Most golfers visiting the Phoenix area never look west. They fly into Sky Harbor, head straight to Scottsdale, and spend their entire trip bouncing between the same 10 courses everyone else plays. That's a mistake -- and is the reason.
Peoria and Glendale anchor the West Valley, a sprawling stretch of suburban Phoenix that most golf publications ignore. But this side of town holds a genuine top-100 public course, affordable daily-fee options, Cactus League spring training stadiums, and green fees that run 20-40% cheaper than equivalent quality in Scottsdale. If you're building a Scottsdale golf trip and want one round that's truly different from everything else on your card, Quintero is that round.
Quick Reference
| Course | Type | Green Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private / Daily Fee | $160-$385 | Must-play mountain golf, top-100 course | |
| Westbrook Village Golf Club (Lakes & Vistas) | Semi-Private | $65-$105 | Affordable 36-hole facility, retirement community |
| The Clubs at Arrowhead (King & Legend) | Private | Members only | Arnold Palmer design, 36 holes |
| Arrowhead Country Club | Private | Members only | Family-friendly private club |
| Golf Club of Estrella (Goodyear) | Public | $44-$109 | Jack Nicklaus II design, best West Valley value |
Quintero Golf Club -- The Star of the West Valley
A Top-100 Course Hiding 45 Minutes from Scottsdale
is the kind of course that makes you wonder how it ended up where it did. Rees Jones carved 18 holes through the Hieroglyphic Mountains near Lake Pleasant, creating a layout with nearly 700 feet of total elevation change, four dramatic downhill par 3s, and mountain scenery that rivals anything in the Scottsdale corridor.
The numbers back up the experience: ranked #93 on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses and #2 in Arizona by Golfweek (behind only Saguaro Course). This isn't a "good for the West Valley" qualifier -- Quintero is legitimately one of the best public golf courses in the state, period.
The layout: Par 72, stretching to 7,249 yards from the Black tees (75.3/148). Most golfers should play the Silver tees at 6,437 yards (70.7/137) -- it's still a serious test without being punitive. Jones designed up to nine tees per hole, so there's a setup for every handicap down to the forward tees at 5,043 yards.
Fresh Off a Complete Renovation
Quintero reopened November 1, 2025 after a five-month, multi-million-dollar overhaul that touched every surface on the course. Rees Jones returned personally to oversee the project, and the results are significant:
- All 18 greens rebuilt with 007XL Bentgrass -- drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and rolling faster and truer than the old surfaces
- All 65 bunkers renovated with new drainage, liners, and Augusta white sand
- Every tee box laser-leveled and resurfaced with premium 419 Bermuda
- Enhanced greenside irrigation for consistent conditioning year-round
- Rebuilt practice facility with new putting green matching the course's bentgrass
Playing Quintero in early 2026 means experiencing the course in essentially brand-new condition. The greens are dialed in, the bunkers are pure, and the course hasn't had years of heavy traffic to wear anything down. It's the best Quintero has ever been.
What Makes Quintero Special
This isn't typical desert target golf. The course winds through mountain valleys with holes that climb ridgelines and drop into canyons. The four downhill par 3s are the signature moments -- the 6th plunges down a hillside with panoramic desert views, while the 16th drops toward the Hieroglyphic Mountains framed by saguaro cacti. Each demands a club-and-a-half adjustment for the elevation change.
Between tee shots, the elevation ranges from 1,986 to 2,670 feet. That's nearly 700 feet of vertical change over 18 holes -- more than you'll find at any course in the Scottsdale corridor. The terrain creates visual drama on every hole and demands constant recalculation of distance and club selection.
Insider tip: Quintero's remote location is part of the appeal. Once you turn off AZ-74 (Carefree Highway), you're in open desert with mountain views in every direction. There's no housing development crowding the fairways, no road noise, no adjacent courses. It feels like a private golf experience on a public course.
Pricing and Booking
Quintero uses dynamic pricing. Current rates range from about $160 for off-peak weekday afternoons to $385 for prime weekend morning tee times, with most rounds falling in the $200-$270 range including cart.
- Book up to 90 days in advance for the best selection
- Arizona residents receive discounted rates with valid ID
- Weekday afternoons and summer mornings offer the best deals
- Groups of 12+ should contact the club directly at (928) 501-1500
- 48-hour cancellation policy -- miss the window and you're paying full price
Stay and play: Quintero has nine vacation rental units on property, updated in 2025 with new kitchens, bathrooms, and furnishings. It's a unique option for a dedicated golf trip without Scottsdale resort prices.
How Quintero Compares
For golfers weighing Quintero against other premium Scottsdale-area courses:
| Course | Peak Green Fee | Drive from Scottsdale | Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| $385 | 45-60 min | Golf Digest #93, Golfweek #2 AZ | |
| $275 | 25 min | Golfweek #1 AZ | |
| $325 | 15 min | Perennial top-10 AZ | |
| $400 | 10 min | PGA Tour venue |
Quintero's peak pricing is competitive with the Scottsdale elite courses, but the off-peak deals -- especially weekday afternoons -- can drop well below $200. That's top-100 golf for mid-tier prices.
Other West Valley Golf Options
Westbrook Village Golf Club (Peoria)
This semi-private, member-owned club in northwest Peoria offers two 18-hole courses open to public play. The Lakes Course and Vistas Course give you 36 holes at green fees ranging from $65-$105 depending on the day and season.
Neither course will challenge serious players the way Quintero does, but that's not the point. Westbrook Village is a well-maintained retirement community facility with decent conditioning and a relaxed pace. It's a solid option for a casual round when you don't want to drive 45 minutes to Quintero or pay Scottsdale prices.
Best for: Value-minded golfers, seniors wanting walkable courses, and anyone looking for a no-pressure round in the West Valley.
The Clubs at Arrowhead (Glendale) -- Private
Two Arnold Palmer-designed championship courses combined into one private club in the heart of Glendale. The King Course and Legend Course total 36 holes of Palmer's work -- significant given that Palmer designs in the Phoenix area are relatively rare.
The Legend Course recently reopened with the Water's Edge Icehouse, a casual indoor/outdoor dining spot that's open to the public even though the golf is members-only. The club also features a fitness center, eight tennis courts, eight pickleball courts, and three pools.
You'll need a member to get on the courses, but charity tournaments and special events occasionally open access throughout the year.
Arrowhead Country Club (Peoria/Glendale) -- Private
A family-oriented private club spanning 200+ acres of rolling terrain with lakes and ponds, located about 9 miles north of Peoria off Route 40. This is a more traditional country club experience -- less about the golf pedigree and more about the community and lifestyle.
Golf Club of Estrella (Goodyear) -- The West Valley Value Pick
About 25 minutes southwest of Glendale in Goodyear, the Golf Club of Estrella is worth the detour for value-conscious golfers. Jack Nicklaus II designed this par-72, 7,139-yard layout for Nicklaus Design in 1999, and Troon manages the course to high standards.
Green fees range from $44-$109 depending on day and season -- making it one of the best values in the entire Phoenix metro for a Nicklaus-designed course. Golfweek has included Estrella among Arizona's top courses, and the desert mountain setting delivers genuine scenery without the premium Scottsdale price tag.
Why Peoria & Glendale for Your Golf Trip
The Spring Training Connection
If you're planning a late February or March golf trip, the West Valley is Cactus League central. Peoria Sports Complex hosts the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres, while Camelback Ranch in Glendale is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. That's four MLB teams within a 15-minute drive of each other.
The 2026 spring training schedule opens February 20 at Peoria Sports Complex. A morning round at Quintero followed by an afternoon game at Peoria or Camelback Ranch makes for one of the best sports days you can put together in Arizona.
State Farm Stadium & Westgate Entertainment
Glendale's entertainment corridor anchored by State Farm Stadium (home of the Arizona Cardinals and regular host of the Super Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and the Westgate Entertainment District puts restaurants, bars, and event venues within 10 minutes of the golf courses. It's a different vibe from Scottsdale's Old Town -- less resort, more big-event energy.
Lower Prices Across the Board
Everything in the West Valley costs less than Scottsdale: hotels, restaurants, green fees, and entertainment. A golf trip based in Peoria or Glendale with daily drives to Scottsdale courses (30-40 minutes) can save 30-40% on lodging alone compared to staying in Old Town Scottsdale. Play Quintero one day, then drive east to or the next -- you're still within easy striking distance of every course on the Scottsdale corridor.
Getting There
From Old Town Scottsdale to Quintero: 45-60 minutes via Loop 101 West to AZ-74 (Carefree Highway). The last stretch on 74 is scenic desert driving through increasingly remote terrain.
From Old Town Scottsdale to Glendale (Arrowhead area): 25-30 minutes via Loop 101 West. Quick freeway drive, no surprises.
From Old Town Scottsdale to Peoria (Westbrook Village): 35-40 minutes via Loop 101 West to the 303.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: 35-40 minutes to Glendale, 40-50 minutes to Peoria, 50-60 minutes to Quintero. All freeway routes.
Pro tip: If you're staying in North Scottsdale near or , the drive to Quintero via Carefree Highway is surprisingly direct -- about 40-45 minutes through open desert. It feels shorter than the mileage suggests because there's no traffic.
Best Time to Play the West Valley
Peak Season (January-March): Ideal weather, highest demand, and prime spring training overlap. Quintero will be at peak pricing. Book 90 days out.
Spring Training Sweet Spot (late February-March): Combine golf and baseball for the ultimate trip. Weather is perfect, courses are in top shape, and the energy of Cactus League games adds something no other golf destination can match.
Shoulder Season (October-November, April-May): Excellent weather with moderate pricing. Post-overseeding conditions in late October and November are often the best of the year. April can start getting warm but mornings are still comfortable.
Summer (June-September): Extreme heat, but Quintero drops to its lowest rates -- sometimes under $160 for a top-100 course. If you can handle an early morning tee time in 100+ degree heat, the value is hard to beat.
Plan Your West Valley Golf Trip
The Quintero Day Trip: Drive from Scottsdale in the morning, play 18 at Quintero, grab lunch at the clubhouse, and you're back in Scottsdale by mid-afternoon. Schedule it as the "different" round in a Scottsdale trip.
The Spring Training Package: Base yourself in Peoria or Glendale for 3-4 nights. Play Quintero one morning, catch an afternoon Padres or Mariners game at Peoria Sports Complex. Day two, drive to a Scottsdale course like or . Day three, play Estrella in Goodyear for value, then catch the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.
The Budget Builder: Stay in the West Valley (hotels are 30-40% cheaper than Scottsdale), play Westbrook Village or Estrella for affordable rounds, and save Quintero for your one splurge day. Drive east to Scottsdale courses when you want the "name brand" experience without paying resort hotel prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Quintero Golf Club worth the drive from Scottsdale?
Yes. Quintero is ranked #93 on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses and #2 in Arizona by Golfweek. The 45-60 minute drive from Scottsdale delivers mountain golf with nearly 700 feet of elevation change that you can't find anywhere in the Scottsdale corridor. The freshly renovated greens and bunkers (November 2025) make this the best time to play. It's a genuinely different experience from Scottsdale desert courses.
What are the best public golf courses in Peoria, AZ?
is the standout -- a top-100 Rees Jones design with dramatic mountain scenery and championship conditioning. Westbrook Village Golf Club offers two affordable 18-hole courses (Lakes and Vistas) open to public play at $65-$105. For more options, the Golf Club of Estrella in nearby Goodyear is a Nicklaus-designed course with green fees from $44-$109.
Can I combine golf and spring training in Peoria/Glendale?
Absolutely. Peoria Sports Complex (Padres and Mariners) and Camelback Ranch in Glendale (Dodgers and White Sox) are both within 15 minutes of West Valley golf courses. The 2026 Cactus League season opens February 20. A morning round at Quintero or Westbrook Village followed by an afternoon game is one of the best combos in Arizona sports travel.
How does Peoria/Glendale compare to Scottsdale for a golf trip?
The West Valley offers significantly lower hotel and dining prices (30-40% less than Scottsdale), plus access to Quintero -- a top-100 course that matches or exceeds most Scottsdale offerings. The tradeoff is proximity: you'll drive 30-40 minutes to reach Scottsdale courses. But many golfers find the savings and the chance to play Quintero make a West Valley base worth considering, especially during spring training when the area has its own sports energy.
Is Quintero Golf Club public or private?
Quintero is a semi-private daily-fee course, fully open to public booking. Despite originally being planned as a private club, the remote location led to a transition to public access. The course is managed by Troon. Book tee times up to 90 days in advance at quinterogolf.com or by calling (928) 501-1500.
What other golf courses are near Glendale, AZ?
The Clubs at Arrowhead offers two Arnold Palmer-designed courses but is private (members only). Arrowhead Country Club is another private option. For public play, Westbrook Village Golf Club in Peoria (10 minutes north) has two courses, and the Golf Club of Estrella in Goodyear (25 minutes southwest) offers a Nicklaus design at affordable rates. Quintero Golf Club (45 minutes northwest via Carefree Highway) is the top public option in the area.
