GreenlitBETA
Carefree, Arizona

The Boulders Golf Club - North Course

Where ancient granite titans meet pristine desert golf—a jaw-dropping championship course through 12-million-year-old boulder formations.

About the Course

The North Course at The Boulders Resort is one of Arizona's most storied desert championship layouts, winding through a landscape dominated by ancient 12-million-year-old granite boulder formations in the scenic Sonoran Desert foothills near Scottsdale. Originally designed by acclaimed architect Jay Morrish and opened in 1985, the North Course presented a pioneering minimalist philosophy—embracing the harsh desert environment rather than fighting it, with forced carries over pristine desert floor an essential element of play. The course meanders through the Boulders residential community offering spectacular views of Black Mountain and dramatic sunset vistas framed by towering rock formations and indigenous terrain. Recently reopened after a comprehensive 2025 renovation that restored greens to their original shape and resurfaced them with TifEagle turf, the North Course now offers enhanced playability while maintaining its signature rugged beauty. The back nine presents the most demanding stretch, featuring several lengthy par-4s requiring aerial entries to stoutly defended greens, with water threatening play on the incoming holes. Wider playing corridors than the South Course allow drivers to be deployed more frequently off the tee, making it a favorite for aggressive players who appreciate panoramic sunset views.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Freshly renovated in 2025 with new TifEagle greens offering improved speed, consistency and water-efficient playability in the desert environment
  • ✦Iconic Jay Morrish design philosophy that pioneered desert minimalism—forced carries over saguaro-filled terrain create penal but fair tests with spectacular 12-million-year-old boulder backdrops
  • ✦Challenging back nine with long par-4s requiring precision and aerial entries, plus dramatic sunset views of Black Mountain that make every hole photographable
  • ✦Wider fairways than the South Course offer more driver-friendly play while still demanding accuracy into strategically defended greens
  • ✦Part of a world-class luxury resort with full-service spa, multiple restaurants, championship-level practice facilities, and accommodations ranging from intimate casitas to sprawling haciendas
Courses on Property
⛳
North Course18 holes · Par 72

Championship layout through boulder formations, recently renovated with new TifEagle greens, longer par-4s, and dramatic desert panoramas.

⛳
South Course18 holes · Par 71

Public course winding directly through giant boulder formations and rock outcroppings, featuring the signature 'Boulder Pile' and 'Rosie's Rock.'

✦
Ready to play here?
Add this course to one of your trips.
Sign in to add to a trip
Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$69–$219/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Cart recommended
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
Visit November through March for ideal desert golf weather with mild temperatures (60-75°F) and clear skies—peak season runs January-March when the resort is in full bloom. Avoid June-August when temperatures soar above 110°F, though these months offer significant discounts. Spring (March-April) provides excellent conditions with wildflower blooms in the surrounding desert.
DesertMountainBucket ListCart RequiredCaddies AvailableResortChampionshipParklandHidden Gem
Stay on Property
The Boulders Resort & Spa (Curio Collection by Hilton) offers 160 guest casitas and 58 villas ranging from intimate 550 sq. ft. casitas with private patios to sprawling one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas and luxury haciendas. All accommodations feature Southwestern décor, wood-burning fireplaces, stone-finished showers, and panoramic desert views. The resort spans 1,300 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert with five restaurants, a 33,000 sq. ft. spa with 24 treatment rooms, four swimming pools, eight tennis courts, twelve pickleball courts, and a full-service golf academy.

The Boulders Resort & Spa (Curio Collection by Hilton) offers 160 guest casitas and 58 villas ranging from intimate 550 sq. ft. casitas with private patios to sprawling one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas and luxury haciendas. All accommodations feature Southwestern décor, wood-burning fireplaces, stone-finished showers, and panoramic desert views. The resort spans 1,300 acres of pristine Sonoran Desert with five restaurants, a 33,000 sq. ft. spa with 24 treatment rooms, four swimming pools, eight tennis courts, twelve pickleball courts, and a full-service golf academy.

Nearby Lodging