Two Tom Weiskopf designs in a boulder-strewn corner of the Sonoran — the standard-bearer for high-end public desert golf.
Par
72 / 71
Yardage
7,039 / 7,009
Slope
144–148
Designer
Tom Weiskopf
Opened
1990
Greens
Bent grass
Play It Smart
Know Before You Go
Book 90 days out
Peak-season mornings disappear the day the window opens. Set a reminder.
5% water surcharge
Added at check-in on top of the quoted rate — budget for it.
Peak runs Jan 18 – Apr 26
$300+ mornings in season; summer rates drop 50–70% for heat-tolerant golfers.
Miss short, not long
Crowned, multi-tier greens. Collection areas short are forgiving; long is dead.
Two very different courses
Monument plays firm and links-like; Pinnacle is dramatic canyon target golf.
Practice the bump-and-run
Firm, fast surfaces reward running approaches over high soft wedges.
The Course
The Full Guide
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 play to slope ratings in the mid-140s (roughly 144-148 depending on tee and rating source).
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
Iconic boulder landscape on Monument Course
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 ~145-148 depending on rating source), 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 ~144-147 depending on rating source) 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 14th hole, the Pinnacle's longest, 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.
Course Specs Side by Side
Spec
Monument Course
Pinnacle Course
Opened
1990 (Weiskopf redesign 2007)
1995
Designer
Tom Weiskopf / Jay Morrish
Tom Weiskopf / Phil Smith
Par
72
71
Championship Yardage
7,039 yards
7,009 yards
Course Rating
72.9-73.3
72.8-73.2
Slope Rating
145-148
144-147
Greens
Bent grass
Bent grass
Fairways
Bermuda
Bermuda
Style
British links-inspired, ground game
Canyon desert, elevation & forced carries
Notable Hole
No. 3 (556-yd par 5, Black tees)
No. 14 (609-yd par 5, Black tees)
Best For
Strategic shotmakers, all handicaps
Scenery seekers, big hitters
Specs per Troon North scorecards and GolfPass course data; rating/slope vary by tee and rating source. Both courses carry Audubon Sanctuary certification.
Pinnacle: Canyon scenery and photo opportunities everywhere
Pinnacle: Memorable elevation changes on every hole
Pinnacle: 14th hole — 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:
Saguaros and boulders frame every approach
Season
Approx. Green Fee (18 holes)
What You Get
Peak (Jan 18 - Apr 26)
$300+ prime AM
Perfect weather, tournament conditioning, free forecaddie Thu-Sat 8-11 AM
Shoulder (Oct-Dec, late Apr-May)
~30-50% off peak
Best value-to-weather ratio of the year
Summer (May-Sep)
~50-70% off peak
Early AM only; firm Bermuda but desert heat by 10 AM
Twilight (year-round)
30-50% off that day's rate
Reduced price; you may not finish all 18
Cart fee is included. A 5% water surcharge is added at check-in on top of the quoted rate. Rates are dynamic and change daily by demand and tee time — confirm current pricing at troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ or (480) 585-7700. For more summer deals, see our cheap golf in Scottsdale guide.
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.
Famous rock formations create photo opportunities between holes
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.
Boulder-lined water hazards add to the strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to play Troon North?
Dynamic pricing — no fixed rate. Peak season (Jan 18 - Apr 26) runs $300+ for morning times. Summer drops 50-70%. A 5% water surcharge is added at check-in on top of quoted rates. Current pricing: troonnorthgolf.com/book_tt/ or (480) 585-7700.
Is Troon North public or private?
Semi-private with full public access. Anyone can book a tee time up to 90 days in advance — no membership needed.
What are the two courses at Troon North?
Monument (par 72, 7,039 yards, slope ~145-148 depending on rating source) plays like British links golf in the desert. Pinnacle (par 71, 7,009 yards, slope ~144-147) is pure canyon desert golf with steep elevation changes. Both feature bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways.
Can you walk Troon North?
Not really. Cart fees are included in your green fee, and the Pinnacle's elevation changes make walking tough. Call ahead to confirm current walking policies.
What is the hardest hole at Troon North?
Pinnacle's 14th — a 609-yard par 5 through steep arroyos, the course's longest hole. On Monument, the four holes exceeding 500 yards test long hitters, especially into wind.
Does Troon North have a driving range?
Yes. Full-length turf range with six target greens (50-250 yards), plus short game area and practice putting greens. Open to players with tee times only. Tuesday-Sunday 5:30 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday 5:30 AM - noon.
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.
A 556-yard par 5 from the Black tees, one of four holes on the Monument exceeding 500 yards, demanding strategic positioning and club selection across firm, fast desert terrain.
14Monument
A 570-yard par 5, another of the Monument's long holes, testing every club in your bag with strategic bunker placement and elevation changes.
14Pinnacle
The Pinnacle's longest hole, a par 5 stretching 609 yards from the Black tees, featuring steep arroyos and natural washes that demand strategic play and club selection.
8Pinnacle
A downhill par 3 where portions of the green are hidden behind massive boulders, requiring precise distance control.