Las Sendas...  Carved out of the high desert in easternmost Mesa, this new layout by Robert Trent Jones is possibly Arizona's most challenging 18 holes of golf.  Brutally long, it also is just as beautiful as it winds its way around notorious Spook Hill, with Red Mountain in the background.

Grayhawk...  Graham and Panks pulled out all of the stops when they built this beauty.  With box canyons and waterfalls, you'll remember such gems as "Heaven or Hell" and "Devil's Drink."  You will see it on TV as the site of many popular tournaments.

Club Terravita...  There's nothing easy about this premier course. With super-wide fairways and some great holes - No. 3 and No. 10 come to mind - you'll find this new Billy Casper/Greg Nash design to be demanding as well as delightfully dazzling.

Tonto Verde...  Another new course by Graham & Panks, Tonto Verde is located near Rio Verde, where it lies below the majesty of the Four Peaks.  A rugged, tight test of desert golf, this course builds to a crescendo.  You will especially like the closing stretch, where your tee shots seem to float into the mountains.

Papago...  When it comes to municipal golf courses, you can't do better than this, although you'll have a tough time getting a tee time.  Designed by renowned architect William Bell, the course is traditional and in a fantastic setting just below the Papago Buttes.  Modestly priced, too.

TPC of Scottsdale...  Another Weiskopf-Morrish design, the home of the Phoenix Open is par, firm and a favorite among PGA Tour players.  With gentle mounding that flows gracefully, and the McDowell Mountains forming a majestic background, you'll enjoy it, especially the closing four holes.

Pointe at Lookout Mountain...  Bill Johnson did a fine job in carving out this lavish links layout among the hills of north Phoenix.  Even though it seems like it winds forever, you'll enjoy the journey as you work your way to the outskirts, with the pinnacle of the course being the spectacular 10th hole.

The Phoenician...  Nestled up against Camelback Mountain on the edge of Scottsdale (actually part of the course is in Phoenix), this tight and tenacious tract has lots of water and trees (10,000 palms!), as well as spectacular views.  The Phoenician is as opulent as the resort with the same name.

Ocotillo...  Affectionately called "The Land of Lakes," you'll find water on 23 of the 27 holes that run through this course in southernmost Chandler.  Always in perfect shape, hydrophobes need not worry too much (unless you're a good golfer!) as the water comes more into play for the low handicappers.

Legend Trail...  is the center piece of 6 delightful master planned communities. The course flows smoothly through the natural terrain of high desert. Apache is the 4th of the five desert mountain courses with a magnificent setting on the eastern most side of the property. There is also a friendly course with a great practice arena.

Foothills Club West...  This Brian Whitcomb layout, which lies to the south of South Mountain, has a wide-open, expansive feel.  You'll be especially impressed by the 15th and 17th holes, which are two of the best par-3s in the Phoenix area.  The 17th features a unique, two-greens set-up.

Biltmore Links...  The variety of holes is terrific as the Links Course winds its way from the desert floor, past the Wrigley Mansion and into the foothills that lie at the base of Squaw Peak.   Some of the best views in the Valley, as well as the best golf, can be had here.  Especially at the 15th hole, where you get both.

Arizona Private Courses

Troon...  Another Weiskopf-Morrish wonder, Troon's setting is spectacular, as it winds its way through the high desert and boulders near Pinnacle Peak.  All the holes are solid, but several stand out - the 14th, 15th and 16th.  Scottish links never looked this good.

Desert Forest...  Designed by Red Lawrence, "The Desert Fox", this course is traditional in concept and was the forerunner of all the desert courses.  With a laid-back atmosphere, you won't hear much about it, but this is the "Lost Dutchman's Mine" of Arizona golf. There is usually a wait.

Cochise at Desert Mountain...  As the house that Jack built, Cochise is the site of two of his Senior PGA Tour triumphs and the host course of The Tradition.  It's the most popular among the members, possibly because it's one of the kindest and gentlest of the Golden Bear's courses.

Geronimo at Desert Mountain...  Some say this course is too demanding, with its rugged features and length.  But you won't experience a more mystical experience in Arizona golf as you climb to the top of the mountain.   The 18th hole, Nicklaus' only par-3 closer among 100 courses, is something to behold.

Desert Highland...  Another Nicklaus course, this one lies directly beneath Pinnacle Peak.  Like Nicklaus' nickname, it's a bear, especially the elevated greens, which are tough to recover on if you don't hit them the first time.  Otherwise, the course is gorgeous, especially the 14th, which goes straight into the peak.

Boulders South...  Morrish went solo on this one, blending several nines and creating a few new holes to form the South course.  He did a great job of holding together the continuity.  The tee boxes sit on huge boulder piles, and the breathtaking vistas make it hard to concentrate on your game.

Phoenix Country Club...  Classic country club flair helps PCC stand out like an oasis on the edge of downtown.  Steeped in history - the site of the Phoenix Open for more than 50 years.  It is a monument to time.  The dogleg par-4s are the course's strength, but the par-3 No. 2 across water is the most fun.

Paradise Valley...  A more modern approach to the country club image, the Lawrence Hughes designed layout sits majestically on a hillside looking up at Camelback Mountain.  Rolling fairways and challenging golf make PV solid from start to finish.  The ninth and 18th holes are two of the best.

Arizona Country Club...  Low-key for a country club, this course also is a trip in the way-back machine and another former site of the Phoenix Open.  Stately yet sleepy, the five par-3s are tops overall in the Valley.  The best stretch comes at the turn, as the 9th, 10th and 11th holes bring to mind Amen Corner.

Mesa Country Club...  Another course with a traditional approach, the shady confines of Mesa CC offer one of the state's most relaxing atmospheres.  The course has two levels, and the par-3s are outstanding, especially No. 7, where you tee off from a triple-tiered tee, across a creek to the green below.

Boulders North...  Morrish again, although the concept is more traditional than the South, as it blends some outstanding doglegs together with picturesque par-3s.  You can't overpower this course; it's too tight.  Not as scenic as its sister, the North course still delivers a dynamic desert experience.

Gainey Ranch...  Its gently rolling hills offer three types of nines with different themes - water, dunes and a Midwestern style.  Gainey Ranch is short, player-friendly and a good place to make a lot of birdies.  The ninth hole on the Lakes course is stunning, as it plays past springs to a cascading waterfall.

Arrowhead...  Designed by Arnold Palmer, this has all his trademarks - lots of sand and water - that make for demanding tee shots.  There's another good reason for hitting the fairway on your drive - hidden trouble.  The 18th is a great finisher, a short, gambling par-5 to an island green.

Moon Valley...  Dick Wilson originally designed Moon Valley, but PING President Karsten Solheim has spent millions in the past seven years making it into his personal playground.  The course, which is tenacious because of its tricky greens, hosts the Standard Register PING event on the LPGA Tour.