ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
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Course Report
Whisper Rock Golf Club is famously popular with PGA Tour players, and its membership is capped at under 600.
About
Whisper Rock Golf Club's Upper Course, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 2005, sprawls across the dramatic desert landscape of north Scottsdale. Known for its rugged rock outcroppings and mountain vistas, the Upper Course is a private, members-only layout that emphasizes a premium traditional golf experience, attention to detail, and exclusivity.
Caddie Tip
Play for the center of the greens, as Fazio's bunkering and the elevation changes make short-siding yourself especially penal. The firm desert turf provides extra roll, so club selection off the tee requires careful planning. The wind can swirl near the outcroppings, impacting club choice on approach shots.
The Main Challenge
The routing weaves through desert terrain with significant elevation changes and deceptive green complexes. Large, rugged bunkers protect many landing areas, and approach shots demand precision due to the firm conditions and tricky surrounds. The finishing holes are particularly demanding, often playing into the prevailing wind.
The Good
Golfers rave about the course's breathtaking desert scenery, dramatic rock features, and peaceful exclusivity. The Tom Fazio design is regarded for its playability and strategic challenge, making every round both memorable and rewarding. The club atmosphere and high-level conditioning are consistent highlights among members and guests.
The Not So Good
Access is extremely restricted, as only sponsored invitations are allowed, limiting access even among area residents. Some find the exclusivity excessive, and during overseed periods in the fall, course closure dates can be inconvenient for members seeking year-round play.
Signature Hole:
#
18
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Clubhouse
The clubhouse provides full-service amenities including upscale dining, a well-appointed bar, pro shop, locker rooms, and attentive staff. Members also enjoy casual gathering spaces and outdoor patios with panoramic desert and mountain views.
Practice Facilities
Practice amenities are expansive, featuring a large driving range, short-game area with multiple bunkers, and high-quality putting greens. Maintenance is top-tier, and practice balls are well-stocked, making the facilities ideal for serious preparation or casual warm-up.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
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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