Playing multiple rounds of golf in Sedona is an entirely different experience because you are hitting shots directly into massive red rock canyons. The desert landscape here is incredible, but the high elevation also changes how the ball moves through the air. Whether you want to book a casual public golf course or to check out exclusive private courses, we have put together this straightforward area guide to help you plan your trip here in Sedona.
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Why Play Golf in Sedona?
The main thing to know about golfing here is that Sedona sits at around 4,500 feet of elevation. Because the mountain air is much thinner than it is at sea level, you will face less air resistance on your shots. This means your ball carries significantly further, usually adding about ten percent more distance to your normal iron and wood shots. Landing a perfect drive while looking out over giant red rock cliffs is a great feeling, but you definitely have to account for that extra distance before you swing.
The high-altitude climate also gives Northern Arizona excellent playing conditions throughout the year. Spring and fall are the absolute peak seasons for golf in Sedona, bringing perfect daytime temperatures between 70°F and 80°F alongside completely clear skies. Winters stay surprisingly mild with highs in the upper 50°F, which is perfect for crisp morning rounds when the courses are much quieter. Even during the heat of the summer, the elevation keeps Sedona about ten degrees cooler than the scorching valley down in Phoenix. This means you can play a more comfortable round of golf if you grab an early morning slot at your desired golf course.
Top Golf Courses To Play in and Near Sedona
Speaking of golf courses, there are several great options around Sedona that we recommend you try. You can find everything from easily accessible public resorts to highly exclusive private clubs hidden away in the canyons. We have put together a list of the best spots to play, including a few fantastic courses located just a short drive outside the main city lines.
Sedona Golf Resort
Public Golf Course
This 6,646-yard course is easily one of the most popular spots to play in the area. The layout is pretty forgiving for beginners, but it still throws enough doglegs and sand traps at you to keep things interesting. The absolute highlight of the round is the 10th hole. It is a par-3 where you tee off from a high ridge, and the green aligns perfectly with Cathedral Rock in the background. Once you finish your round, we recommend grabbing a table on the outdoor patio at the Juniper Bar and Grille for a quick lunch and a view of the red rocks.
Oak Creek Country Club
Public Golf Course
Open since 1968, this is Sedona’s original championship track. It does not feel like a typical desert course where missing the fairway means landing in rocks and cacti. Instead, you get traditional, wide fairways lined with mature trees, a few small lakes, and classic elevated greens. It was designed by the famous father-and-son duo Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr., so the layout is fair but will definitely test your short game. It feels a lot like playing a classic parkland course, just with massive red cliffs towering over the trees.
Canyon Mesa Country Club
Public Golf Course
If you are traveling with kids, playing with beginners, or just do not want to spend five hours on the course, Canyon Mesa is a fantastic choice. It is a well-kept 9-hole executive course tucked away in the Village of Oak Creek. The holes are shorter, but the fairways are pretty narrow and the greens are small, so you still have to hit precise iron shots. It takes less than two hours to walk or ride the loop, which makes it a perfect, low-stress option if you want to swing your clubs and still have most of your day left for hiking.
Seven Canyons Golf Club
Private/Members-Only Golf Course
Seven Canyons is hidden away in a stunning box canyon surrounded entirely by national forest land. It is a private Tom Weiskopf design that completely cuts you off from the rest of the town, offering 360-degree views of steep red cliffs and native pine trees. While it is mostly reserved for members, you can actually secure a tee time if you book a stay at Enchantment Resort, their local lodging partner. It is a luxury experience with immaculate greens, a great new practice area, and a peaceful environment where you feel like you have the entire canyon to yourself.
Agave Highlands
Public Golf Course
You can find this public course just a short drive south of town in Cornville. It gives you a true desert target-golf experience, meaning you will need to hit your ball over natural desert washes and navigate plenty of slopes. The staff here does a great job in keeping the course in great shape, and the vibe around the clubhouse is very laid-back and welcoming. It is also a bit more budget-friendly than the courses right in the middle of Sedona, and it sits right near some great local vineyards if you want to taste wine after your round.
Pinewood Country Club
Private/Members-Only Country Club
To escape the desert heat, you also have the option to drive about 30 minutes north up the canyon to Munds Park. This course sits high up among the cool ponderosa pine trees, offering a traditional 18-hole championship layout with thick-grass fairways and beautiful mountain backdrops. Visitors consistently give it high marks for its helpful pro shop staff and the great food in the dining room. Heading up here feels like taking a mini-vacation inside your vacation, giving you a shaded, mountain-air experience that is totally different from the red rocks down below.
Unwind in Your Private Sedona Oasis
Before and after each golfing session, you need a great place to stay and relax. At Mighty Tree Properties, our luxury vacation rentals come fully equipped with premium amenities to make your stay in Sedona comfortable. We designed our homes to have wide-open floor plans with spaces to store your golf bags, high-end kitchens for group meals, and private hot tubs to relax your muscles after playing. If you want to practice your golf skills before leaving the property, we feature rentals with their own backyard putting greens and mini-golf setups. Practice your short game anytime at our Pottery Pl home, or enjoy a few putts while taking in the views at Astra Sedona (30 Jasper). There’s also Pinto Lane where you can play golf at home with its very own golf simulator.
We hope this guide helped convince you to visit beautiful Sedona for your golf sessions solo or with your friends and family. We’re excited for you to play your golf A-game in Sedona, and we hope to see you around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide golf equipment in your Sedona vacation rentals?
We provide mini-golf and golf simulator equipment in our properties with the mini-golf and golf simulator amenities.
What is the best time of year to play golf in Sedona?
Spring and autumn offer the most ideal golfing weather, featuring comfortable daytime temperatures ranging from the 70s to the 80s.
How many golf courses are actually located in Sedona?
There are four primary golf courses located directly within the immediate Sedona and Village of Oak Creek area.
What is the most famous golf hole in Sedona?
The par-3 10th hole at Sedona Golf Resort is widely considered the most famous due to its elevated view of Cathedral Rock.
Are golf clubs available for rent at Sedona courses?
Yes, all the major resort and championship courses in the area provide modern golf club rentals.
How much does a round of golf cost in Sedona?
Rates fluctuate depending on the course, season, and time of day. Please check each course’s website for more information.
Do I need to book Sedona tee times far in advance?
Yes, we highly recommend booking your tee times at least 2-weeks early to secure the best time slots for your schedule.
Is it too hot to play golf in Sedona during the summer?
No, Sedona stays significantly cooler than Phoenix, making early morning summer rounds highly popular and comfortable for players.
Can you encounter wildlife on Sedona golf courses?
Yes, it is possible to see native wildlife such as javelinas, mule deer, and desert coyotes roaming near the fairways. Be aware of and careful of your surroundings, and avoid provoking the wildlife.