Scottsdale, Arizona
TPC Scottsdale’s Champions Course delivers an authentic desert-golf experience that’s playable, memorable, and approachable to most skill levels. It won’t overshadow its famous Stadium sibling but stands tall for shot variety, conditioning, and solid regional value.
Before your round, step behind the 9th green for a sweeping panoramic view of the front nine with Pinnacle Peak rising in the distance—a sight few realize is one of the course’s best selfie spots.
Randy Heckenkemper’s 2007 Champions Course redesign transformed an older, dated track into a modern vision of Sonoran desert golf. Routed through arroyos, ravines, and rolling foothills, the course cleverly leverages natural terrain and scenic sightlines without sacrificing playability. The holes offer a distinct rhythm: scorable par-5s, a strong collection of par-4s and par-3s, and opportunities for golfers to test both strategy and shotmaking. Generous off the tee yet never a pushover, bunkers and native desert line the fairways to punish poor misses. Greens offer subtle movement and are kept firm and smooth, letting the playing surfaces shine in the desert light.
Randy Heckenkemper’s design philosophy emphasizes natural landforms and unforced desert golf, producing a playable layout with a classic Sonoran identity.
This challenging par four demands a strong drive to a generous fairway with desert lining both sides. The lengthy approach shot must carry a ravine and favor the center of the green to avoid native areas short and right.
Favor position over pure length off the tee, then play safely to the heart of the green.
A miss left brings the arroyo and desert brush into play; long approaches must avoid short-side bunkers.
Greens are firm and quick; fairways are well maintained; expect excellent resort-level conditioning year-round.
Pace varies but expect 4.5–5 hours in season due to steady public traffic.
Casual, inviting, but with an upscale Scottsdale overtone; less intense than the Stadium but still professionally run.
Collared shirts and proper golf attire required; check for club-specific policy when booking.
Arizona desert rounds demand extra hydration and UV protection, even in the cooler months.
Late-afternoon tee times can deliver excellent rates and spectacular Sonoran sunsets.
Several scorable par-5s and gentle par-3s await before the more challenging back nine stretches your game.
Champions Course opens after complete redesign by Randy Heckenkemper
The Champions Course was birthed from the ashes of the former Desert Course, keeping the site’s legacy alive while delivering a modern, more playable routing. Architect Randy Heckenkemper designed the course to maximize views and weave strategic holes through the natural desert arroyos.
While the Stadium Course roars every February, the Champions Course carries itself with a relaxed vibe, serving as the resort’s understated but essential second track. Here, regulars and first-timers alike can chase their own championship rounds without grandstands or galleries.
Each year, the Champions Course puts Champions Tour hopefuls to the test at the grueling Q-School Final Stage. The course's mix of scorable par-5s and exacting long par-4s sets up a true measuring stick for journeymen looking to extend or launch their senior careers.
The Champions Course incorporates natural arroyos into its routing for genuine desert strategy.
It hosts the Champions Tour Q-School Final Stage, where senior pros chase their tour cards.
The site’s previous Desert Course pedigree gives it multi-generational design DNA.
Peak wildflower blooms provide pops of color on many holes during spring rounds.
The iconic WM Phoenix Open venue; atmosphere is electric and pure 'bucket-list' Scottsdale.
Consistently top-rated daily-fee with top-notch scenery and architecture.
Benchmark for Sonoran desert golf, memorable boulder-strewn holes.
Tournament-level championship test known for pristine conditioning.
Excellent municipal option providing great value and accessibility.
North Scottsdale or Kierland/Scottsdale Airpark for the best access to the Valley’s top public courses and entertainment.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: The Mirabel Club is a natural next stop after TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: Whirlwind Golf Club – Cattail is a natural next stop after TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Loraloma Golf Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course.
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