Arizona

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Courses: 2
From: $1.6k
Best for: Buddies
Courses: 2
From: $1,595/pp
Best for: Buddies trips
Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club delivers one of Arizona’s purest public desert golf experiences, with two award-winning courses set in open Sonoran Desert terrain near Scottsdale. With no homes, roads, or commercial development lining the fairways, the property feels more natural and secluded than many resort-style Scottsdale golf stops.

Courses: 2 courses
Best months: October – April
Ideal length: 3–5 days
From airport: 30–35 min
Trips from: $1,595

Golf Courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Arizona · Course 1

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Cholla Course

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7225
Est.: 2001

A stunning desert course offering breathtaking views and challenging play, designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Arizona · Course 2

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Saguaro Course

Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yards: 6966
Est.: 2006

A beautifully crafted course that emphasizes strategic play and showcases the unique desert environment, designed by renowned architects.

Trip Packages at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Starting points. Everything is built around your dates, group size, and the courses you want to play.

We-Ko-Pa Desert Golf Package

From $1,595 per golfer

Play both We-Ko-Pa courses — Saguaro and Cholla — while staying at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort or a nearby Scottsdale-area resort.

All golf and lodging taxes and fees included. Excludes flights, airport transfers, and caddies. Rates subject to change.

Scottsdale Pure Desert Golf Trip

From $2,195 per golfer

Build a premium Scottsdale-area itinerary around We-Ko-Pa, with optional rounds at Troon North, Grayhawk, Talking Stick, TPC Scottsdale, or other desert standouts.

All golf and lodging taxes and fees included. Excludes flights, airport transfers, and caddies. Rates subject to change.

What to Expect at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Why visit

We-Ko-Pa is a must-play for groups that want Scottsdale-area golf without the real-estate corridors. The Saguaro Course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw is a walkable, minimalist desert layout shaped around the native land, while the Cholla Course by Scott Miller offers a bolder target-golf experience with elevated shots, desert ridges, and huge mountain views. Pair both with nearby We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Scottsdale dining, spring training, and other top desert courses, and it becomes one of the easiest high-quality Arizona golf trips to build.

Accommodations

The most convenient stay is We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, located close to the golf club with casino gaming, dining, pools, spa amenities, and desert views. Groups can also stay in Scottsdale resorts or vacation rentals if they want more nightlife and restaurant access.

Resort amenities

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is built around a pure desert golf experience with two championship courses, a strong practice setup, clubhouse dining, golf shop, group golf services, and close access to We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

36 holes of public desert golf
Saguaro by Coore & Crenshaw
Cholla by Scott Miller
No homes or development on course
Nearby casino resort lodging

Where to stay

3 hand-picked stays.

Each property is selected for proximity to the next round, the kind of evening that fits a long golf trip, and the feel we want for the group.

3 properties

Resort01 / 03

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort

Resort Room / Suite

The closest resort option to We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, with casino gaming, restaurants, pools, spa amenities, and easy access to both golf courses.

Best fit for groups that want the most convenient stay-and-play style setup near the golf club.

Included in package

Hotel02 / 03

Scottsdale Resort Hotels

Hotel Room / Suite

Luxury and upper-upscale hotels throughout Scottsdale give groups more restaurant, nightlife, spa, and shopping access while staying within a manageable drive of We-Ko-Pa.

Good for trips pairing We-Ko-Pa with multiple Scottsdale-area courses.

Included in package

VRBO03 / 03

North Scottsdale Vacation Rentals

Private Home / Villa

Private homes and villas in Scottsdale or Fountain Hills work well for larger golf groups that want shared space, kitchens, pools, and flexible transportation.

Best for buddies trips and custom multi-course itineraries.

Included in package

Plan Your Trip to We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Getting there

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is in Fort McDowell, northeast of Scottsdale. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the main arrival airport, typically about 30–35 minutes away by car depending on traffic, and Old Town Scottsdale is roughly 20–30 minutes away.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit We-Ko-Pa is October through April, when Phoenix-Scottsdale temperatures are ideal for desert golf. Winter and early spring are peak season, while late spring and early fall can offer better value with warmer conditions.
Who it's best for: Best for buddies trips, public-golf purists, winter golf escapes, and groups that want a quieter Sonoran Desert setting near Scottsdale.
Address: 18200 E Toh Vee Cir, Fort McDowell, AZ 85264
Season: Daily
Course details: Features the Saguaro Course by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and the Cholla Course by Scott Miller, both set in undeveloped Sonoran Desert terrain near Scottsdale.
Location: Fort McDowell, Arizona
Nearest airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX)
Trip style: Desert
Best for: Buddies trips, Winter golf, Pure desert golf

Frequently Asked Questions about We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

How many courses are at We-Ko-Pa?

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club has two 18-hole public courses: Saguaro and Cholla.

Who designed the courses at We-Ko-Pa?

The Saguaro Course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, while the Cholla Course was designed by Scott Miller.

What makes We-Ko-Pa different from other Scottsdale golf courses?

The biggest difference is the setting. We-Ko-Pa has no homes, roads, or commercial development surrounding the courses, so the golf feels more natural and isolated in the Sonoran Desert.

Which We-Ko-Pa course is better, Saguaro or Cholla?

Saguaro is often favored by architecture fans because of its walkable Coore & Crenshaw routing and natural ground-game design. Cholla is more dramatic and target-oriented, with elevated shots, desert carries, and big scenery.

Is We-Ko-Pa walking friendly?

Yes, especially Saguaro, which was designed with a more traditional walking-friendly routing. Many Arizona groups still ride because of heat, pace, and resort-style trip logistics.

Can you stay on property near We-Ko-Pa?

Yes. We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort is the closest lodging option and is commonly used for stay-and-play style trips. Scottsdale hotels and vacation rentals are also easy options.

What is the best time to visit We-Ko-Pa?

October through April is the prime season for We-Ko-Pa and Scottsdale golf because temperatures are comfortable and course conditions are strongest.

How far is We-Ko-Pa from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?

We-Ko-Pa is usually about 30–35 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport by car, depending on traffic.

On the map