Overview
Looking for the TPC Scottsdale experience without the tournament-level price tag? The Champions Course delivers solid desert golf at a fraction of the cost of its famous Stadium Course sibling. At $80-$249 depending on season, compared to $339-$579 for the Stadium Course, the Champions Course offers outstanding value while keeping TPC-level standards.
Designed by Randy Heckenkemper and opened in November 2007, this 7,115-yard par 71 layout winds through natural desert landscape with genuine character. While the Stadium Course draws tournament crowds and premium pricing, the Champions Course provides quiet desert solitude, better pace of play, and conditions that locals consistently praise.
The value play: Many experienced golfers find the Champions Course actually more enjoyable than the Stadium Course. You'll spend less time waiting on crowded tees, experience more authentic desert terrain, and save $200-$330 per round — money better spent on additional rounds or post-golf margaritas.
What to Expect
The Champions Course distinguishes itself through authentic desert character. Unlike the Stadium Course's more excavated and open design, Champions winds through natural ravines and picturesque foothills with a creek running through the layout. The terrain feels genuinely Sonoran, with undulating Bermuda fairways flowing within the rugged landscape.
Course conditions consistently earn praise from locals. While the Stadium Course maintains immaculate tournament-ready conditions in peak season, the Champions Course delivers very good conditions year-round at significantly lower rates. The TiffDwarf grass greens are fast and true, and the fairways provide excellent lies throughout the season.
The atmosphere stands in stark contrast to the Stadium Course. Where Stadium attracts one-and-done tourists and slow-moving groups, Champions offers desert solitude and better pace of play. It's the course locals choose when they want quality golf without the circus.
Champions vs Stadium: Which Should You Play?
This question comes up constantly among Scottsdale visitors, and the answer depends on your priorities and budget.
Choose the Stadium Course if:
- You want to play where the pros play during the WM Phoenix Open
- The famous 16th hole is a must-see for your trip
- Price isn't a primary concern ($339-$579)
- You're willing to deal with slower pace and larger crowds
- You're visiting once and want the iconic experience
Choose the Champions Course if:
- You prioritize value and playing multiple rounds
- You prefer natural desert terrain over manicured tournament conditions
- Better pace of play matters to you
- You're a local or frequent visitor looking for a regular venue
- You enjoy walking the course
- You want the TPC experience at half the price
Many experienced golfers play both courses and report that while Stadium offers the "wow" factor of tournament recognition, Champions provides the more enjoyable golf experience. The $200-$330 savings per round can fund additional rounds at excellent nearby courses like We-Ko-Pa or Troon North.
Pros
- Exceptional value — $200-330 less than Stadium Course
- Better pace of play and less crowded
- Highly walkable layout favored by locals
- Natural desert terrain with genuine character
- Solid conditions maintained year-round
- Same practice facilities as Stadium
- Creek and natural ravines add strategic interest
- McDowell Mountains backdrop
Cons
- No tournament history or name recognition
- Practice balls off mats vs Stadium ProVs off grass
- Slightly less immaculate conditions than Stadium
- Less name recognition among visitors
- No famous holes like Stadium 16th
Course Details and Difficulty
At 7,115 yards from the tips, the Champions Course plays to a course rating of 73.7 and slope of 140 — statistically more challenging than the Stadium Course on paper. However, the layout proves more forgiving in practice, with generous fairways and approachable green complexes.
The quartet of finishing holes provides the course's signature challenge. Strategic bunkering and desert waste areas punish wayward shots, but the layout rewards thoughtful course management over raw power. Mid-handicappers find the course challenging yet fair, while low-handicappers appreciate the shot-making demands.
The TiffDwarf greens run fast and hold well, with subtle breaks that require attention. They're typically firmer in winter months and slightly more receptive during summer, when overseeding transitions occur.
Practice Facilities and Amenities
As part of the TPC Scottsdale complex, Champions Course players get access to the same practice facilities. The spacious driving range, short game area, and practice putting greens mirror course conditions and help you dial in before teeing off.
One difference from the Stadium Course: practice balls are hit off mats at Champions rather than grass (Stadium provides ProV1s off grass). For most golfers, this distinction matters little — the range quality remains excellent.
The pro shop is well-stocked with TPC-branded merchandise and equipment, and the Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar offers excellent post-round dining with desert views.
Booking Your Tee Time
Tee times open 3 months in advance through the TPC Scottsdale booking system. Peak season rounds (February-May) fill quickly, especially weekend morning times, so book early if you have specific date requirements.
Dynamic pricing means rates vary significantly by season, day of week, and tee time. Expect to pay:
- Peak Season (Feb-May): $139-$249
- Shoulder Season (Oct-Jan, Jun): $100-$139
- Summer (Jul-Sep): Below $100
Twilight rates offer excellent value, typically $30-$50 less than morning rounds with the bonus of cooler temperatures and desert sunsets. If you're looking for more affordable golf in Scottsdale, summer twilight rounds here are hard to beat.
Contact Information:
- Phone: (480) 585-4334
- Booking: 888-400-4001 ext. 1
- Online: tpcscottsdale.ezlinksgolf.com
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Play
Winter/Spring (Jan-Apr): Perfect weather with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s. This is peak season with highest rates but ideal playing conditions. Book well in advance.
Summer (May-Sep): Temperatures exceed 100F, but rates drop significantly. Early morning tee times (6:30-8:00 AM) or twilight rounds provide comfortable conditions and exceptional value.
Fall (Oct-Dec): Pleasant temperatures return, with moderate pricing. One of the best value windows for Scottsdale golf.
What to Bring
- Plenty of water (hydration is critical in desert climate)
- High SPF sunscreen and reapply frequently
- Wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
- Extra golf balls for desert carries and water hazards
- Rangefinder (course plays longer than yardage suggests)
Getting There
Located at 17020 N Hayden Rd in North Scottsdale, the course is approximately:
- 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
- 15 minutes from Downtown Scottsdale
- 5 minutes from the Kierland area
If you're planning a multi-day trip, check our Scottsdale golf resorts guide for nearby hotel options. Ample parking at the clubhouse — allow 30 minutes before your tee time for check-in and warm-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale?
What is the difference between TPC Stadium and Champions Course?
Is the Champions Course harder than the Stadium Course?
How much does it cost to play TPC Scottsdale Champions Course?
What is the course rating for TPC Champions?
Can the public play TPC Scottsdale Champions Course?
The Verdict
The Champions Course is one of Scottsdale's best values in public golf. It doesn't have the Stadium Course's tournament history or the famous 16th hole, but it delivers a better actual golf experience for most players: faster pace of play, authentic desert character, excellent walkability, and conditions that justify the greens fees year-round.
For locals and savvy visitors, Champions is the obvious choice. The money saved versus the Stadium Course can fund additional rounds at We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, or Grayhawk. And honestly — five hours of slow play on crowded Stadium tees detracts from any first-timer glow.
If you're visiting Scottsdale and want TPC quality without tourist pricing, book the Champions Course. You'll leave impressed by the golf, not disappointed by the bill.