How Many Golf Courses in Arizona? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · January 6, 2029

There are approximately 350 golf courses across Arizona, making it one of the top states in the U.S. for golf enthusiasts. This high concentration is driven by the state's favorable desert climate, scenic landscapes, and thriving resort industry, particularly in metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale.

Why Arizona Is a Premier Golf Destination

Arizona’s warm, sunny weather—averaging over 300 days of sunshine annually—makes it an ideal location for year-round golf. The combination of natural desert beauty, mountain backdrops, and meticulously designed courses attracts both amateur and professional players.

Key Factors Behind Arizona's Golf Popularity

Consistently mild winters compared to northern states
World-class resort and stay-and-play packages
Home to PGA Tour events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Strong retirement community demand driving course development
Abundance of private, public, and municipal courses

Regional Distribution of Golf Courses in Arizona

Golf course density varies significantly across Arizona’s counties, with Maricopa and Pima dominating due to population centers and tourism infrastructure.

County	Number of Courses	Major Cities	Notable Features
Maricopa	187	Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa	Highest concentration; hosts PGA Tour events
Pima	46	Tucson, Oro Valley	Desert mountain layouts; strong senior appeal
Coconino	9	Flagstaff	Cooler elevation; pine tree-lined fairways
Yavapai	27	Prescott, Sedona	Scenic red rock views; growing retirement market
Other Counties	81	Kingman, Lake Havasu, Sierra Vista	Smaller communities with seasonal appeal

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Maricopa County alone accounts for over half of all golf courses in Arizona, reflecting its status as the state’s population and tourism hub. Meanwhile, Coconino County offers a unique high-elevation golf experience, while Yavapai and southern counties cater to retirees and vacationers seeking scenic variety.

Types of Golf Courses in Arizona

Arizona offers a diverse mix of course types to suit different skill levels, budgets, and playing preferences.

Public vs. Private Access

Public Courses: Open to all players; often more affordable and located near residential or tourist areas.
Resort Courses: Attached to hotels and resorts; offer premium amenities and guest access.
Private Clubs: Membership-only; provide exclusive services and tournament-level conditions.
Municipal Courses: City-owned and operated; emphasize accessibility and community use.

Course Design and Terrain

Most Arizona courses feature desert-style architecture, incorporating native plants, rock formations, and water features. Elevation ranges from 1,000 feet in Phoenix to over 7,000 feet in Flagstaff, affecting ball flight and play strategy.

Top Golf Destinations in Arizona

Certain cities stand out for their exceptional golf offerings and visitor experiences.

Scottsdale: Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” home to TPC Scottsdale and numerous luxury resorts.
Phoenix: Offers a vast network of public and private courses within a major metro area.
Tucson: Features challenging terrain with mountainous layouts and cooler temperatures.
Prescott & Sedona: Provide scenic, less crowded alternatives with red rock vistas.
Flagstaff: Unique high-altitude golf with cooler summer play conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses in Arizona

How many golf courses are there in Arizona?

As of 2025, Arizona is home to approximately 350 golf courses, ranking it among the top five states in the U.S. for total course count.

Which city in Arizona has the most golf courses?

Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area have the highest concentration, with Maricopa County alone hosting 187 courses.

Are golf courses in Arizona open year-round?

Yes, most golf courses in Arizona operate year-round, especially in low-desert regions like Phoenix and Tucson where winter temperatures remain mild.

What is the best time of year to play golf in Arizona?

The optimal time is from October through April when daytime highs range between 70°F and 85°F, offering comfortable playing conditions before the summer heat.