#25 Best Golf Courses in Arizona 2017-2018 – Golf Digest
Golf Channel’s “Top 10 Arizona Resort Courses”, #1 – Troon North Golf Club
Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” for 2014 – Arizona:
- #1 – Troon North Pinnacle Course
- #4 – Troon North Monument Course
Sitting just North of Scottsdale in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, lies Troon North. Troon North is carved out of the natural ravines of the Sonoran desert and definitely captures the beauty of desert golf.
This was day 2 of a buddies golf trip. We were very excited to check out Troon North for the first time. We visited in January of 2018, and were attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open the next day. We had a morning tee-time, and arrived early to warm up. The weather was looking perfect for the day. It was a cool desert morning, but we knew it would be in the high 70’s later in the day – perfect for us being in town from Michigan.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf in 1990 and re-routed in 2007, Troon North stretches out to 7039 from the tips. The golf course is surrounded by granite boulders, multi-million dollar real estate, and gorgeous desert views. The first thing I noticed was the condition. This place was in good shape. The fairways were impeccable. The bent-grass greens were absolutely flawless. It was apparent how much attention to care and detail went into keeping this course in great shape. It didn’t “feel” like a public golf course, the condition reminded me of a private club.
We were enjoying a great morning on the golf course while partaking in quite a competitive 2-man best ball match. Pace of play was great, and we rarely saw anybody else in front of us… again it felt like we were at a private club. And this was the Thursday of the Phoenix Open week. I know the tee sheet was full, so that speaks to the quality golf operation they run.
The layout is fun, as there are some unique holes that stand out. The par-5 third hole displays a large “monument” boulder in the middle of the fairway. Target golf is definitely the play here, as the desert is very unforgiving if you stray from the routing. There are two drive-able par-4’s that were memorable, as our group definitely ripped Driver and played aggressively. The greens rolled very true, quick but fair. I was blown away by the condition, it really was stunning.
I will definitely return to Troon North to play the Monument again. They also have another 18 holes on property (Pinnacle) that I’d love to check out. Traveler tip: Stay at the Four Seasons Resort (Scottsdale at Troon North). You will find yourself no more than a few hundred yards from the entrance to the golf course, and the resort is amazing. I’ve stayed twice and will definitely return again!
Experience.Golf 