We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
When it comes to golf in the greater Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, it’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to options for exceptional golf. A destination that provides a unique landscape with pristine green fairways that are surrounded by cacti-filled desert areas has created a destination where golfers flock to, especially during the winter season when Northerners escape the cold and immerse themselves in an incredible culture for golf.
While there is a plethora of great options to enjoy here, we found ourselves asking the question of what the best places are to play when it comes to value in the Arizona market. While it’s a subjective question that can certainly stir up some great debates amongst passionate golfers, there’s no doubt that We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort should be one of, if not the, top golf resorts on this list. With 36 holes of top-notch golf alongside wonderful accommodations at rates that tend to be better than others in the area, there’s a whole lot to love about a stay and play visit to We-Ko-Pa.
The Golf
With 36 holes onsite, both layouts provide a unique and memorable experience for all to enjoy. The Saguaro Course, designed by the dynamic duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, tends to be the course that gets recognized slightly higher on the list of top golf courses in the country from brands like Golfweek, Golf.com, Golf Digest, and LINKS Magazine. Designed to bring elements of a links-style design with the backdrop of the Arizona desert and mountains, Coore and Crenshaw moved a minimal amount of land here and took advantage of the natural terrain to create a design that is equally stunning and challenging. While the Saguaro Course is far from a pushover, it does somehow blend a sense of being playable for higher handicap golfers while also challenging the best players.
The Cholla Course at We-Ko-Pa was the original layout here that was designed by Scott Miller. It provides a wonderful contrast in style to the Saguaro Course as this is known to be more of a target style, shot makers golf course.
While describing his design of the Cholla Course, Miller was quoted as saying, “When you’re playing a traditional course out East and you get in trouble in the rough, you can either be a hero and hit through the trees or you can chip out to the fairway and take your penalty. But when you hit into the brittle bush in the desert, it’s often just unplayable. That’s why we give players saving bunkers. We give them the option of strategy. We all like to be challenged, but we want enough area to play.”
On either course, the pristine conditioning and incredible vistas create such a unique sense of place that you are sure to love. And one thing we love about it is that the rates here are quite a bit less than some of the other big-name courses in the area all while providing an every bit as good, if not better, experience.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
The Resort
While golfers can book tee times only at We-Ko-Pa, we think the best way to enjoy your experience here is to stay at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort. With over 160,000 square feet of gaming space, you can test your luck off the course at the table games, slots, bingo, or place some bets at their WKP Sportsbook. The resort also features a state-of-the-art spa, a desert oasis pool, multiple dining options, and a steady stream of entertainers who perform here. The courses are conveniently located right next door, so it makes for an easy experience to make We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort the home base for your trip.
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Recommendation
One of the best things about golf at We-Ko-Pa is that you can enjoy a round here all year long. Peak season typically runs from January through April with the should seasons of October through December and late April through mid-May if you’d like to save a few dollars. The value of golf in the summertime is insane, so if your crew is looking for an incredible deal there are periods of June through August where the rates are incredibly valuable and the courses still look great.
But if you can afford it, try to go in peak or shoulder season as that’s when the conditions and the weather are at their best.
Be sure to play both golf courses, and you’ll be glad you centered your Arizona golf getaway around one of the finest destinations in the country.