TPC Scottsdale just hits different.
Located in Arizona, this is one of the most recognisable golf destinations in the United States and home to the world famous Stadium Course, host of the WM Phoenix Open, Not just because of the noise, or the spectacle, or the echo of tournament week that seems to hang in the desert air, but because it manages to be two things at once: a serious test of golf and one of the most entertaining and energising experiences in the game.
If you’re headed to TPC Scottsdale, this is your definitive guide.
TPC Scottsdale at a Glance
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- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Courses: Stadium Course and Champions Course
- Best known for: Hosting the WM Phoenix Open
- Designer: Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish (Stadium Course)
- Open to the public: Yes
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Signature hole: The par-3 16th
What is TPC Scottsdale?
TPC Scottsdale is a public golf facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, best known for its Stadium Course, which hosts the annual WM Phoenix Open. It features two courses, the Stadium Course and the Champions Course, and offers golfers the rare opportunity to play a PGA Tour venue without the need for private membership.
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course: Desert Jewel with Raucous Heart
Built in 1986, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish with spectators in mind. Carved through the Sonoran Desert, it combines expansive mountain views, strategic bunkering, and a sequence of risk-reward holes that build toward one of the most dramatic closing stretches in American golf.
It feels every inch a PGA Tour venue and for good reason. Every year, the course hosts the WM Phoenix Open and yet unlike many famous championship venues, TPC Scottsdale is open to the public for 51 weeks of the year. That accessibility is a huge part of its appeal. You are not just visiting a tournament host, you are stepping onto one.
From the back tees, the Stadium Course stretches beyond 7,200 yards, but it remains playable for a wide range of golfers thanks to multiple tee boxes, generous landing areas in places, and a design that rewards smart strategy more than brute force. Miss too far offline, though, and the desert will remind you exactly where you are.
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.
The Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale
What often gets overlooked is that TPC Scottsdale is home to two courses. The Champions Course, originally designed by Randy Heckenkemper, is not simply the quieter companion to the Stadium Course. It is a very good test in its own right.
More affordable and often less crowded, it moves through natural desert terrain with a layout that feels more understated but still engaging. It may lack the tournament aura of the Stadium Course, but many golfers appreciate it for exactly that reason. The pace is gentler, the atmosphere calmer, and the golf consistently enjoyable.
If you are planning a golf trip to TPC Scottsdale, it is worth playing both. One course offers theatre and tournament pedigree. The other offers space, rhythm, and a different view of desert golf.
Can You Play TPC Scottsdale?
Yes, TPC Scottsdale is open to the public, which is one of the reasons it is so appealing.
Unlike many famous tournament venues, you do not need a private-club invitation to tee it up here. That said, demand for the Stadium Course can be high, especially during peak season and around the WM Phoenix Open. Tee times should be booked as early as possible, particularly if you want a morning slot or are travelling in the cooler months when Arizona golf is at its busiest.
For many golfers, the chance to play a PGA Tour venue with full public access is the main draw. TPC Scottsdale offers exactly that, and very few courses in the United States do it with quite the same sense of occasion.
Best Time to Visit TPC Scottsdale
The best time to visit TPC Scottsdale is typically between October and April, when temperatures are more comfortable and Scottsdale is at its best for golf travel. Winter and early spring are especially popular, which means premium pricing and strong demand. If you are looking for better value, late spring and twilight tee times can offer a more affordable route onto the course, though you will need to be prepared for hotter desert conditions.
Another appealing window is just after the WM Phoenix Open, when the energy of tournament week still lingers. Depending on timing and setup, you may even catch the Stadium Course with some of that event atmosphere still hanging around.
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.
How the WM Phoenix Open Shapes TPC Scottsdale
Every February, TPC Scottsdale becomes the centre of one of the most distinctive weeks in world golf.
The WM Phoenix Open draws enormous crowds and transforms the Stadium Course, especially the par-3 16th, into something closer to a sporting arena than a traditional golf setting. It is loud, theatrical, occasionally chaotic, and completely unlike any other tournament atmosphere in the game.
That annual burst of energy has become inseparable from TPC Scottsdale’s identity. If you are attending during tournament week, arrive early and expect a long, lively day. If you are planning to play the course itself, the period just after the event can be especially appealing, when the echoes of the tournament still feel close and the sense of occasion has not quite disappeared.
Final Thoughts on TPC Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale has become a pilgrimage site for golf lovers, not just because of the 16th hole or the PGA Tour players who pass through each February, but because it offers something genuinely rare: championship golf, public access, desert beauty, and a sense of occasion that never feels forced.
There are more exclusive courses, and there are more serene ones too. But few golf destinations combine drama, playability, atmosphere, and recognisable identity quite like this. That is what makes TPC Scottsdale more than a famous tournament stop. It makes it one of the most compelling public golf experiences in America.
TPC Scottsdale Scorecard
TPC Scottsdale Course Map
TPC Scottsdale logo
TPC Scottsdale FAQs
Planning a trip? Here are the most common questions about TPC Scottsdale, answered clearly.
Can you play TPC Scottsdale?
Yes, TPC Scottsdale is open to the public. Both the Stadium Course and the Champions Course can be booked without membership or a resort stay, making it one of the few PGA Tour venues accessible to everyday golfers.
How much does it cost to play TPC Scottsdale?
Green fees at TPC Scottsdale typically range from $180 to $450+ on the Stadium Course, depending on the season and time of day. The Champions Course is more affordable, usually between $80 and $130.
When is the best time to play TPC Scottsdale?
The best time to play TPC Scottsdale is from November to April, when temperatures are cooler and course conditions are at their best. For better value, consider October or early May, when green fees are lower but conditions remain strong.
Where is TPC Scottsdale located?
TPC Scottsdale is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, around 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix and approximately 30 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
What is the address of TPC Scottsdale?
TPC Scottsdale
17020 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255
Which course should you play at TPC Scottsdale?
Most visitors prioritise the Stadium Course, as it hosts the WM Phoenix Open and features the famous closing stretch. The Champions Course is quieter, more affordable, and offers a more relaxed desert golf experience. Ideally, play both to experience the full contrast.
How hard is the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale?
The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is challenging but fair. Wide fairways and multiple tee options make it playable for mid-handicappers, but desert hazards, water, and well-protected greens mean accuracy is still essential.
What is the most famous hole at TPC Scottsdale?
The par-3 16th hole on the Stadium Course is the most famous. During the WM Phoenix Open, it is surrounded by grandstands and thousands of spectators, creating one of the most unique atmospheres in golf.
What makes the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale so special?
The 16th hole is famous for its stadium-style setting during the WM Phoenix Open, where it becomes the loudest hole in golf. Even without the crowds, it remains a superb short par-3, demanding precision to a well-guarded green and offering a rare chance to stand on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
Is it worth playing TPC Scottsdale after the WM Phoenix Open?
Yes, playing TPC Scottsdale shortly after the WM Phoenix Open can be a unique experience. In many cases, parts of the tournament infrastructure, including grandstands, remain in place, giving you a rare opportunity to experience the course in a tournament-style setting.
Is it worth playing the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale?
Absolutely. The Champions Course offers a quieter, more traditional round of desert golf. It is less crowded, more affordable, and widely regarded as a strong complement to the Stadium Course.
What are the best hotels near TPC Scottsdale?
The best hotels near TPC Scottsdale include the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which is within walking distance and offers luxury stay-and-play options. Other nearby choices include the Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains and Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale.
Are there stay-and-play packages at TPC Scottsdale?
Yes, several nearby resorts, including the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, offer stay-and-play packages that include tee times at TPC Scottsdale. These can provide convenience and, in some cases, better overall value.
What is the dress code at TPC Scottsdale?
TPC Scottsdale has a standard golf dress code. Collared shirts and appropriate golf shoes are required, while denim and cargo shorts are not permitted. In short, dress as you would for a premium public course.
