Acacia at Kierland Golf Club

The Acacia Course at Kierland Golf Club opened in 1996 as part of a 27-hole facility designed by Scott Miller in north Scottsdale. Miller, who worked extensively in the Southwest and collaborated with various architects throughout his career, created three nine-hole loops at Kierland that can be combined into different 18-hole configurations. The Acacia nine forms one component of this routing system, typically paired with either the Ironwood or Mesquite nines depending on daily play arrangements.

The course occupies relatively flat Sonoran Desert terrain characteristic of this part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with the routing incorporating native desert vegetation, including the saguaro cacti and acacia trees that give the nine its name. The design reflects the target-style golf that became prevalent in Arizona during the 1990s, with defined playing corridors separated by desert areas and strategic bunkering around greens. Water features appear on several holes, adding both visual interest and strategic considerations to approach shots.

Kierland Golf Club serves as the golf amenity for the Westin Kierland Resort and adjacent residential community. The facility attracts both resort guests and local players, offering a more accessible alternative to some of Scottsdale's private clubs while maintaining conditioning standards appropriate to the upscale resort setting. The three-nine format provides operational flexibility and variety for guests staying multiple days, with each nine offering distinct character within Miller's overall design framework.