Best Golf Courses in Fountain Hills

Tee Off in Style

Looking to hit the links in Fountain Hills? You're in luck. This Arizona gem boasts 6 stellar courses, each offering a unique golfing experience. Here's what you need to know:

• Desert Canyon: Narrow fairways, signature 7th hole

• Eagle Mountain: Scenic views, elevation changes

• SunRidge Canyon: "Wicked Six" finish, challenging play

• FireRock: Private club, elevated tees

• We-Ko-Pa: Two courses, mountain vistas

• Tonto Verde: Two options - forgiving Ranch or tougher Peaks

Quick Comparison

Whether you're a novice or a scratch golfer, Fountain Hills has a course for you. Just grab your clubs and get ready to tee off in one of Arizona's top golfing destinations.

Desert Canyon Golf Club

Desert Canyon Golf Club is Fountain Hills' OG golf course. Built in 1971, it's where the local golf scene started.

The course blends into the desert, mixing challenge with beauty. Tee off from high spots and soak in views of Red Mountain, Four Peaks, and that famous fountain.

What's cool about Desert Canyon:

• Fairways and greens? Top-notch.

• Gameplay? Forgiving, but think before you swing.

• Views? Some of the valley's best.

• Price? Won't break the bank.

A TripAdvisor golfer says:

"Course was in good shape. Nothing wild, but great for us older folks."

Planning your visit? Here's the scoop:

Post-game, hit the new clubhouse. DC Bar and Grill serves all day. Locals swear by the steak. Happy Hour? Cold beer with a view of holes 18 and 1.

But Desert Canyon's more than golf. It's a community. Homes perch at different heights, all with killer mountain views. It's chill, friendly, and perfect for families and retirees.

Beyond golf, you've got:

• Hiking trails

• Bike routes

• Horseback riding

• Quick trip to Scottsdale's food and fun

Desert Canyon might not top the charts (#39 in Scottsdale & Phoenix), but it's solid golf with unbeatable views. No wonder Fountain Hills keeps drawing golf lovers year after year.

2. Eagle Mountain Golf Club

Eagle Mountain Golf Club opened in 1996. It's a Scott Miller design in the McDowell Mountains. At 6,800 yards and par-71, it's a standout in Fountain Hills.

What makes Eagle Mountain different? It's not your typical desert "target" golf:

• Fairways blend with the landscape

• Few forced carries over desert

• Tees from 5,065 to 6,800 yards

This approach has earned Eagle Mountain some love:

What to expect:

• Big elevation changes

• Views of Camelback and Red Mountain

• TiffDwarf greens, Bermuda fairways

The first hole? A downhill par-5 you might reach in two. But watch out for the seventh - a tough 443-yard par-4 that can bite, especially when it's windy.

"Great layout and very good condition." - Anonymous Reviewer

But heads up: some recent visitors weren't thrilled with staff and pace of play issues.

Tips for a good round:

• Show up early for free range balls

• Check the pin placement guide

• Be ready for slow greens and iffy bunkers

It's not cheap - $271 a round in peak season (March 2024).

After golf, hit the clubhouse restaurant. Great views, perfect for a post-round drink.

3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, just 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor, is a golfer's paradise. This 6,823-yard, par-71 course isn't for the faint-hearted.

Designed by Keith Foster in 1995, SunRidge Canyon throws everything at you: doglegs, ravine carries, and the infamous "Wicked 6" finish. It's a public course that plays like a private one.

Here's what you're in for:

• 18 holes with a 142 slope and 72.6 rating from the back tees

• Champion ultradwarf Bermudagrass greens and fairways

• Four tee options (6,823 to 5,122 yards)

The course follows the natural desert terrain. You'll descend on the front nine and climb back up on the back. It's like a roller coaster, but with golf clubs.

The "Wicked 6" closing holes? They're uphill and often into the wind. Good luck!

Joel Schafer, Director of Golf, puts it bluntly:

"It's definitely a shot makers course. You have to hit every club in the bag."

Want to save strokes? Here's how:

• Use the 150-yard stakes as targets on par 4s and 5s

• Club up on several holes

• Brace yourself for a tough back nine, especially the last four

SunRidge hosted the 1997 USGA Men's State Team Championship. It's that good.

After your round, hit the Spanish hacienda-style clubhouse. Grab a drink, enjoy live music on weekends, or check out the 1,600 square-foot performance center with Hot Stix Golf for club fitting.

Peak season green fees are $290, but summer rates can drop to $40-$65. That's a steal for a course this good.

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4. FireRock Country Club

FireRock Country Club is Fountain Hills' first and only private country club. Just a 20-minute drive from Scottsdale, it's been turning heads since 2001.

Gary Panks designed this 18-hole championship course. It's not your average town course. Instead, it embraces the desert terrain, offering:

• Elevated tees

• Raised greens

• Tough approach shots

• Mountain views that'll make your jaw drop

One player summed it up nicely:

"The course gives you that real desert feel. There are very few houses around and lots of cactus and shrubbery." - Allowishious, User Review

FireRock caters to all skill levels. Its ever-changing layout keeps things interesting. No wonder The Arizona Republic named it the "Best New Golf Course" when it opened.

While it's a private club, FireRock does allow some public play. But heads up:

• Peak season rates hit about $180

• Early birds catch the worm (and avoid slow play)

• Members get first dibs on tee times

FireRock isn't just about golf. It's got:

• A grass driving range

• Practice facilities

• Tennis courts

• A swimming pool

• A fitness center

• Places to grab a bite

It's more than just a golf club. Arizona Foothills Magazine even named it one of the "Best Places To Live."

Lucky enough to play here? You're in for a treat. As one golfer put it:

"Probably the best I've ever played - no exaggeration." - Kwick Lunatic, User Review

Bottom line? If you can snag a tee time at FireRock, do it. It's a Fountain Hills gem that combines challenging play, desert beauty, and top-notch facilities.

5. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a golfer's paradise in Fountain Hills. It boasts two stellar courses: Cholla and Saguaro. What's unique? No houses or condos cluttering your view - just pure desert golf.

Scott Miller's Cholla Course (2001) weaves through desert washes and ridges. Sports Illustrated loved it, naming it one of the "10 best new public courses in the world."

The Saguaro Course (2006), by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is a walker's dream. It's racked up some serious accolades:

Both courses serve up jaw-dropping views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. And here's the kicker: it's on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, safe from commercial development.

One golfer raved:

"We-Ko-Pa Saguaro is undoubtedly one of the best public options in a very busy Scottsdale golf scene and is a borderline top 100 public course in the U.S. for me." - Worldgolfer, Golf Course Reviewer

Now, it's not cheap. Expect to shell out $95 to $325, depending on when you play. Arizona locals get a break on prices.

What makes We-Ko-Pa stand out?

• Lightning-fast, true greens

• Firm fairways

• Top-notch teeboxes and bunkers

Pro tip: Hit the practice green first. Those fast, undulating greens can be tricky.

In short, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club delivers a knockout combo of challenging play and raw desert beauty. It's Fountain Hills golf at its finest.

6. Tonto Verde Golf Club

Tonto Verde Golf Club sits just 10 minutes east of Scottsdale, offering two 18-hole courses: Ranch and Peaks. Each course has its own personality, framed by the McDowell Mountains and Tonto National Forest.

The Ranch Course is your friendly neighbor:

• Wide fairways

• Plenty of room to land

• Less desert in your way

The Peaks Course? It's the tougher cousin:

• Narrow fairways that slope to the desert

• Bunkers that make you think

• Lots of carries over desert patches

Here's a quick look at both:

The Peaks Course has five tee options:

But Tonto Verde isn't just about golf. The clubhouse is huge (26,000 sq ft) with:

• Pro shop

• Nice dining area

• Big patio overlooking Four Peaks

Want to practice? They've got:

• Big driving range

• Short game area with a practice bunker

• Large putting green

• Free 18-hole putting course

They even offer a free 4-week putting series with video tips from St Andrews.

Golfers love it here:

"Ranch course was in great shape. Greens were fast but fair. Fairways were wide enough to be almost forgiving to most golfers." - Tripadvisor Member, February 2020

"Outstanding in every way! Staff was terrific, course was pristine... Just an awesome day of golf." - Jeff M, January 2020

While it's member-owned, Tonto Verde welcomes outside players daily. Look for twilight rates if you want to save some cash.

Course Comparison

Let's break down the key features of Fountain Hills' top golf courses:

Desert Canyon's narrow fairways and canyons offer a solid challenge. Its #7 hole is a local favorite.

Eagle Mountain boasts natural desert beauty and box canyons. It's a multi-award winner that'll test your whole bag.

SunRidge Canyon is known for good conditions and great staff. The "Wicked Six" closing holes add some spice to your round.

FireRock is members-only, with elevated tees and raised greens for an exclusive experience.

We-Ko-Pa, just outside town, is a local go-to. It has two courses and killer mountain views year-round.

Tonto Verde gives you two options: the forgiving Ranch Course or the tougher Peaks Course with its narrow fairways and desert carries.

Picking your course? Think about your skill level. Beginners might enjoy Eagle Mountain or Tonto Verde's Ranch Course. Looking for a challenge? Try SunRidge Canyon or We-Ko-Pa.

Wrap-up

Fountain Hills is a golfer's paradise. Let's recap the standout courses:

• Desert Canyon: Narrow fairways and that iconic #7 hole.

• Eagle Mountain: Scenic views and elevation changes. A real all-rounder.

• SunRidge Canyon: The "Wicked Six" finish. Enough said.

• FireRock: Private course with elevated tees and greens.

• We-Ko-Pa: Two courses, Cholla and Saguaro. Mountain views for days.

• Tonto Verde: Choose between the forgiving Ranch or the tougher Peaks.

Picking your course? Think about your skill level. Newbies might want to stick to Eagle Mountain or Tonto Verde's Ranch Course. Looking for a challenge? SunRidge Canyon or We-Ko-Pa are calling your name.

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