2025 Great Golf Getaways: The Boulders

Few golf resorts in the world can match the extraordinary natural setting of the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale.

Carved from the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon State, the two championship courses deliver an unparalleled Southwestern golf experience. Each designed by Jay Morrish to make the most of the breathtaking atmosphere, these layouts feature dazzling panoramas of soaring saguaro cacti, massive granite rock formations and seemingly endless desert expanses. Indigenous plants and friendly wildlife–quail, desert cottontails, roadrunners, deer, coyotes and even baby bobcats that make their homes in the desert–add to the eye-popping setting throughout the 1,300-acre resort grounds.

The North Course measures 6,959 yards from the tips and challenges golfers with forced carries over desert washes, all while delivering picture-perfect views of Black Mountain. In contrast, the South Course – which stretches to 6,888 yards – boasts dramatic rock outcroppings and narrow fairways that are guaranteed to challenge golfers’ skill and focus. Signature holes include No. 5 on the South Course, which plays right up to the backdrop of a dazzling spectacle called the Boulder Pile.

Hole No. 7 South includes big balancing rock boulders that sit precariously atop a tiny one, just an arm’s length from golfers on the tee. Bring your camera!

Need help with a loopy swing? The Boulders Golf Academy offers private, one-on-one instruction with expanded programs including the popular “Golf Simplified,” an innovative yet simple & practical hands-on instruction technique that combines digital video analysis and on-course playing lessons.

On the heels of a $4-million South course renovation, the Boulders North Course completed an extensive enhancement project that included upgrading and leveling all tees, restoring the green complexes to their original shape and size, and adding more pin locations. The greens on both courses have been resurfaced with new Tiff Eagle, an ultra-dwarf hybrid green that offers improved speed, consistency, and playability as well as smooth transitions during seasonal weather changes. In addition, a comprehensive bunker refurbishment on both courses includes new tee boxes, new pump stations, and renovation of the chipping and putting practice areas.

In addition to golf, guests can enjoy court time at the Tennis & Pickleball Garden and 12 new pickleball courts. If you are anxious to learn about the region and enjoy outdoor activities, you can go on a guided desert hike or nighttime bike tour to witness the quiet desert landscape lit up by the multitude of bright stars throughout the sky.  How about the thrill of climbing the face of a 75-foot granite boulder on a Rock Climbing Clinic? Or take the Walk the Rock Tour or the Sonoran Explorin’ Tour on a golf cart, offering fascinating information about the surrounding area. The concierge staff can also arrange hot-air ballooning, horseback rides, desert jeep tours and even excursions to the Grand Canyon.

For a more relaxed option, guests can soak up the Arizona sun at one of the resort’s four swimming pools or get pampered at the legendary 33,000 sq. ft. facility THAT includes an expansive fitness center, movement studio, Yoga Studio, meditation labyrinth, Spa Café, and an abundance of complimentary fitness classes. Customized spa services designed for golfers and Golf Fitness powered by Orange Whip enhance flexibility, strength and coordination.

Individual Casitas offer wood-burning fireplaces, spacious bathrooms, and private patios—each with its own unique view of the desert or golf course. For a golf getaway with friends, 1–4-bedroom Villas offer all the comforts of a private home. Five on-site restaurants range from casual to fine dining, incorporating fresh ingredients foraged daily from the expansive Organic Garden.