How to Choose a Private Golf Club in North Scottsdale (Without Losing Your Mind)

North Scottsdale is like the Hamptons of the desert — only instead of beaches, you get mountains, cacti, and some of the best golf clubs in the country. The choices here are incredible… but also overwhelming. Do you want championship-level golf? A buzzy social scene? A boutique club where everyone knows your name?

I’ve been selling real estate in North Scottsdale for 18 years, I’m a member at The Country Club at DC Ranch, and as a partner at SERHANT. — the most-followed real estate brand in the world — I’ve seen clients fall in love with (and sometimes regret) their club choices. The truth is, finding the right golf club is just like finding the right home: it has to fit your lifestyle, your people, and your vibe.

So, let’s break it down.

What Really Matters When Choosing a Club

• Location, location, location: That “10-minute drive” on the map? Add desert roads, traffic, and a few stoplights, and it’s not so simple.

• Course personality: Do you want a Fazio challenge that eats your lunch, or a friendly track you can walk with your buddies?

• Membership math: Equity vs. non-equity, initiation, dues, assessments — these numbers matter more than your handicap.

• Tee time wars: If you can’t get on the course when you want, what’s the point?

• Beyond golf: Tennis, pickleball, fitness, dining, spa days, family programs. Because let’s be real — you won’t spend every day on the course.

• The people: This one’s huge. You’re not just joining a club, you’re joining a community. The vibe has to click.

The Club Scene: A Quick Tour

Here’s the inside scoop on some of North Scottsdale’s most sought-after private clubs, with rough numbers (because yes, they change often and some are as guarded as Augusta).

• Silverleaf – Luxury, exclusivity, and a Weiskopf masterpiece. If you want the crème de la crème, this is it.

  • Initiation: $400K+

  • Dues: $3K+/mo

• Scottsdale National – The “cool kids” club. Multiple courses, invitation-only, and a vibe that’s less country club, more private playground.

  • Initiation: Invite only, rumored $200K+

• The Country Club at DC Ranch – My home base. Golf, tennis, fitness, and one of the most welcoming, social memberships in town. Championship golf meets lifestyle club.

  • Initiation: ~$300K

  • Dues: ~$2K/mo

• Desert Mountain – Six Jack Nicklaus courses plus a par-3 course. It’s basically Disneyland for golfers.

  • Initiation: ~$200K

  • Dues: $2K+/mo

• Mirabel – Intimate, upscale, and community-driven. Think boutique luxury with desert views.

  • Initiation: ~$175K

  • Dues: ~$1.8K/mo

• Desert Highlands – The OG desert course by Nicklaus. Iconic Pinnacle Peak backdrop, wellness focus, and a true classic.

  • Initiation: ~$150K (must own property)

  • Dues: ~$1.7K/mo

• Estancia – A Tom Fazio gem, consistently ranked among the top courses in the country. Elite, boutique, and very golf-first.

  • Initiation: $200K+

  • Dues: ~$2K/mo

• Pinnacle Peak Country Club – Old-school charm, walkable, tree-lined fairways (rare here), and a famously friendly vibe.

  • Initiation: ~$75K

  • Dues: ~$1.2K/mo

Why You Shouldn’t Do This Alone

Here’s the thing: choosing a golf club isn’t just about golf. It’s about where you live, who you meet, and what your lifestyle looks like day to day. That’s why working with someone who knows the clubs inside and out is a game-changer.

After nearly two decades selling Scottsdale real estate, I’ve seen it all: clients who picked the perfect fit on the first try, and clients who almost made a $300K mistake. My job is to help you:

• Decode the fine print (initiation fees, dues, hidden assessments).

• Match your lifestyle with the right neighborhood + club combo.

• Connect you with members, get you guest rounds, and give you the real scoop on culture.

• Make sure your investment in a home lines up with your investment in the club.

In short: you don’t just want a house in Scottsdale. You want the right house + the right club + the right lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Picking a private golf club in North Scottsdale should feel exciting, not stressful. The best way to do it? Start with your non-negotiables, tour a few clubs, and lean on someone who’s been in this market long enough to know every nuance.

I’ve been at it for 18 years, I belong to one of Scottsdale’s best clubs, and I’ve helped countless buyers land not just a home, but the lifestyle they were chasing. If you’re ready to make Scottsdale your home (and your golf playground), I’ll help you find the perfect fit.