Troon North sits at the base of Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale and gives you two Tom Weiskopf designs that play nothing alike. The Monument Course borrows from British links golf — bump-and-run approaches, firm fairways, creative shotmaking. The Pinnacle throws you into steep desert canyons with forced carries and hidden greens. Both courses carry Audubon Sanctuary designation and slope ratings north of 147.
This is serious desert golf. Semi-private, but public play is available with tee times bookable 90 days out. During peak season (January through April), you're looking at $300+ per round before the 5% water surcharge they tack on at check-in.
Monument Course: Links Thinking in the Desert
The Monument opened in 1990 and got a full Weiskopf redesign in 2007 with a British Open-inspired philosophy. At 7,039 yards (par 72, slope 148), it plays unlike any other desert course in Arizona. Instead of forced carries and target golf, you get firm fairways, bump-and-run approach options, and greens that reward positioning over power.
Four holes stretch past 500 yards, but the key isn't distance — it's your approach game. The bent grass greens hold well, but they're multi-tiered and crowned. Hit the wrong level and you're three-putting. Miss short rather than long when in doubt; the grass collection areas are more forgiving than the drop-offs behind greens.
Pinnacle Course: Desert Elevation and Canyon Golf
The Pinnacle Course (1995, par 71, 7,009 yards, slope 147) is pure Sonoran Desert. Steep arroyos, natural washes, massive boulders framing fairways, and elevation changes that make club selection an adventure.
Here's the mental game: the fairways look tighter than they are. Weiskopf built visual intimidation into every tee shot. Commit to your line and swing — the landing areas are wider than they appear. The real challenge comes on the greens. Multi-tiered putting surfaces mean position matters more than distance.
The signature 16th hole stretches 609 yards from the Black tees — one of the longest par 5s in Arizona. It plays through a natural canyon with steep arroyos on both sides. Three smart shots to reach the green in regulation; heroics will cost you.
The back nine is where the Pinnacle earns its reputation. McDowell Mountain views, the Phoenix skyline in the distance, and some of the most memorable elevation changes on any Scottsdale course.
Monument vs Pinnacle: Which Should You Play?
Play Monument if you prefer strategic, thinking-golfer's courses with ground game options and firm, fast conditions. It consistently ranks higher and plays more fairly across all handicaps.
Play Pinnacle if you love canyon scenery, bold elevation changes, and target golf with forced carries. It's the one you'll photograph and remember.
If you can play both, go Monument first. Its strategic demands warm up your course management, then Pinnacle's elevation changes hit different in the afternoon light.
Pros
- Monument: Rare British-links-meets-desert design
- Monument: Strategic options reward course management
- Monument: Fast, firm conditions favor ball-strikers
- Pinnacle: Canyon scenery and photo opportunities everywhere
- Pinnacle: Memorable elevation changes on every hole
- Pinnacle: Signature 16th — 609 yards of pure strategy
- Both: Audubon Sanctuary certified
- Both: Free forecaddie service during peak season (Thurs-Sat, 8-11 AM)
Cons
- $300+ per round during peak season, plus 5% water surcharge
- Peak season tee times book up fast — 90-day window essential
- Pinnacle's forced carries punish mishits
- Walking not encouraged (cart fees included)
- Practice range restricted to players with tee times that day
Rates and Booking
Troon North uses dynamic pricing — no fixed rate card. Here's what to budget:
- Peak season (Jan 18 - Apr 26): $300+ for prime morning times. Book exactly 90 days out — set a calendar reminder, because morning weekend slots can book within hours of opening.
- Shoulder season (Oct-Dec, late Apr-May): 30-50% less than peak. Best value-to-weather ratio.
- Summer (May-Sep): 50-70% less. Early morning tee times only — it's brutal by 10 AM. For more summer deals, check our cheap golf in Scottsdale guide.
A 5% water surcharge gets added at check-in on top of quoted rates. Twilight rates are available but you probably won't finish 18.
How to book: troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ or call (480) 585-7700. The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale also offers stay-and-play packages with guaranteed tee times — useful during peak season when booking independently is a fight.
Practice Facilities
The setup here beats most public courses in Scottsdale. A full-length turf range with six target greens from 50 to 250 yards, a dedicated short game area, and practice putting greens that match course speeds. Show up 45 minutes early.
One catch: the range is only open to players with a tee time that day. No standalone range passes. Hours are Tuesday-Sunday 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday 5:30 AM to noon.
The on-site Callaway Performance Center handles club fitting and instruction if you want to dial in your equipment for desert conditions.
Planning Your Visit
First time here?
- Book 90 days out during peak season — morning times go fast
- Play both courses if you can. Monument first, Pinnacle second.
- Use the forecaddie service (free Thurs-Sat, 8-11 AM in peak season)
- Budget for the 5% water surcharge added at check-in
- Collared shirt, no denim, soft spikes. Standard upscale daily-fee dress code.
On a budget?
- Shoulder season gives you 70% of the peak experience at half the price
- Summer sunrise rounds are the best deal in Scottsdale if you can handle the heat
- Check GolfNow for occasional third-party deals
Going all out?
- Book a Four Seasons stay-and-play package for guaranteed tee times
- Schedule a Callaway Performance Center fitting before your round
- Post-round dinner at Dynamite Grille in the 37,000-sq-ft clubhouse
A new option coming soon: The Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North is scheduled to open in early 2026 on 2.7 acres next to the clubhouse. On-site rooms built for golfers — roll out of bed and onto the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to play Troon North?
Is Troon North public or private?
What are the two courses at Troon North?
Can you walk Troon North?
What is the hardest hole at Troon North?
Does Troon North have a driving range?
Getting There
Address: 10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
From Sky Harbor Airport: Take AZ-101 Loop North to E Dynamite Blvd, head east. About 40-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Contact: (480) 585-7700 | troonnorthgolf.com
Online Booking: troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/