Verrado Golf Club: Two Championship Courses in Buckeye's West Valley golf course
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Verrado Golf Club: Two Championship Courses in Buckeye's West Valley

About This Course

Ever wondered where you can play quality golf without Scottsdale's premium prices? Verrado Golf Club delivers two exceptional Tom Lehman-designed courses in Buckeye's West Valley, offering White Tank Mountain views and tournament-quality conditions at a fraction of typical Scottsdale rates. It's one of the best cheap golf options within reach of the Phoenix metro.

Located just 45 minutes west of Phoenix, Verrado Golf Club features 36 holes of championship golf across two distinct courses: the acclaimed Founders Course (opened 2004) and the newer Victory Course (opened 2017). Both courses showcase PGA Tour champion Tom Lehman and renowned architect John Fought's strategic design philosophy, creating an engaging golf experience for players of all skill levels.

What Makes Verrado Golf Club Special

Value Reality Check: With dynamic pricing ranging from $19 to $249, Verrado Golf Club offers exceptional value compared to premium Scottsdale courses. The Founders Course earned Golf Digest's "Best in State" designation in 2025 and ranks 45th nationally, yet maintains greens fees significantly lower than comparable championship layouts in Scottsdale. West Valley courses consistently deliver better value than their Scottsdale counterparts, and Verrado exemplifies this advantage with tournament-quality conditions at accessible prices.

Verrado Golf green with bunker and water hazard framed by golden ornamental grasses at sunset
Sculpted bunkers and water features on desert layout

The Founders Course, designed by PGA Tour champion Tom Lehman alongside respected architect John Fought, showcases strategic bunkering and generous fairways that reward smart course management. With a challenging 139 slope rating and 73.9 course rating from the tips, the Founders Course tests skilled players while remaining playable from forward tees.

The Victory Course, added in 2017, complements the Founders with a similar yardage (7,258 yards) but slightly different character. Both courses feature the same par 72 layout, allowing golfers to experience varied shot-making challenges across 36 holes.

Pros

  • Two championship courses at one location
  • Golf Digest Best in State recognition (Founders)
  • Significantly less crowded than Scottsdale courses
  • Dynamic pricing offers excellent value opportunities
  • White Tank Mountain views throughout both courses
  • Tom Lehman pedigree brings PGA Tour design expertise
  • Club rentals include 2 sleeves of golf balls ($75)
  • USB charging ports on golf carts

Cons

  • 45-minute drive from central Phoenix/Scottsdale
  • Limited dining and amenities nearby compared to Scottsdale
  • West Valley summer heat can be more intense
  • Lower brand recognition than established Scottsdale courses
  • Strict 48-hour cancellation policy

The Founders Course: Golf Digest Recognition

Opened in 2004, the Founders Course put Verrado Golf Club on the map. This Tom Lehman and John Fought design earned Golf Digest's "Best in State" designation in 2025, validating its status among Arizona's elite golf experiences.

The course plays 7,258 yards from the championship tees with a formidable 139 slope rating. Strategic bunker placement and undulating greens demand thoughtful shot selection, while generous fairway corridors prevent the course from becoming punishing for mid-handicappers.

Local golfers appreciate the Founders Course's emphasis on playability—Tom Lehman's PGA Tour experience shows in design elements that reward smart play rather than pure distance. The course features wider landing areas than traditional desert layouts, making it more forgiving while still requiring precision around the greens.

The Victory Course: Modern Championship Golf

Added in 2017, the Victory Course expanded Verrado to 36 holes. This Tom Lehman and John Fought design mirrors the Founders Course in yardage (7,258 yards) and par (72) but delivers distinct character through different green complexes and hazard placement.

With a 138 slope rating and 73.6 course rating, the Victory Course plays slightly easier than the Founders from the tips. The design philosophy emphasizes strategic options off the tee, allowing players to choose aggressive or conservative lines based on their game.

The Victory Course benefits from modern design trends implemented a decade after the Founders opened. Wider fairway corridors and more visible landing areas make navigation easier, particularly for first-time visitors. However, the greens feature subtle undulations that demand careful reads and precise distance control.

Tom Lehman Design Philosophy

PGA Tour champion Tom Lehman brings tournament-playing experience to his course designs. Unlike pure architects who may emphasize aesthetics over playability, Lehman's courses reward strategic thinking and solid execution.

White limestone rock formations and saguaro cactus along Verrado fairway and water hazard
Unique white rock terrain creates dramatic contrasts

At Verrado Golf Club, Lehman and John Fought created layouts that feature:

  • Generous fairways with strategic width that rewards positioning over pure distance
  • Multiple tee complexes making courses playable for all skill levels
  • Green complexes that accept well-struck approach shots while penalizing poor execution
  • Natural desert landscaping that frames holes without overwhelming players

This design philosophy makes Verrado Golf Club particularly appealing for golfers who appreciate thinking their way around a course rather than simply bombing drives.

West Valley Golf: Value Alternative to Scottsdale

Verrado Golf Club anchors Buckeye's emerging golf scene in the West Valley near Peoria and Glendale. While Scottsdale commands premium pricing due to brand recognition and proximity to resorts, West Valley courses like Verrado offer comparable quality at substantially lower rates.

The drive from central Phoenix or Scottsdale takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, but value-conscious golfers find the trip worthwhile. Weekend tee times that would cost $300+ at premium Scottsdale courses often run $100-150 at Verrado Golf Club—nearly 50% savings for similar championship conditions.

West Valley courses also feature notably lighter crowds. While Scottsdale tracks often enforce 5-hour pace of play during peak season, Verrado Golf Club maintains a maximum 4 hours 30 minutes standard. Less crowded tee sheets and better pace of play enhance the overall experience.

Pricing and Value Proposition

Verrado Golf Club employs dynamic pricing that varies by day of week, time of day, and demand. Rates range from $19 during summer afternoons to $249 during peak winter mornings.

Typical Pricing Ranges:

  • Peak Season (Jan-Mar): $150-$249 for prime morning times
  • Shoulder Season (Oct-Dec, Apr-May): $75-$150 depending on time
  • Summer Value (Jun-Sep): $19-$75 with early morning times recommended

The GolfVantage membership program offers 40% off peak rates for $49.95 monthly, making sense for frequent players. Annual passholders receive additional benefits including unlimited practice facility access and 12-day advance booking.

Club rentals cost $75 plus tax and include two sleeves of golf balls—one of the more generous rental packages in the Phoenix market.

How to Visit Verrado Golf Club

Contact Information

Aerial view of Verrado Golf fairways separated by volcanic rock outcrops and desert scrub
Elevated views showcase distinctive desert topography

Founders Course:

  • Address: 4242 N Golf Drive, Buckeye, AZ 85396
  • Phone: (623) 388-3000

Victory Course:

  • Address: 20855 W Tiger Mountain Drive, Buckeye, AZ 85396
  • Phone: (623) 518-9967

Website: https://www.verradogolfclub.com/

Booking and Policies

DetailInformation
Advance BookingPublic: 60 days; Passholders: 12 days
Pace of PlayMaximum 4 hours 30 minutes
CancellationNo adjustments within 48 hours
Dress CodeCollared shirts/mock necks required; no denim, t-shirts, mesh

Getting There from Phoenix/Scottsdale

From central Phoenix, take I-10 West to Exit 112 (Verrado Way). The drive typically takes 45-55 minutes depending on traffic. From Scottsdale, budget 50-60 minutes via Loop 101 South to I-10 West.

GPS coordinates place both courses in Buckeye's master-planned Verrado community, with well-marked signage directing visitors to each clubhouse.

Course Amenities and Features

Verrado Golf Club provides full amenities for a complete golf experience:

Practice Facilities:

  • Full driving range (unlimited use included with annual pass)
  • Short game practice area
  • Putting greens mirroring course conditions

Technology:

  • GPS available via mobile apps (not on cart displays)
  • USB charging ports on all golf carts

Dining:

  • Verrado Grille on-site (10% discount for passholders)
  • Full bar and restaurant service
  • Patio seating with mountain views

Pro Shop:

  • Complete selection of apparel and equipment
  • Club fitting services available
  • Logo merchandise

The clubhouse facilities, while not as elaborate as high-end Scottsdale resorts, provide everything needed for an enjoyable round. The focus remains on golf quality rather than resort amenities—reflected in the value pricing.

Best Time to Play Verrado Golf Club

Peak Season (January-March)

Perfect weather and optimal course conditions define peak season. Daytime temperatures range from 65-75°F with minimal precipitation. Greens fees reach their highest levels ($150-$249), but conditions justify the premium for golfers seeking tournament-quality experiences.

Book tee times well in advance during peak season—the best morning slots fill 30-60 days ahead. Weekdays offer better availability and slightly lower rates than weekends.

Shoulder Season (October-December, April-May)

Shoulder season delivers excellent value at Verrado Golf Club. October-November and April-May feature comfortable temperatures (75-85°F) with lower green fees ($75-$150). Course conditions remain strong as maintenance crews prepare for peak season or transition to summer schedules.

This window offers the best balance of weather, course quality, and value for budget-conscious golfers.

Summer Value Season (June-September)

Summer brings exceptional value opportunities with rates as low as $19-$75. Early morning tee times (6:00-7:30 AM) beat the heat, with temperatures in the 80s at first light. By 10:00 AM, expect temperatures climbing into triple digits.

Course maintenance continues year-round, though some areas may show heat stress during July-August peak temperatures. West Valley heat can be more intense than Scottsdale due to lower elevation—bring extra water and plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illuminated Raven Golf Club entrance sign at Verrado with Spanish colonial clubhouse at dusk
Mediterranean-style clubhouse welcomes golfers
How much does it cost to play Verrado Golf Club?
Green fees range from $19 to $249 depending on season, day of week, and tee time. Summer rates (June-September) start as low as $19 for afternoon times, while peak winter morning slots reach $249. Dynamic pricing means rates fluctuate based on demand—booking in advance often secures better rates.
Is Verrado Golf Club open to the public?
Yes, both the Founders Course and Victory Course welcome public play. Tee times can be booked up to 60 days in advance for public players. Annual passholders receive 12-day advance booking and other benefits, but membership is not required to play.
Which course is better - Verrado Victory or Founders?
The Founders Course receives Golf Digest's "Best in State" recognition and ranks 45th nationally, making it the premier layout. The Founders features more varied shot-making challenges and memorable holes. The Victory Course plays slightly easier (138 vs 139 slope) and works well for return visits or 36-hole days. First-time visitors should prioritize the Founders Course.
Who designed Verrado Golf Club?
Tom Lehman and John Fought designed both courses at Verrado Golf Club. Tom Lehman, a PGA Tour champion and former Open Championship winner, brings tournament-playing experience to the design. John Fought, a respected golf course architect, collaborated on the layouts. Both courses showcase their strategic design philosophy emphasizing playability and course management.
What are the tee times at Verrado Golf Club?
Public players can book tee times up to 60 days in advance through the official website or by phone. Peak season tee times (January-March) fill quickly—booking 30-60 days ahead recommended for preferred times. Summer and shoulder season offer better availability with shorter booking windows acceptable.
Is Verrado Golf Club worth playing?
For golfers seeking championship-quality courses at value pricing, absolutely. The Founders Course's Golf Digest recognition validates its status among Arizona's best layouts, while rates remain 30-50% below comparable Scottsdale courses. The trade-off is a 45-60 minute drive from central Phoenix/Scottsdale, but less crowded conditions and excellent course quality justify the trip for value-conscious players.
How far is Verrado Golf Club from Scottsdale?
Verrado Golf Club is located approximately 50-60 minutes west of Scottsdale via Loop 101 South to I-10 West. From central Phoenix, expect 45-55 minutes. While the drive exceeds typical Scottsdale course distances, substantially lower green fees and less crowded conditions make the trip worthwhile for many golfers.
Does Verrado Golf Club offer twilight rates?
Yes, Verrado's dynamic pricing structure includes reduced rates for afternoon and twilight times. Summer twilight rates can be as low as $19-$35, while winter twilight times typically range $75-$125. Contact the pro shop directly for current twilight pricing as rates fluctuate based on demand.
What is the dress code at Verrado Golf Club?
Collared shirts or mock turtlenecks are required. Denim, t-shirts, and mesh athletic wear are prohibited. Golf shoes with soft spikes are recommended. The dress code enforces traditional golf attire standards common at upscale public courses.
Can you walk at Verrado Golf Club?
Walking policies are not explicitly stated on the official website. Golf cart rental information and spectator cart pricing suggest carts are standard. Contact the pro shop directly at (623) 388-3000 (Founders) or (623) 518-9967 (Victory) to inquire about walking availability for specific tee times.

Plan Your West Valley Golf Experience

Verrado Golf Club represents the West Valley's emergence as a legitimate alternative to Scottsdale's established golf scene. With two championship Tom Lehman-designed courses, Golf Digest recognition, and green fees 30-50% below comparable Scottsdale layouts, Verrado delivers exceptional value for Phoenix-area golfers.

The 45-60 minute drive from Scottsdale proves worthwhile when you factor in less crowded tee sheets, better pace of play, and substantially lower costs. Whether playing a single round on the acclaimed Founders Course or tackling 36 holes across both layouts, Verrado Golf Club provides a championship golf experience without premium Scottsdale pricing.

Ready to experience West Valley golf? Book your tee time at Verrado Golf Club and see why local golfers increasingly choose value and quality over Scottsdale's brand name cachet.


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