ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro is one of the few Arizona courses with no homes, roads, or businesses visible from the fairways, set entirely on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land.
About
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, We-Ko-Pa Saguaro is a pure desert golf experience situated in the untouched Sonoran Desert northeast of Scottsdale. The course features a routing that follows the land’s natural contours, offering strategic variety, scenic views, no residential development, and a tranquil escape. It’s consistently rated as one of the best public courses in Arizona.
Caddie Tip
Play from the tees that match your average driving distance—the desert environment can be punishing to errant shots, and second shots often require precise club selection. Check wind direction on each tee, avoid trying to cut too much off doglegs, and use the rolling slopes to your advantage on approaches, especially on par fives.
The Main Challenge
Saguaro’s greatest challenge is its demand for precise shot placement and club selection through desert corridors and sloping greens. Errant shots are penalized by natural desert areas, and the three par fives are among the hardest holes, requiring length and careful navigation to avoid bunkers and native hazards.
The Good
Golfers rave about Saguaro’s natural beauty and tranquility, with mountain views in every direction and not a home in sight. The variety in hole design, strategic options, and the excellent routing that follows the land’s contours make each round memorable. The course conditions, especially the greens, are consistently praised by visitors.
The Not So Good
Some golfers note the summer desert heat can affect playability and condition, and occasional slow play on busy days can disrupt pace. A few wish for expanded shaded seating at the range or between holes to offer more relief from mid-day sun during peak season.
Signature Hole:
#
14
The par 5 14th is widely considered Saguaro’s signature hole, stretching over 550 yards from the back tees. This sweeping dogleg challenges golfers with strategic bunkering off the tee and a sloping green guarded by desert terrain and deep bunkers. The elevated approach offers panoramic mountain views, showcasing the course’s natural setting and demand for thoughtful shot-making.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms, and a full-service restaurant and bar with both indoor and patio seating, offering panoramic desert and mountain views. Event spaces and a friendly staff round out the premium amenities.
Practice Facilities
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro boasts a spacious driving range with natural turf, a large short game area, putting green, and practice bunkers. Warm-up spaces offer mountain views, and the practice complex is regarded as one of the best public offerings in the area.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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