Experience the thrill of desert golfing with our guide to iconic courses across the globe. From Scottsdale to Abu Dhabi, discover stunning landscapes, elite design, and unforgettable challenges in the world’s most breathtaking desert settings.
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Playing golf in the desert offers stunning landscapes, unique course conditions, and plenty of challenges. The firm fairways, unpredictable wind, and deep sand hazards require golfers to adjust their game and choose the right equipment. In this guide, we’ll explore six of the best desert golf destinations, key tips for playing in arid conditions, and the best golf clubs to use in the desert.
Located in the Sonoran Desert, Troon North features the Monument and Pinnacle courses, both of which blend seamlessly into the rocky desert landscape. Golfers face elevation changes, large boulders, and cacti-lined fairways, requiring precision and creativity.
Troon North Golf Club, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, renowned for its exceptional desert golf experience. The club features two acclaimed 18-hole courses—Monument and Pinnacle—both masterfully designed by Tom Weiskopf, with Jay Morrish co-designing the Monument course.
Monument Course. The course is celebrated for its dramatic boulder formations and beautiful desert scenery. A notable feature is the iconic 25-foot granite boulder on the third hole, aptly named "The Monument." Par: 72 Length: 7,070 yards Designers: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish.
Pinnacle Course. Known for its elevated greens and deep bunkers, the Pinnacle Course offers a more challenging layout. The signature par-3 16th hole, referred to as the “Post Card,” features a tee shot over water to a large, undulating green. Par: 71 Length: 7,025 yards Designer: Tom Weiskopf
Troon North Golf Club has been recognized for its commitment to environmental excellence, achieving designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” This certification underscores the club's dedication to preserving and enhancing wildlife habitats and protecting natural resources.
Beyond its world-class courses, Troon North offers a range of amenities: Practice Facilities: An extensive practice area with a full-length turf driving range featuring six target greens ranging from 50 to 250 yards, and a large putting green with over 12 holes. Callaway Performance Center: Equipped with advanced club fitting and analytic tools, providing golfers with personalized equipment fitting using the same technology as top touring professionals. Dynamite Grille: A dining venue offering a variety of fresh and contemporary cuisine in a relaxed setting, overlooking the 18th hole of the Pinnacle Course.
These accolades reflect the club's commitment to providing an unparalleled golfing experience.
Designed by Pete Dye, this course is famous for deep bunkers, fast greens, and dramatic elevation changes. With desert surroundings and waste bunkers that stretch for yards, this course is a true test of skill.
The Stadium Course at PGA WEST in La Quinta, California, is a renowned and challenging golf course designed by Pete Dye. Opened in 1986, it has earned a reputation as one of the most demanding courses in the United States.
The Stadium Course is part of the PGA WEST complex, which includes six golf courses designed by notable architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf. The Stadium Course stands out for its challenging layout and has been recognized as one of Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" .
Designer: Pete Dye Par: 72 Length: Approximately 7,300 yards Course Rating: 76.1 Slope Rating: 150 Green Fees: Range from $146 to $264, depending on the season and time of day
Notable Features
Hole 17 – "Alcatraz": A par-3 hole featuring an island green, reminiscent of the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. This hole is known for its difficulty and has been the site of memorable moments, such as Lee Trevino's hole-in-one during the 1987 Skins Game .
Hole 16 – "San Andreas Fault": A par-5 hole that challenges golfers with deep bunkers and an elevated green. This hole gained attention during the 2025 American Express tournament when golfer William Mouw scored a 13 after multiple attempts to escape the bunkers .
The Stadium Course has hosted several significant tournaments, including: The American Express (formerly the Desert Classic): Hosted in 1987 and from 2016 to the present. PGA TOUR Qualifying School Finals: Hosted in multiple years, including 1986, 1988, 1989, 2002, 2006, and 2008. Skins Game: Hosted from 1986 to 1991. Notably, after its debut in the 1987 Bob Hope Classic, the course was temporarily removed from the PGA TOUR rotation due to its challenging nature but returned in 2016 .
Pete Dye designed the Stadium Course to challenge even the most skilled golfers. The course features: Scottish links-style elements. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. Elevated greens and tees. These design elements contribute to the course's reputation as a test of precision and strategy.
An oasis in the Mojave Desert, Shadow Creek offers pristine fairways, lush greens, and breathtaking mountain views. The course is exclusive and only available to a select number of guests each day, making it one of the most sought-after golf experiences in the world.
Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the most exclusive and visually stunning golf destinations in the United States. Designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio and opened in 1989, the course was originally developed by casino magnate Steve Wynn as a private oasis for high-rolling guests. Today, it remains a symbol of luxury and exclusivity, owned and operated by MGM Resorts International.
Par: 72 Length: 7,560 yards Designer: Tom Fazio Established: 1989 Ownership: MGM Resorts International
Shadow Creek offers a unique experience, transforming 350 acres of desert into a lush, rolling landscape filled with thousands of trees, creeks, lakes, and vibrant flora. The course's design incorporates dramatic elevation changes, water features, and strategically placed bunkers, creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Access to Shadow Creek is highly restricted, maintaining its reputation as an ultra-exclusive golf destination. Tee times are available only to guests of MGM Resorts properties, and transportation to the course is provided exclusively via MGM's private limousine service. This level of exclusivity ensures a serene and private golfing experience.
Signature Hole: The par-3 17th hole, known as "Alcatraz," features an island green reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass's famous 17th.
Luxurious Amenities: The clubhouse offers top-tier dining and relaxation options, complementing the opulent on-course experience.
Impeccable Landscaping: The course boasts nearly a mile of flowing rock bed streams, waterfalls, and meticulously maintained fairways, creating an oasis-like atmosphere in the desert.
Shadow Creek has hosted several high-profile events, including: The Match: A series of exhibition matches featuring top golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The Showdown: A made-for-TV event pitting PGA Tour stars against LIV Golf players, with a $10 million cryptocurrency purse. T-Mobile Match Play: An LPGA Tour event showcasing the world's best female golfers in a match play format.
This championship course along the Persian Gulf combines desert terrain with links-style golf. The firm fairways, deep bunkers, and coastal winds require careful club selection and a solid ground game.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a premier golf destination situated on the western shores of Yas Island, a renowned entertainment hub in the United Arab Emirates. Opened in 2010, it holds the distinction of being the Middle East's first true links-style golf course, masterfully designed by acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips, known for his work on Kingsbarns in Scotland.
The course features rolling hills, coastal dunes, and seaside greens that mirror traditional Scottish links courses. Each hole offers panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, providing both a challenging and visually stunning experience.
Par: 72 Length: 7,450 yards Designer: Kyle Phillips Opened: 2010 Type: Championship Links
Accolades & Tournaments. Ranked #34 in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in the World. Host of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a prominent event on the DP World Tour. Recognized as the Best Golf Course in the Middle East by Golf Digest in 2013.
Clubhouse: A luxurious 57,000 sq ft facility offering fine dining, a gym, and a swimming pool. Practice Facilities: Floodlit ranges equipped with Toptracer technology and a comprehensive Golf Academy. Dining Options: Includes Villa Sélène, offering international cuisine with stunning views over the mangroves. Additional Amenities: Private boat mooring, event lawns, and proximity to attractions like Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit.
Yas Links is conveniently located near several luxury hotels, including the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, the only hotel in the world built over a Formula 1™ track. The course's strategic location makes it easily accessible for both local and international visitors.
Designed by Greg Norman, Al Mouj Golf is a masterpiece set along the Omani coastline. The desert backdrop, undulating fairways, and strategically placed bunkers make this a thrilling challenge for any golfer.
Al Mouj Golf in Muscat, Oman, is a premier golfing destination that seamlessly blends world-class design with breathtaking natural beauty. Situated along a two-kilometer stretch of pristine coastline, the course offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the majestic Al Hajar Mountains, providing a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Designer: Greg Norman Par: 72 Length: 7,342 yards Type: Links-style championship course Opened: 2011 Location: Al Mouj Muscat, Oman
Al Mouj Golf is Oman’s first links-style course, featuring lush fairways, natural dunes, bunkers, and water hazards that challenge and inspire players. The course is consistently ranked among the top 100 courses globally and is recognized as one of the top courses in the Middle East.
Al Mouj Golf has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including: The International Series Oman: Part of the Asian Tour, attracting top global players. NBO Oman Open: A European Tour event held from 2018 to 2020. Clutch Pro Tour: A leading European development golf circuit.
The course has received numerous accolades, such as being ranked number two among the top 10 golf courses in the Middle East by Golf Digest Middle East in 2016.
Al Mouj Golf is dedicated to environmental sustainability, serving as a sanctuary for over 170 bird species and incorporating natural water ponds and efficient irrigation systems. The course has received multiple accreditations for its commitment to preserving the natural environment.
Al Mouj Golf is part of the larger Al Mouj Muscat community, offering a range of amenities: Residences: Luxury villas and apartments with oceanfront views. Marina: Oman's largest private marina with 400 berths. Retail & Dining: Over 80 retail and oceanfront culinary experiences. Wellness Facilities: Integrated wellness and sports facilities, including cycling trails and pedestrian paths.
Home to the DP World Tour Championship, this course blends desert elements with lush fairways and massive bunkers. The greens are firm and fast, demanding precise approach shots and putting skills.
The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai is a premier golfing destination renowned for its challenging design and prestigious tournaments.
Designer: Greg Norman Par: 72 Length: 7,706 yards from the championship tees Style: Parkland-inspired championship course Opened: 2009
The Earth Course features rolling fairways, white sand bunkers, and water hazards, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
DP World Tour Championship: The Earth Course is the annual host of this prestigious season-ending event on the DP World Tour, attracting the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings. Record Score: Justin Rose holds the course record with a 62, set in 2012. The course has witnessed memorable moments, including Rory McIlroy's victory in the 2024 DP World Tour Championship, securing his third consecutive Race to Dubai title and matching Seve Ballesteros' record of six order of merit triumphs.
Jumeirah Golf Estates offers a range of amenities to complement the Earth Course:
Clubhouse: Features high-quality changing rooms, a well-stocked pro shop, bars, restaurants, swimming pools, and conference rooms.
Dining Options: Includes establishments like Crafty Fox Gastropub & Sports Bar, Bussola, Kasturi, Tap & Grill, and BŌTA Cafe, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.
Residential Community: The estate comprises over 1,500 villas, townhouses, and apartments, providing a luxurious lifestyle alongside world-class golfing facilities.
1. Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun
The desert heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and use a hat or visor.
2. Adjust for Firm Fairways
Desert fairways tend to be firmer, meaning the ball will roll out farther. Play a lower-lofted club off the tee and consider a bump-and-run approach near the greens.
3. Beware of Desert Hazards
Unlike traditional rough, desert courses have waste areas filled with sand, rocks, and desert vegetation. Sometimes, taking an unplayable lie is better than risking club damage or injury.
4. Prepare for Windy Conditions
Many desert courses experience strong winds. Play low shots to keep the ball under the wind, and take extra club when hitting into the breeze.
5. Choose the Right Golf Ball
Opt for a durable, low-spin golf ball to handle firm fairways and avoid excessive spin when playing into the wind.
6. Play Smart Around Fast Greens
Desert greens can be firm and fast, making approach shots and putting more challenging. Use more loft to land the ball softly and practice your putting speed to avoid three-putts.
1. Driver
2. Irons
3. Wedges
4. Hybrid or Utility Iron
5. Putter
