3 Arizona cities rank among nation’s top golf destinations

Arizona shines as a top golf destination with three cities ranking among nation’s best, offering year-round play and scenic desert courses for all skill levels.

Ever dreamed of teeing off against a backdrop of majestic cacti while most of the country battles winter frost? Arizona’s golf scene is making that dream a reality, with three cities recently ranking among the nation’s top 10 golfing destinations. The desert climate has transformed Arizona into a golfer’s paradise, offering experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, Arizona’s golf destinations and southwestern sun are ideal for perfecting your swing.

Arizona’s elite golf cities

In LawnStarter’s 2024 ranking, Scottsdale leads the pack at #1 nationally, followed by Phoenix at #2, and Mesa securing the #8 spot. These cities have distinguished themselves with abundant public courses, premium driving ranges, luxury golf resorts, and regular amateur competitions, creating a robust golfing ecosystem despite the desert heat.

Photo courtesy of Cristina Anne Costello/Unsplash.

Scottsdale: The crown jewel (#1 nationally)

Leading the nation in golf excellence, Scottsdale offers 54 public courses within 20 miles and eight premium golf resorts. The city features one of Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses and a PGA course open for public play at TPC Scottsdale. Golf enthusiasts benefit from 22 equipment stores and unique attractions like PopStroke Scottsdale, a Tiger Woods-designed facility combining mini-golf with dining and entertainment.

Phoenix: Desert golf paradise (#2 nationally)

Phoenix claims the second spot nationally with an impressive 74 public courses within 20 miles. The city boasts seven golf resorts, 12 driving ranges, and hosts 12 major amateur competitions annually. Notable courses include Papago Golf Club with its scenic mountain views and the historic Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, recently renovated and nestled in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Mesa: A top ten contender (#8 nationally)

Rounding out Arizona’s dominance in the top ten, Mesa secured the eighth spot among America’s best golf cities, contributing to the state’s reputation as a premier golfing destination. While more understated than its neighboring cities, Mesa’s appeal lies in its accessibility and variety of public courses. The city benefits from the same year-round playability that makes Arizona golf special, offering golfers a more relaxed atmosphere and often more affordable options than its higher-ranked neighbors.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Tingey/Unsplash.

Comprehensive amenities and year-round appeal

Local golf communities have experienced significant growth, with these top-ranked cities featuring not only exceptional courses but also amenities including professional instruction, premium practice facilities, and golf-centric residential developments. The state’s favorable climate allows for year-round play, particularly appealing during winter months when many other U.S. golf destinations face seasonal closures. This accessibility, combined with the dramatic backdrop of desert scenery and mountain views, creates an unparalleled golfing experience that has earned national recognition.

This story was generated in part by AI and edited by The Copper Courier staff.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

READ MORE: 8 cozy cabins you can rent in the mountains of Arizona