TPC Scottsdale just hits different.
This isn’t just another golf destination, it’s a place where the desert meets the dramatic, a place where golf feels both serious and fun, a place where the pros can make their name and amateurs get to follow in their footsteps.
When you visit TPC Scottsdale, the desert air feels just a little thicker with history, challenge, and the echo of distant cheers. Every year, that feeling gets a fresh jolt of adrenaline when the the WM Phoenix Open rolls into town, and the par-3 16th hole at the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale becomes the stage for the loudest show in golf.
Those who have witnessed it, will tell you about a particular kind of hush that falls across the 16th during the WM Phoenix Open. Not silence — not even close — but a momentary lull, like the collective breath of thousands suspended in unison. And then, a ripple of noise. Cheers. Groans. Boos. It’s part theatre, part coliseum, and entirely unlike anything else in golf.
But look beyond that incredible annual spectacle and there’s real substance at TPC Scottsdale. This is a golf destination with character, history, and quality architecture. From the Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed Stadium Course to the underrated Champions Course next door, TPC Scottsdale offers more than just one of golf’s most iconic holes — it offers a complete Arizona golf experience.
A Desert Jewel with a Raucous Heart
Built in 1986, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale was crafted with fans in mind. Inspired by the idea of creating a venue tailor-made for spectators, Weiskopf and Morrish carved a routing through the Sonoran Desert that showcases sweeping views of the McDowell Mountains, strategic bunkering, and risk-reward decisions at every turn.
It’s a public course that feels like a PGA TOUR stop because it is — and yet, anyone can book a tee time. That sense of accessibility, paired with a pedigree of hosting some of the best in the game, gives the course a magnetic appeal. The course stretches to over 7,200 yards from the tips, but like all good designs, it doesn’t beat you up unless you let it. There are multiple sets of tees, wide fairways, and greens that give mid-handicappers a fighting chance. That said, the desert lies in wait to punish the wayward, and the green complexes are no pushover.
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course: Signature Holes
While the 16th grabs headlines — and rightly so — the Stadium Course is full of standout holes:
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Hole 15 – A reachable par-5 with water in play. Eagle is possible. So is a watery double. Or triple.
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Hole 16 – The infamous amphitheatre par-3. You might never hit a more nervy wedge shot, even without the crowd.
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Hole 17 – A drivable par-4 that dares you to take on the water and the bunkers. One of the best risk-reward holes in tournament golf.
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Hole 18 – A tough closer. Water runs the entire left side, and the fairway tilts ominously toward it. Pars feel like birdies.
The back nine alone is worth the green fee — not just for the holes, but for the stories they hold. Think back to Francesco Molinari acing 16, or Rickie Fowler conquering 17 en route to a dramatic win in 2019. The shadows of legends linger here.
TPC Scottsdale More Than Just One Course
What’s often overlooked is that TPC Scottsdale is home to two courses, and the Champions Course — originally designed by Randy Heckenkemper — is no afterthought.
Less crowded and more affordable, it winds through natural desert landscape with a layout that’s equal parts forgiving and challenging. While it lacks the bells and whistles of the Stadium Course, the Champions Course is a favourite among locals for its walkability, pace of play, and solid conditioning.
If you’re planning a golf trip to TPC Scottsdale, play both. You’ll enjoy the contrast — one course plays host to golf’s biggest party; the other offers quiet desert solitude and the chance to breathe.
Insider Tips for visiting TPC Scottsdale
- Book early – Tee times on the Stadium Course sell out fast, particularly in peak season. Secure yours 60+ days in advance if possible.
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Play early or twilight – Early rounds offer cooler temps and fewer distractions. Twilight rates (after 2pm) can offer significant savings
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Take a forecaddie – Especially if you’re unfamiliar with desert golf. They’ll help you navigate lines, reads, and avoid rattlesnakes (seriously).
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Warm up properly – The practice facility is excellent. Use it. The first hole can bite if you’re not loose.
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Stay close – The on-site Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers five-star accommodation, a spa, multiple restaurants, and walking distance to the 1st tee.
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Local eats – After your round, hit The Vig McDowell Mountain or Hash Kitchen for post-round drinks or brunch. Both are within 10 minutes.
TPC Scottsdale Waste Management Effect
Every February, the PGA TOUR descends on TPC Scottsdale and something incredible happens: golf becomes loud. The WM Phoenix Open draws more than half a million fans each year, making it the most-attended golf tournament on the planet. It’s part sport, part party, part Scottsdale culture. And at the centre of it all is the cauldron that is the 16th. If you’re lucky enough to attend during tournament week, go early and wear comfortable shoes. But if you’re playing the course, consider going just after the tournament ends — when the stands are still up, and the atmosphere lingers like desert heat.
Final Thoughts ON TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale has become a pilgrimage site for golf lovers — not just because of the 16th, or the tour pros who pass through each February, but because it offers something rare: world-class tournament golf with public access, wrapped in Arizona’s natural beauty. And that is an intoxicating cocktail if ever there was one.
TPC Scottsdale Scorecard
TPC Scottsdale Course Map
TPC Scottsdale logo
Everything You Need to Know About TPC Scottsdale: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Best hotels near TPC Scottsdale?
The best hotels near TPC Scottsdale include the Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains and the Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale but it’s hard to beat the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess which offers pay and play deals and is within walking distance to TPC Scottsdale.
When is Best Time to Play TPC Scottsdale?
November through April is generally considered prime time. The weather is perfect, and you’ll experience the course in tournament condition — especially from January to March. But be warned: that’s also when rates are highest, and tee sheets fill fast. If you want value, consider shoulder season — October and early May can offer great conditions with lower green fees. If you want to experience the Stadium Course set up exactly like the pros play it, book a tee time in the weeks following the WM Phoenix Open, when the infrastructure is still in place and the grandstands loom large.
Where is TPC Scottsdale located?
TPC Scottsdale is in Scottsdale, Arizona, about 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix and 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What is the TPC Scottsdale address?
The TPC Scottsdale address is TPC Scottsdale
17020 North Hayden Road Scottsdale,
Arizona 85255
TPC Scottsdale price: how much does it cost to play?
Green fees on the Stadium Course range from $180–$450+, depending on season and time of day. The Champions Course is more affordable, typically $80–$130.
Can anyone play TPC Scottsdale?
Yes. Both the Stadium and Champions Courses are open to the public. You do not need a membership or resort stay to book a tee time.
When is the best time to play TPC Scottsdale?
For best conditions, play between November and April. For value, consider October or early May.
How hard is the Stadium Course a TPC Scottsdale?
It’s a challenge, but not brutal. Wide fairways and multiple tee boxes make it playable for mid-handicappers, though desert carries and slick greens will test your game.
What’s the dress code?
Collared shirts and golf shoes are required. No denim or cargo shorts. Dress like you’re playing on TV — because, well, you sort of are.
Is it worth playing after the WM Phoenix Open?
Absolutely. The infrastructure from the tournament — grandstands, hospitality suites — often remains for weeks. It’s your chance to walk the same stage as the pros.
What’s the best hole at TPC Scottsdale?
The 16th is iconic, but many locals favour the strategy of 17 or the challenge of 18. The back nine as a whole is world-class.
TPC Scottsdale 16th hole: What makes it special?
Even without the crowds and chaos of the Phoenix Open, the 16th at TPC Scottsdale remains a brilliant hole. At just over 160 yards, it’s a short par-3 that demands precision. The green is small, framed by bunkers and subtle slopes that can punish even slight misses. When the grandstands are gone, you get a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of a hole built for spectacle, yet still rooted in smart design. And there’s a unique thrill in standing where golf’s greatest show unfolds each February — imagining the noise, feeling the silence, and aiming at a flag that’s witnessed both glory and disaster. It’s a great hole because it tells a story — even when no one’s watching.
Are there any stay-and-play packages TPC Scottsdale?
Yes. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers bundled golf and lodging deals, and other nearby resorts often include tee times at TPC Scottsdale in their packages.
Is it worth playing the Champions Course too?
Definitely. It’s less flashy but beautifully routed and often in great condition. A perfect complement to the Stadium Course.
