Every golfer has their “Dream 18,” the eighteen individual holes from various golf courses that they wish could be one cohesive course for a moment in time. The Valley of the Sun is brimming with such sensational golf holes, that it isn’t difficult to drum up a fantasy round on a whim. If we could have it our way, this would be our “Dream 18.”
1. Grayhawk (Raptor Course)
Hole No. 18 – Par 5 – 521 yards
With water guarding the right side of this narrow fairway, golfers need to pull out all the stops to ensure safe approach shots to this aqua-protected green.
2. TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course)
Hole No. 17 – Par 4 – 330 yards
The beauty of this golf hole lies in the possibilities. Big hitters can attempt to reach the green from the tee in hopes of reliving Andrew Magee’s famous hole-in-one.
3. Troon North (Pinnacle Course)
Hole No. 10 – Par 4 – 407 yards
The name really says it all, this sensational hole highlights some of the most dramatic and memorable views of Pinnacle Peak.
4. Mirabel
Hole No. 11 – Par 3 – 178 yards
Sweeping North Valley views and a thrilling tee shot over a rugged desert wash make this golf hole more of a reward than a risk.
5. Encanterra
Hole No. 14 – Par 3 – 206 yards
One of the trickiest undulating greens in the Valley, a par No. 14 at Encanterra should be celebrated with a few beers back at the club house.
6. Kierland (Acacia Nine)
Hole No. 7 – Par 4 – 374 yards
Known for its treacherous bunkering, this particular hole has 14 sand traps to navigate before reaching the green.
7. We-Ko-Pa (Cholla Course)
Hole No. 8 – Par 5 – 602 yards
This downward, doglegged hole provides the trickiest time upon reaching its long and challenging green complex.
8. Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Tortolita)
Hole No. 3 – Par 3 – 219 yards
A dramatic elevation change couples with sweeping views to give this hole the truest of desert vibes and vistas.
9. Talking Stick (North)
Hole No. 12 – Par 4 – 392 yards
A split fairway toys with perceptions on this true risk/reward hole, where strategy can lead to the latter rather than the former.
10. The Boulders (South Course)
Hole No. 5 – Par 5 – 545 yards
The famed, century-old boulders that golfers from around the globe flock to see are showcased more on this hole than any other.
11. Desert Mountain-Apache
Hole No. 15 – Par 3 – 182 yards
Delicate touch and direction are required to safely navigate water along the right side of the green.
12. DC Ranch Country Club
Hole No. 13 – Par 3 – 146 yards
This hole makes our list for the oneness with nature that it provides. Golfers are literally placed in the McDowell Mountain range from tee to green on this hole that overlooks the entire Valley.
13. Whirlwind Golf Club (Devil’s Claw)
Hole No. 9 – Par 4– 441 yards
Another split fairway design makes our list for the amount of thought required to successfully execute this deceiving hole.
14. Silverleaf
Hole No. 18 – Par 4 – 498 yards
This fantastic finishing hole makes golfers earn their place at the 19th via extensive fairway bunkering and a desert wash-guarded green complex.
15. Grayhawk (Talon Course)
Hole 11 – Par 3 – 175 yards
This hole provides a novelty golf experience by way of a swinging suspension bridge that transports golfers to the tee box for an all-carry tee shot.
16. The Phoenician (Desert Course)
Hole No. 8 – Par 3 – 120 yards
The hole is short but sweet. The hike to the tee box reduces yardage to the green while maximizing 360-degree Valley views.
17. Eagle Mountain
Hole No. 6 – Par 3 – 183 yards
Noted as the clubs signature hole, its easy to see why this picturesque and water-guarded hole is a favorite among patrons as well.
18. TPC Scottsdale (Champions Course)
Hole No. 18 – Par 4 – 460 yards
This fun finishing hole provides an accessible par if the water-guarded, left-side of the fairway and green are avoided at all costs.
