Cholla at We-Ko-Pa
Scottsdale's desert beauty is one of its most valuable attributes and this 36 hole golf venue is no different. Set in the Yavapai Nation native American reservation, it's designed by Coore-Crenshaw and is widely considered the best in the state.
Zip Code: AZ 85264
Best bit: The tumbling par 5 eighth
Course yardage: 7225
Cost of a round: $179-225 (£120-150)
Website: http://wekopa.com/
Raven Golf Club - Phoenix
Another place you can enjoy looking for errant golf balls in the desert. With super fast greens and wide long rolling fairways surrounded by Pine Tress, there are elements of take a risk and seek a substantial reward.
Zip Code: AZ 85042
Best bit: The phenomenal par 3 seventh
Course yardage: 7,078
Cost of a round: $99-150 (£65-100)
Website: http://www.ravenphx.com
Wigwam Resort Gold Course
The West Valley of Arizona is a gold mine for pleasant, reasonably priced golf resorts. This picturesque course includes grassy fairways, ponds and northern style oaks challenging enough for tournament play.
Zip Code: AZ 85340
Best bit: Any of the monster par 5's
Course yardage: 7,430
Cost of a round: $50-75 (£35-50)
Website: http://wigwamarizona.com
Monument course at Troon North
This course is the all-rounder with focus on challenging holes, a variety of terrain and its jaw dropping beauty. You need to have good approach shots and accurate hits of the tee to make the most of the 7,100 yard course.
Zip Code: AZ 85262
Best bit: Reincarnation of St Andrew's Hell Bunker
Course yardage: 7,028
Cost of a round: $179-249 (£120-160)
Website: http://www.troonnorthgolf.com
ASU Karsten Course
If this course was good enough for Phil Mickleson when he was a fresher then it's certainly acceptable for one of us. On the back drop of one of America's largest campuses, the layout with ponds, pot bunkers, and peninsula greens is sure to wow.
Zip Code: AZ 85281
Best bit: par 4 ninth, aim left!
Course yardage: 7,002
Cost of a round: $79-110 (£50-70)
Website: http://asukarsten.com/
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club
The closest thing to links golf away from the undulating fairways of St Andrews. Designed with the guidance of Fred Couples, this course has 109 bunkers covering 12 acres of sand, so I suggest taking your bucket and spade.
Zip Code: AZ 85139
Best bit: Sand dune surrounded par 5 third
Course yardage: 7,500
Cost of a round: $79-99 (£50-75)
Website: http://www.golfsoutherndunes.com
Desert Mountain Private Golf Renegade Course
Any golf course designed by the most successful player in history needs no introduction but this Jack Nicklaus development may just be his greatest. "Desert mountain has been one of the highlights of my career as a golf course designer."
Zip Code: AZ 85262
Best bit: Tough par 4 13th
Course yardage: 7,524
Cost of a round: $170-190 (£110-125)
Website: http://desertmountain.com
The Dinosaur Mountain Course
Playing between mountains in Arizona is one of the delights of world golf and this course surrounded by the superstition mountains is a true benchmark. It is the top rated public golf course in Arizona.
Zip Code: AZ 85118
Best bit: Marquee holes four and five
Course yardage: 6,653
Cost of a round: $100-150 (£65-100)
Website: http://www.gcgr.com
The Phoenician Golf Course
Another family friendly course in Arizona which has 27 holes on the back drop of the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Combines stunning desert views with perfectly manicured greens that inspire your sense of adventure.
Zip Code: AZ 85251
Best bit: Three nine hole courses to choose from
Course yardage: 6300 (two nines)
Cost of a round: $50-150 (£30-100)
Website: http://www.thephoenician.com
The Whirlwind Golf Club – Cattail Course
You probably need to take swimming lessons before you venture on to this course. Surrounded by deep canyons and water traps, it tests the best of players but is designed for all levels.
Zip Code: AZ 85226
Best bit: Par 3 sixth
Course yardage: 7029
Cost of a round: $120-160 (£80-105)
Website: http://www.whirlwindgolf.com
