Piipaash at Talking Stick Golf Club

Piipaash at Talking Stick Golf Club, carved from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community land northeast of Scottsdale, embodies the spirit of its ancestral stewards. The course, born of the early 2000s, offers a counterpoint to more manicured desert layouts. Its expansive fairways, peppered with indigenous vegetation, encourage bold play and reward those who embrace the natural undulations. A preference for faders is a subtle advantage, as many holes gently shape left-to-right, testing both accuracy and distance control.

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Piipaash reflects their minimalist design philosophy, emphasizing playability and strategic options. The course avoids artificial mounding, instead relying on the existing desert contours and natural washes to define hazards and challenge golfers. The open feel and strategic bunkering call to mind classic links courses, albeit with a Southwestern twist.

While not a stage for major professional championships, Piipaash enjoys a strong reputation among discerning golfers who appreciate its authentic design and connection to the surrounding environment. It serves as a beloved home course for its membership, fostering a community drawn to its unpretentious atmosphere and the rich cultural heritage that underpins the entire Talking Stick experience.