8 Exceptional Golf Communities in Scottsdale, AZ

Known for its perks, modern Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the top places to live, work, and play, with a mix of outdoor activities, high-end shopping, and world-class golf courses. With over 200 golf courses, finding golf communities in Scottsdale is easy. Each is a prestigious and luxurious community with different amenities, giving home buyers plenty of real estate to choose from. Check out these choice Scottsdale golf communities. 

Seven Desert Mountain

Known as the “Jewel of Desert Mountain,” the luxurious homes of the Seven Desert Mountain golf community come in condominiums, villas, and custom single-family homes, with the majority of lots right off the golf course. The community showcases the latest contemporary architecture trends: clean lines, minimalist outdoor spaces, and 360-degree mountain views. Buying these mountainous views comes at a price. Home prices start at $950,000 and go up to $13.75M as of August 2023. 

Luxury and seamless design are what golf course architects Bill Brownlee and Wedell Pickett thought when they designed the Seven Desert Mountain course. The USGA-rated, par 54 championship golf course engages players of all ages with various skill levels through its innovative design and scenery. The course is designed uniquely with alternative teeing bunkers, positions meant to help players practice their short game by taking shots directly from the sand. Reviews for this challenging course are positive and ranked 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Mirabel Club

One perk the golf communities in Scottsdale is their small-town feel, with residents who value their community and help each other. Newcomers can expect these friendly community values at the luxurious Mirabel Club, where neighbors still wave when you drive by. 

Members of Mirabel have access to upscale amenities with a gated community, 24-hour security, and concierge-style member services. Residents participate in local events, tennis, golf tournaments, or one of the many fitness classes throughout the year. 

Its 18-hole golf course stretches over 7,147 yards with a par 71 rating. Its exceptional design from Tom Fazio is an example of top-tier craftsmanship unparalleled to other Scottsdale golf courses. Players are challenged to play with obstacles like bunkers, water hazards, fairways, and changing terrains with the surroundings of mountains, boulders, and desert landscapes. Mirabel’s altitude renders temperatures 10 degrees cooler than those of Phoenix below. Mirabel’s course hosts many intercollegiate and professional tournaments, tentpole championships, and other events. The residents at the Mirabel Club appreciate the small town and community feel, ranking it 4.7 of 5 stars.  

A few miles north of downtown Scottsdale, Mirabel is one of the nation’s smallest private communities. Prices in Mirabel Club ranged from $1.99M to $6M in August 2023. 

Terravita

Luxury awaits at the Terravita Golf and Country Club. Sitting right at the foothills of the Sonoran Desert, residents are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and native plants. The community promotes Scottsdale’s starry night skies by reducing light pollution and embracing the “dark sky community” identity. Every night at Terravita is a celestial show.

Terravita sits 2,300 feet above sea level. The higher altitude promotes lower temperatures that make the weather ideal for a game of golf. Billy Casper and Greg Nash designed the award-winning 18-hole golf course for players of all levels, with slopes, 39 sand traps, water hazards, and about 6,250 square feet of greens. The course was built with direct views of the Black Mountain and the valley on the opposite side. 

Throughout the years, the Terravita golf course has hosted matches for the US Women’s Open. The golfers who have used this course have ranked it 4.7 of 5 stars, a testament to its flawless design.

Members of Terravita experience resort-style amenities and social activities. As one of the finest private golf and country club communities in Scottsdale, Terravita presents opportunities for socialization, dining, and the pursuit of active lifestyles. Fine dining, art studios, and community pools bring members together where they can create long-lasting relationships. The golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, and fitness classes encourage residents to pursue their desired active lifestyle.

Behind the gated entrance are 1,380 homes spanning across 863 acres. Homeownership includes membership in the Terravita Community Association (TCA) and Terravita Country Club (TCC). Homebuyers searching Terravita will find homes between $300,000 and more than $1M. 

The Boulders

World-class amenities await you in the new homes of The Boulders, a luxury golfing community just northeast of Scottsdale. The 1,300-acre community sits in the stunning high Sonoran Desert and South Carefree. Natural landscapes, picturesque sunsets, and large granite boulders are part of the view from your backyard. 

The Boulders Golf Club comes with two award-winning 18-hole courses designed by Jay Morrish. The South Course is dedicated to its onsite resort and the public to play. The North Course is for exclusive use by its residents. This multi-million dollar course includes roughs, greens, bunkers, rock formations, and golf cart paths stretching seamlessly across 12 million-year-old desert landscapes. Players rank the opulent Boulders Golf Club a 3.7 of 5 stars.

Since its construction, the 33,000-square-foot resort property has acquired recognition for its luxurious spa, championship golf course, and excellent service. There are plenty of amenities throughout the property and outdoor activities, with five fine dining restaurants, events, tennis, golf, and more. Those who desire an active lifestyle embrace the walking tours to experience native plants, ancient rock formations, and possible wildlife under the guidance of local experts.

Despite its construction and the development of amenities, the native landscape has been left untouched. Properties in 2023 were listed at over $1.09M, approximately $521 per square foot, and ranged to $1.1M.

Tatum Ranch

The small town of Cave Creek is perfect for Tatum Ranch Golf Club because of its privacy and exclusivity. This private golf and social club has stunning views of the mountainside on one side and the foothills leading into the valley on the other. Rocky slopes, desert plants, and large boulders seamlessly blend into the golf course’s green grass. Robert Cupp’s vision for the Tatum Ranch Golf Club course seamlessly blended the fairways into the surrounding landscapes. The walkable course incorporates hazards and subtle elevations. There are challenges fit for players of varying levels of golf expertise. Tatum Ranch consistently gets a 4.2 of 5 stars from its players who experience its scenic views and landscapes. 

The Tatum Ranch Community Association’s initiatives unite the community members. Annual events, volunteer opportunities, and social groups create an atmosphere that encourages positive and lasting relationships. Tatum Ranch is its own small city. Arterial roadways are lined with plazas, medical offices, shops, and restaurants. 

Tatum Ranch Community Association’s 3,418 homes include property in five additional sub-associations. These sub-associations include condos, apartments, and single-family homes. Find your home at Tatum Ranch, with properties starting at $455,000 and up to $900,000.

DC Ranch

This golf community seamlessly sits right by the McDowell Sonoran Preserve on the north side of Scottsdale. DC Ranch comprises 26 unique neighborhoods within four districts with open spaces and desert views. The 2,600 homes sprawl across the 4,400 acres on lots a half-acre or more. 

DC Ranch started in the early 1990s as a cattle ranch. Over the years of planning and development, it has evolved into a lively neighborhood with a rich history of the American Southwest. 

There is always something to do when you live in DC Ranch. Health and country clubs consistently host events and classes for residents to participate in. The community has 50 miles of exclusive interconnected walking trails and 47 parks if any residents are outdoor enthusiasts. Golf, restaurants, healthcare, schools, and shops are all minutes from the residences of DC Ranch. There are two golf courses at DC Ranch. The Silverleaf Club and the Country Club at DC Ranch. 

Designer Tom Weiskopf envisioned Silverleaf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course with a Mediterranean-style clubhouse. Constructed in 2002, the 7,322 yards of terrain, par 72, presents landscape challenges not seen in other courses. It is said that “members don’t play the course; they experience it.” Players of all skill levels take on the challenge of this course, ranking it a 4.8 of 5 stars. 

Players can immerse themselves in the spectacular views from each of the 18 holes in the Country Club at DC Ranch. Tom Lehman and John Fought designed the private course for players of any skill. Spreading across 12 acres, the golf course is open year-round for all players. Each year, one and two-day tournaments are played exclusively to its members with prizes, awards, and food. Some of the most popular tournaments held at the Country Club are the Round-Up and the Stampede.

DC Ranch has available lots at an elevation between 1,580 and 3,840 feet above sea level. The lots face the scenic views of Phoenix below. There is a combination of property types throughout DC Ranch, from condominiums, townhomes, single-family homes, and patio homes. Homes around this area cost between $395,000 and $28M.

Ancala

Constructed in a desert paradise, the Ancala Country Club combines southwestern luxury and modern clean lines. The single-family homes in Ancala sit right at the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, with scenic views serving as the backdrop of this Scottsdale community. It is known to be one of Arizona’s finest full-service private country clubs. Owning a piece of Ancala cost $1.49M to $5.75M in August 2023. Empty lots are also available starting at $625,000 for property owners who prefer building a custom home.

Designed in 1990 amongst Arizona’s natural setting, the incredible 6,815 yards par-72 championship golf course delivers a memorable experience every time. The immaculate golf course imagined by Perry Dye is environmentally friendly and managed with wildlife in mind.. Those who experience Anacala firsthand rank the golfing experience 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Desert Highlands 

Not many places can trace their property’s history back to its initial settlers. What was once occupied by the Hohokam Culture, ranchers, and homesteaders is now the Desert Highlands golf community. Established in 1983, the Desert Highlands puts golf in a scenic view that makes you feel like you are right in the Wild West. 

In 1975, The 44,000 acres that make up Desert Highlands today were acquired by R.O. Brown, a local entrepreneur, and farmer. Surrounded by large mountains and desert plants of the Sonoran Desert, the golf community of the Desert Highlands combines the desert with the modern, clean lines of its unique properties. 

There are two golfing courses in this community. Residents can work on their backswing with the view of Pinnacle Peak before them. Known as the Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, this 18-hole, par 72 golf course was designed to surround the fairways with the desert landscape. With turf limitations, it creates a unique challenge for its players. Some of the most famous golfers to give this course a try are Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Arnold Palmer, who have taken a swing here. 

The second course was the first of its kind. In the mid-1980s, Gary Panks was tasked with professionally designing the first 18-hole putting course in North America. Covering 60,000 square feet, this 41-hole putting course is popular amongst novice and younger players.

From hosting many events to seeing the presence of some of the best players, the Desert Highlands has built a reputation for itself. Many golfers and regional and national organizations choose to hold their events on this course. Since 2000, the PGA Skins game, the Arizona Open Golf Pro-Am tournament, the Southwest Section PGA Junior Golf Tournaments, and the Gateway Golf Tournament have all been hosted at the Desert Highland Club. Their ratings match their popularity, ranked 4.7 of 5 stars. 

The community of Desert Highlands comes with excellence. Residents can seek an active lifestyle with a state-of-the-art fitness center, pool, walking trails, and racquetball club. If they want to become one with nature, 5 miles of walking trails are available. Those who want to socialize can do so with the many events hosted year-round or at one of the four restaurants where they can enjoy fine dining or a more laid-back atmosphere. 

The homes in Desert Highlands are custom-made, giving them a unique appearance and traits. Each can have 3 to 7 bedrooms and 3 to 9 bathrooms. The styles of the properties range from southwestern to modern and clean-lined homes. You can own a piece of this iconic golfing community from $1.99M up to $8M.  

Golf Course Living in Scottsdale

If these communities aren’t what you are looking for, no worries. Scottsdale has even more golf course communities, over eleven, in fact. And with over 200 courses in the greater area, there’s sure to be a neighborhood with the right combination of play, perks, and price for you. Check out even more Scottsdale real estate to see all your options for exceptional living in the Valley of the Sun.