A Must-Happen Winter Golf Trip

We-Ko-Pa - Saguaro

This place feels special the second you step onto the property. No houses, no noise, just pure golf carved straight through the desert. It’s a Coore & Crenshaw design, so the routing is unreal and everything flows. Super playable, super fun, and easily one of the best courses in the state. The par 3s are insane and the greens were some of the best we played all trip.

Verrado - Founders Course

This course gives you everything. Mountain backdrops, wide landing areas, great conditioning, and a layout that keeps you on your toes. It’s that “classic Arizona desert golf” feel without being overly punishing. Tons of variety, really good green complexes, and just a fun round from start to finish. If we’re anywhere near Phoenix, we’re not skipping Verrado.

Talking Stick - O’odham Course

O’odham is one of those tracks that surprises you. It’s flatter, more linksy, and totally different from the typical desert target-golf setup and that’s exactly why it stands out. Big fairways, tons of room to play different shots. Some people don’t love it but for us it’s one of the more underrated plays in the Scottsdale area.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

We ended our trip at Southern Dunes, and this place is the real deal. TONS of bunkering, fast greens, and a big, bold layout that just feels like pure championship golf. It’s a really tough track and you better bring your A game or it’s going to be a long day. Honestly, Southern Dunes is one of our favorite courses anywhere. Every hole has a look, every shot feels meaningful, and the conditions were dialed.