We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Located in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club gives golfers a unique experience on the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land. This award-winning club has two championship golf courses: the Cholla Course and the Saguaro Course.

With no residential developments, roads, or other distractions, players can enjoy the mountain views and peaceful desert setting. Known as one of the best public golf courses in Arizona, We-Ko-Pa offers a true desert golf experience that welcomes players from around the world.

Course Layout We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

The Cholla Course, designed by Scott Miller and opened in 2001, is 7,225 yards and has a par of 72. It embodies traditional desert golf with shady arroyos, rocky hills, and native vegetation. Clear landing areas and forced carries define its strategic design. Changes in height along the course offer great views of the area.

The Saguaro Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2006, is 6,966 yards and has a par of 71. Thiswalkable course follows the natural contours of the land, with wide fairways, meandering holes, and greens close to the next tee. Manual push carts are available, making it easier to walk, and the course feels like a classic desert golf course.

Course Challenges

Golfers at We-Ko-Pa face many different challenges that require precision and strategy.

On the Cholla Course, risk-reward opportunities abound on every tee shot. Sometimes, golfers need to hit the ball over brittle bushes or out of bunkers. Changes in height and clear hazards make players think about where to aim, rewarding accurate play and making mistakes more costly.

The Saguaro Course has its own challenges. Blind tee shots on holes like No. 4 and No. 18, uphill approaches, and sloped greens that require careful club selection to avoid three-putts. Bunkers line fairways and guard greens. Natural elements such as mesquite trees and tumbleweeds add complexity, particularly on split-fairway holes.

Signature Holes at We-Ko-Pa

Several holes at We-Ko-Pa stand out as signature holes and showcase the course layout.

On the Cholla Course, Hole 8, a 605-yard par-5, challenges with its length and strategic bunkering. Hole 11, a 220-yard par-3, demands pinpoint accuracy over desert terrain.

On the Saguaro Course, Hole 4 is a 595-yard par-5 and is considered the hardest hole. A blind tee shot and an uphill second shot often result in bogeys even for skilled players. Hole 14, a 513-yard par-5, has dual fairways separated by native vegetation, forcing golfers to choose between a risky carry or a safer route. Finally, Hole 18 isa 470-yard par-4 that ends the course with an uphill shot and a blind approach, with views of the Superstition Mountains.

Facilities at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers a range of services to enhance the golfing experience. The award-winning pro shop sells apparel, equipment, souvenirs, and jewellery made by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. The practice area has unlimited range balls for warm-ups. The We-Ko-Pa Grille offers scenic dining with Native-American-themed options.

Hosted Tournaments

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is known for hosting many golf tournaments and events for both beginners and experienced players. Some of its well-known events are the US Am Tour Championship and the PNW PGA Arizona Sun Pro-Am.

Charity tournaments, such as the annual Golf Fore Cancer event and the Yavapai Indian Foundation Tournament, help raise money for good causes and build community spirit. The club also hosts the Golfweek Rater Match Play Event.

Book Now

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in the Scottsdale desert. It offers beautiful scenery, fun and challenging holes, and great services. Whether you are playing alone or with a group, you can expect a memorable time that mixes classic golf with the natural beauty of Arizona. Book a tee time today to see why it is considered one of the best public golf courses in Arizona.