The Private Golf Clubs That Define North Scottsdale Living
Allan & Murphy Luxury Property Group July 20, 2026
Allan & Murphy Luxury Property Group July 20, 2026
North Scottsdale isn't just one of the country's premier golf destinations. It's where championship golf becomes part of everyday life.
The region is home to some of the most exclusive private clubs in the Southwest, where meticulously designed courses, dramatic Sonoran Desert landscapes, and world-class amenities come together to create communities unlike anywhere else. While exceptional golf is the common thread, each club has developed its own personality—whether that's ultra-private luxury, a vibrant social scene, or an unmatched collection of championship courses.
If you're considering a move to North Scottsdale, here's a closer look at the private golf communities that continue to attract executives, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and discerning homebuyers from around the world.
Few communities carry the prestige of Silverleaf.
Located within the exclusive DC Ranch master-planned community, Silverleaf has become synonymous with luxury living in Arizona. The Tom Weiskopf-designed course winds through the McDowell Mountains, creating dramatic elevation changes and unforgettable desert vistas.
The golf experience is intentionally private, with exceptional course conditioning, attentive service, and a membership that values both exclusivity and community.
Outside the course, members enjoy an elegant clubhouse, fine dining, fitness facilities, tennis, pickleball, and a full calendar of social events.
The surrounding neighborhood features some of Arizona's most impressive custom estates, many with sweeping mountain, city light, or golf course views.
Best for: Buyers seeking Scottsdale's most prestigious luxury lifestyle.
If there's one community that stands apart in the golf world, it's Desert Mountain.
Spread across more than 8,000 acres in North Scottsdale, Desert Mountain offers something no other residential community can claim: seven Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. From traditional parkland-style layouts to dramatic desert designs, each course presents a distinct challenge and personality.
Members also enjoy:
Because of its size, Desert Mountain offers a variety of neighborhoods, architectural styles, and price points, from lock-and-leave villas to expansive custom estates.
Best for: Golf enthusiasts who want variety, luxury amenities, and an active lifestyle.
Whisper Rock has quietly earned a reputation as one of the finest golf clubs in America.
Unlike many luxury communities, Whisper Rock focuses almost entirely on golf. The club features two nationally acclaimed courses—one designed by Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson, the other by Tom Fazio.
The practice facilities are among the best anywhere, attracting accomplished amateurs and numerous PGA Tour professionals who maintain homes within the community.
Membership is intentionally limited, preserving an intimate atmosphere where golf takes center stage.
The surrounding homes emphasize privacy, generous lot sizes, and understated elegance rather than showmanship.
Best for: Serious golfers who appreciate exclusivity and a pure golf experience.
Tucked beneath Pinnacle Peak, Estancia consistently ranks among the finest private clubs in the country.
Its Tom Fazio-designed course blends naturally into the desert terrain, taking advantage of granite boulders, native vegetation, and dramatic elevation changes.
The community itself is known for exceptional architecture, custom homes, and breathtaking mountain views.
The elegant clubhouse offers outstanding dining, wellness amenities, and a welcoming social environment without sacrificing exclusivity.
Estancia appeals to buyers looking for refined luxury in a more intimate setting.
Best for: Luxury buyers seeking exceptional architecture and a highly personalized club experience.
Mirabel offers a slightly different approach to luxury living.
While every bit as refined as its neighboring clubs, Mirabel is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Tom Fazio-designed championship course blends seamlessly into the surrounding desert while providing panoramic views stretching across Scottsdale and the Continental Mountains.
Members enjoy:
The community's elevated homesites allow many properties to capture remarkable sunsets and city lights.
Best for: Buyers looking for luxury combined with an active, social community.
One of North Scottsdale's original private clubs, Troon Country Club remains one of the area's most respected golf communities.
Located at the base of Pinnacle Peak, the course offers stunning scenery and a challenging layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making over sheer distance.
Members enjoy a recently renovated clubhouse, racquet sports, fitness facilities, dining, and an active calendar of member events.
Its established neighborhood features a mix of custom homes and luxury residences with mature desert landscaping.
Best for: Buyers who value tradition, mountain views, and an established golf community.
Desert Highlands helped shape luxury golf living in Scottsdale.
Centered around the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course ever built, this guard-gated community continues to attract buyers who appreciate its history, exceptional location, and active membership.
Amenities include:
Many homes feature spectacular mountain backdrops and expansive outdoor living spaces.
Best for: Buyers seeking an established luxury community with outstanding amenities.
Founded by businessman Bob Parsons, Scottsdale National has quickly become one of the country's most talked-about private golf clubs.
The club features multiple distinctive courses, including the acclaimed "Other Course" designed by Tom Fazio and "Bad Little Nine," a highly creative short course.
Membership emphasizes exceptional golf above all else while maintaining a highly exclusive atmosphere.
Unlike many clubs, Scottsdale National is not built around a residential community, making it a unique option for homeowners who want membership while living elsewhere in North Scottsdale.
Best for: Passionate golfers who prioritize championship-caliber golf and exclusivity.
While every private club in North Scottsdale offers exceptional golf, the best choice depends on how you envision your lifestyle.
If you want the broadest range of golf and amenities, Desert Mountain stands alone.
If prestige and luxury real estate are your priority, Silverleaf and Estancia consistently rank among Arizona's most sought-after addresses.
If golf itself is the centerpiece of your lifestyle, Whisper Rock and Scottsdale National deliver experiences that rival the finest clubs in the country.
For buyers seeking a balance of golf, social events, and resort-style amenities, Mirabel, Desert Highlands, and Troon Country Club each offer welcoming communities with distinct personalities.
The good news is there's no wrong answer. North Scottsdale has earned its reputation because every one of these clubs delivers an extraordinary lifestyle.
Buying a home in a private golf community is about far more than choosing a course. It's about selecting a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle, whether that means entertaining on a patio overlooking the fairway, hiking desert trails before your morning tee time, or enjoying dinner with friends at the clubhouse after a round.
North Scottsdale offers one of the greatest concentrations of luxury golf communities anywhere in the United States. Each has its own character, membership culture, and real estate opportunities, but all share the same foundation: exceptional golf, stunning desert beauty, and a lifestyle that's hard to replicate.
If you're considering a move to North Scottsdale or exploring golf course homes, I'd be happy to help you compare communities, understand membership options, and find the neighborhood that fits the way you want to live.
Our team brings deep Scottsdale expertise, honest guidance, and a genuine investment in every client outcome. We are not just here to close deals — we are here to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life with confidence.
Sandra Allan
(480) 707-7576
[email protected]
Rebecca Murphy
(480) 277-8376
[email protected]
Address
8852 E Pinnacle Peak Rd Ste J4
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
