Overview
TPC Scottsdale stands as one of the most iconic golf destinations in the American Southwest. Home to the WM Phoenix Open—the most-attended tournament in professional golf—this venue offers a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels — it consistently makes our best courses in Scottsdale list.
The Stadium Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, masterfully blends challenging desert golf with spectator-friendly design elements that have made it a fan favorite since 1987.
Value Reality Check: Peak season rates ($339-$579) make this a special-occasion splurge rather than a regular play. Course conditions are tournament-quality from December through March, but experienced golfers note that summer maintenance standards decline significantly. The Champions Course ($139-$249 peak, $65-$69 summer) offers much better value with solid conditions year-round.
What to Expect
From the moment you arrive, TPC Scottsdale delivers a premium golf experience. The practice facilities are top-notch, featuring a spacious driving range, extensive short game area, and practice putting greens that mirror the course conditions.
The Stadium Course demands precision off the tee, with strategic bunkering and desert waste areas punishing errant shots. However, the fairways are generous enough to keep the average golfer engaged without being overwhelmed.
The Legendary 16th Hole
No discussion of TPC Scottsdale is complete without mentioning the iconic 16th hole. This 162-yard par 3 transforms into the "Greatest Show on Grass" during the WM Phoenix Open, when a 20,000-seat stadium surrounds the green.
Even outside tournament season, standing on the tee box and imagining the roar of the crowd is a goosebump-inducing experience that every golfer should have at least once.
Pros
- Iconic 16th hole special-occasion experience
- Tournament-quality conditions Dec-Mar
- Excellent practice facilities
- Champions Course offers great value ($65-$69 summer)
- Well-stocked pro shop
- Historic venue—Tiger Woods 1997 ace on 16th
Cons
- Peak pricing ($500+) hard to justify for most golfers
- Summer conditions decline significantly
- Better alternatives nearby (We-Ko-Pa, Troon North)
- Five-hour rounds common during peak season
- Twilight rates ($250-$275) offer better value
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Play
- Peak Season (Jan-Apr): Perfect weather, highest rates
- Value Season (May-Sep): Lower rates, earlier start times recommended
- Shoulder Season (Oct-Dec): Great weather, moderate pricing
What to Bring
- Plenty of water (course provides water stations)
- High SPF sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Extra golf balls for the desert carries