Voted Arizona's best private club, Paradise Valley Country Club has represented the pinnacle of golf and country club living in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area since 1954. This invitation-only, member-owned club offers just over 1,000 fortunate members access to a championship 18-hole course designed by Lawrence Hughes, surrounded by some of Arizona's most iconic mountain scenery.
With a legacy spanning over 70 years, Paradise Valley Country Club isn't just a golf course—it's a tradition of excellence that continues to set the standard for private club experiences in the Southwest.
What Makes Paradise Valley Country Club Special?
An Invitation-Only Legacy
Triple bunker complex guards elevated green
Paradise Valley Country Club isn't the kind of place where you simply fill out a membership application. As a private, invitation-only club, membership requires sponsorship from existing members and approval by the membership committee. This exclusivity has helped maintain the club's reputation as Arizona's premier private golf facility.
The Championship Golf Course
The 18-hole championship course plays to 6,898 yards from the Black tees with a challenging slope rating of 134 and course rating of 73.3. The parkland-style layout features elevated tees and greens, strategic water hazards, and meticulously maintained bunkering.
Tees
Yardage
Rating
Slope
Black
6,898
73.3
134
Blue
6,393
71.1
129
White
5,854
68.9
122
Green
5,212
66.3
116
Pros
Voted best private club in Arizona—recognized excellence
Championship course design with modern refinements
Just over 1,000 members ensures exclusivity and available tee times
Full country club amenities: tennis, fitness, dining, swimming, social events
Member-owned structure gives members control over club direction
Walking permitted for golfers who prefer traditional play
Cons
Invitation-only membership—requires sponsorship from existing members
Estimated initiation fees range from $100,000-$250,000 (not publicly disclosed)
No public play—members and their guests only
Membership costs and process not publicly disclosed
Is Paradise Valley Country Club Private or Public?
Paradise Valley Country Club is a private, invitation-only, member-owned club. There is no public play available. The club operates on a traditional private club model where prospective members must be sponsored by existing members and approved through a membership committee process.
Elegant fairway wedding venue with Camelback Mountain backdrop
Location and Setting
Paradise Valley Country Club occupies 180 well-maintained acres in one of Arizona's most exclusive neighborhoods, surrounded by scenic natural landmarks:
Lush fairways wind through exclusive Paradise Valley neighborhood
South: Camelback Mountain
West: Phoenix Mountain Preserve
East: McDowell Mountains
Nearby: Mummy Mountain and Marshmallow Hill
Full Country Club Amenities
Practice Facilities:
Camelback Mountain trail adjacent to golf course
Full-service driving range
Multiple putting greens
Dedicated pitching and chipping area
Golf simulator for year-round practice
Beyond Golf:
Championship tennis courts with professional instruction
State-of-the-art fitness center
Resort-style pool complex
Multiple dining venues
Year-round social events calendar
Caddie services available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paradise Valley Country Club known for?
Paradise Valley Country Club is known for being Arizona's premier private golf club, voted best private club in the state. Established in 1953, it's recognized for its championship Lawrence Hughes-designed golf course, spectacular mountain views, and invitation-only membership with just over 1,000 members.
Is Paradise Valley Country Club private or public?
Paradise Valley Country Club is a private, invitation-only, member-owned club. There is no public play. Only members and their invited guests can access the golf course and club facilities.
How much does it cost to join Paradise Valley Country Club?
Paradise Valley Country Club does not publicly disclose membership costs. Industry estimates suggest initiation fees of $100,000-$250,000, with monthly dues of $1,500-$2,500. Contact the club directly at (602) 840-8100 for accurate current pricing.
What are the membership requirements for Paradise Valley Country Club?
As an invitation-only club, membership requires sponsorship from existing members and approval by the membership committee. Specific requirements and the detailed application process are not publicly disclosed.
What golf course designers designed Paradise Valley Country Club?
Paradise Valley Country Club was originally designed by Lawrence Hughes in 1953 with PGA Tour professional Johnny Bulla as consultant. The course has been refined by Keith Foster (1995 bunkering renovation), Geoffrey Cornish, and Gary Panks.
Can non-members play at Paradise Valley Country Club?
No, non-members cannot play unless invited as a guest of a current member. The club is strictly private with no public tee times or corporate outing access for non-member companies.
Nearby Courses & Guides
Course History
Established in 1953 and officially opened on April 10, 1954, Paradise Valley Country Club represents over 70 years of golf excellence in the Scottsdale-Phoenix area. Originally designed by Lawrence Hughes with consultation from PGA Tour professional Johnny Bulla, the course has been refined by notable architects including Keith Foster (1995 bunkering renovation), Geoffrey Cornish, and Gary Panks. Voted best private club in Arizona by the Club Leader Forum.
Signature Holes
The parkland-style layout features elevated tees and greens, strategic water hazards, and meticulously maintained bunkering across 180 well-maintained acres. The 12th hole stands out as a signature challenge—a 191-yard par-3 to a postage-stamp green that exemplifies the course's emphasis on accuracy. panoramic 360-degree mountain views include Camelback Mountain, Mummy Mountain, and the McDowell Mountains.
Pro Tips
This is an invitation-only, member-owned club with just over 1,000 members. There is no public play - you must either be a member or know a member willing to extend a guest invitation. The course offers 14 different tee combinations ranging from 5,212 yards (Green tees) to 6,898 yards (Black tees). Walking is permitted with or without caddie.