Troon North Golf Club

Troon North is one of Scottsdale's most gleaming jewels and, I'll be honest, it's the sort of place that makes you reach for the camera as often as the driver. You get two championship layouts on one site, Monument and Pinnacle, both carved through classic Sonoran desert scenery with granite boulders, saguaro cacti and natural ravines framing the holes.

This is not parkland golf. The ball runs on firm fairways, the greens are typically slick and true, and you'll want to think your way around the desert carries rather than just lash it. What really stands out is how naturally the holes sit in the landscape, with elevation changes and rock formations shaping the shot choices from tee to green.

As you'd expect from a Troon Golf club, the operation is well-drilled. Check-in is smooth, the on-course set-up is sharp and you can spend your energy on the important stuff, like picking the right line off the tee and avoiding the desert on the miss.

Who is this for?

Golfers heading to Scottsdale who want a proper desert golf day, great conditioning and two headline courses in one stop. A strong shout for mates' trips, mixed groups and anyone ticking off Arizona bucket-list venues.

Who is it best for?

Confident mid-handicappers and better who enjoy a challenge and a bit of strategy, but it still works for higher handicaps if you choose sensible tees and keep it in play. Ideal if you value top-tier presentation, stunning scenery and the kind of service that makes a golf trip feel special from start to finish.