
The Phoenician Course
The Phoenician Resort

About this course
The Phoenician's Canyon Course presents a dramatic contrast to the manicured resort experience, a testament to desert golf's enduring allure. This Scottsdale layout, carved into the foothills of Camelback Mountain, offers a challenging, visually striking encounter with the Sonoran Desert. Originally designed by Ted Robinson Sr., the course underwent a significant renovation by architect Tom Lehman, transforming the original 27 holes into a more strategic, 18-hole configuration. The routing emphasizes risk-reward decisions, with forced carries over arroyos, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens demanding precise iron play. While not a championship venue in the traditional sense, The Phoenician’s Canyon Course provides a stern test for golfers of all abilities and features some of the most stunning and interesting terrain in the valley. Beyond the golf, The Phoenician embodies the refined desert lifestyle. The club fosters an atmosphere of relaxed elegance, where post-round gatherings often center around enjoying the resort's amenities, including its renowned spa and multiple dining options. While lacking the pedigree of some of its more storied neighbors, The Phoenician offers a distinct and unforgettable Scottsdale golf experience.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in AZ
Quick facts
- Location
- Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1981
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Phil Smith
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,518 yards
- Difficulty
- 76/135
- Course Vaults score
- 7.5
Getting there
The Phoenician Resort sits just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), one of the Southwest's most accessible major hubs, making the journey from the tarmac to the resort's legendary grounds remarkably swift—typically a 20-minute drive southeast into the foothills of Scottsdale. For those arriving by private aircraft, Scottsdale Airport (SDL) offers an even more intimate gateway, positioning you within a 10-minute drive of the property. The route traces the gentle rise from the valley floor into the Sonoran Desert landscape, where the transition from urban sprawl gives way to saguaro-studded terrain and the distinctive red-rock ridges that frame the resort's 250 acres. Your arrival at The Phoenician's grand entrance, with its sweeping drive and manicured grounds rising against the desert mountains, marks the threshold to one of golf's most storied resort destinations.

FAQ
Common questions about The Phoenician
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Phoenician has a Course Vaults score of 7.5 out of 10 based on 100 logged golfers.
The Phoenician was designed by Phil Smith.
Yes. The Phoenician is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Phoenician is 71.
The Phoenician plays 6,518 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Phoenician is 135.




