's 27-hole layout offers versatility that most Scottsdale courses can't match. Each of the three nines - Ironwood, Acacia, and Mesquite - features distinct characteristics, water hazards, and desert scenery. You can play any combination depending on your preference or return for multiple rounds to experience all six possible 18-hole pairings.
The course features no homes along the fairways, creating an uninterrupted golf experience framed by open mountain views, cool lakes, dry desert washes, and native trees like ironwood, acacia, and mesquite. Numerous holes across all three nines incorporate water features that add both beauty and challenge to your round.
Course Statistics and Tees
| Tee | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back | 7,017 | 72.8 | 127 |
| Middle | 6,340 | 69.3 | 122 |
| Front | 5,851 | 67.2 | 114 |
| Ladies | 5,017 | 63.6 | 106 |
With four tee options ranging from 5,017 to 7,017 yards, the course accommodates every skill level. The back tees deliver a genuine championship test at 72.8/127, while the forward tees provide an enjoyable round for developing golfers at 63.6/106.
Award-Winning Facilities and Amenities
AGM Top 100 Golf Shop
The pro shop at Westin Kierland earned AGM Top 100 Golf Shop recognition and the 2018 Best of Best award. Beyond the typical merchandise selection, the shop offers custom club fitting services, club rentals, and convenient club shipping for traveling golfers. Whether you need emergency equipment or want a professional fitting, the award-winning staff can help.
VISION54 Instruction Program
Certified instructors at Kierland offer the VISION54 instruction program along with traditional lessons and clinics. The full practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and pitching area, giving you everything needed to fine-tune your game before or after your round.
Full Bar and Grill
The on-site restaurant provides a full bar and grill menu perfect for post-round refreshments. Enjoy your meal while taking in the desert course views and recapping the highlights from your round across Ironwood, Acacia, or Mesquite.
Pros
- 27 holes offering six different 18-hole combinations
- No homes on course for uninterrupted desert views
- Unique transport options: bicycles, Segways, air-conditioned carts
- Award-winning pro shop with custom fitting
- VISION54 instruction program with certified instructors
- Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification
- GPS-equipped carts included with green fees
Cons
- Dynamic pricing requires calling for current rates
- Specific daily hours not published (contact course directly)
- Walking policy not clearly specified
- No published individual nine-hole yardages or ratings
Transportation Options: More Than Just Carts
Ride in Style - Or Pedal Your Way
One of Kierland's most distinctive features is the variety of transportation options. While GPS-equipped golf carts are included with your green fees (including air-conditioned options for summer comfort), the course also offers custom bicycles with mounted golf bags and Segways as alternatives. These unique options create a memorable experience and faster pace of play for those who prefer them.
The GPS systems in the carts provide accurate yardages and help you navigate the 27-hole layout, especially helpful when playing course combinations for the first time.
How Much Does It Cost to Play Kierland Golf Club?
Dynamic Pricing and Booking
The Westin Kierland Golf Club uses dynamic pricing that varies by season, day of week, and tee time. Rates are not publicly listed, so you'll need to contact the course directly at (480) 922-9283 for current green fees. Cart service is included with all green fees.
You can book tee times up to 90 days in advance through Troon Golf's reservation system. A credit card is required to guarantee your reservation, and a 24-hour cancellation notice is needed to avoid charges. Groups of 12 or more may incur additional tournament fees.
What Are the Three Courses at Kierland?
The three nine-hole courses at The Westin Kierland Golf Club are named after native desert trees:
- Ironwood Nine - Named after the ironwood tree, one of the heaviest and hardest woods native to the Sonoran Desert
- Acacia Nine - Named after the acacia tree species found throughout Arizona's desert landscapes
- Mesquite Nine - Named after the mesquite tree, an iconic symbol of the Southwest
You can play any two nines together to create your 18-hole round. Popular combinations include Ironwood/Acacia, Acacia/Mesquite, and Mesquite/Ironwood. The course statistics listed (7,017 yards, par 72) represent an 18-hole combination, though specific yardages for individual nines aren't publicly published.
Is Kierland Golf Club Public or Private?
The Westin Kierland Golf Club is a public resort course managed by Troon Golf. Anyone can book tee times - you don't need to be a Westin resort guest or club member to play. However, the course does accept reservations up to 90 days in advance, so planning ahead is recommended, especially during peak season.
The course is part of the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa property, meaning you can combine your golf with resort amenities if you choose to stay on-site. Stay-and-play packages may be available through the resort.
Can You Walk Kierland Golf Club?
Walking policy details are not clearly specified on the official website or booking platforms. Since cart fees are included with green fees and the course operates as a GPS cart-equipped facility, walking may not be regularly permitted. Contact the pro shop at (480) 922-9283 to confirm the current walking policy if you prefer to walk your round.
Dress Code and Golf Policies
What to Wear
The Westin Kierland Golf Club maintains a traditional golf dress code:
- Collared shirts required for all players
- No denim allowed on the course
- Soft spikes only - metal spikes are not permitted
The dress code applies in all areas of the golf facility, including the practice range and pro shop.
Payment and Booking Policies
- Accepted payment: VISA, MasterCard, American Express
- Credit card required for all tee time reservations
- 24-hour cancellation policy in effect
- Groups of 12+ may incur additional tournament fees
What Is the Slope Rating at Kierland Golf Club?
Slope ratings at The Westin Kierland Golf Club range from 106 to 127 depending on which tees you play:
- Back Tees: 127 slope (72.8 rating)
- Middle Tees: 122 slope (69.3 rating)
- Front Tees: 114 slope (67.2 rating)
- Ladies Tees: 106 slope (63.6 rating)
A slope rating of 127 from the back tees indicates a challenging course for average golfers, while the 106 slope from the ladies tees shows the course is very playable for all skill levels when choosing appropriate tees. The ratings represent 18-hole combinations; individual nine-hole ratings for Ironwood, Acacia, and Mesquite are not publicly available.
Best Time to Visit The Westin Kierland Golf Club
Peak Season (January-April)
Spring months deliver perfect conditions with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s and minimal rainfall. This is also the busiest and most expensive time to play. Book your 90-day advance tee time as early as possible and expect premium pricing during these months.
Value Season (May-September)
Summer brings intense heat with temperatures often exceeding 100°F, but also significant rate discounts. Take advantage of the air-conditioned cart options and schedule early morning tee times (6:00 AM starts are available) to beat the heat. The course is typically less crowded, offering faster pace of play.
Shoulder Season (October-December)
Fall provides an excellent balance of comfortable weather and reasonable rates. October can still be warm, but by November temperatures moderate into the ideal golf range. December begins to see increased demand as winter visitors arrive.
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Certification
The Westin Kierland Golf Club has earned Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification, recognizing the course's commitment to environmental stewardship. This program focuses on water conservation, wildlife habitat enhancement, and responsible use of resources - important considerations for desert golf courses in Arizona.
The certification demonstrates that Kierland maintains high environmental standards while providing quality playing conditions across all 27 holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to play Kierland Golf Club?
Is Kierland Golf Club public or private?
What are the three courses at Kierland?
Can you walk Kierland Golf Club?
Is there a dress code at Kierland Golf Club?
What is the slope rating at Kierland Golf Club?
Plan Your Visit to The Westin Kierland Golf Club
The Westin Kierland Golf Club delivers a distinctive Scottsdale golf experience with its 27-hole layout offering six different 18-hole combinations. Whether you're visiting once or returning multiple times to try different course pairings, Scott Miller's desert design provides variety, challenge, and great scenery across the Ironwood, Acacia, and Mesquite nines.
The award-winning pro shop, VISION54 instruction program, full practice facilities, and unique transportation options create a complete golf destination. Combined with the resort amenities and convenient North Scottsdale location, Kierland is an excellent choice for your Arizona golf trip. See our Scottsdale golf resort guide for more resort course options.
Ready to book? Contact The Westin Kierland Golf Club at (480) 922-9283 or visit kierlandgolf.com to reserve your tee time up to 90 days in advance.
For more Scottsdale golf options, browse our complete directory of Scottsdale area courses to find the perfect match for your skill level and preferences.