Grayhawk's Raptor Course is the reliable anchor round on a Scottsdale golf trip — the course that books easily, plays fairly, has an excellent 19th hole, and delivers quality that justifies its mid-premium price point. Designed by Tom Fazio at 7,151 yards and par 72, it has hosted three NCAA Division I championships and plays like the tournament venue it is.
Raptor isn't the most dramatic course in the valley. It doesn't have Troon North's boulders or We-Ko-Pa's wilderness setting. What it has is consistency: excellent conditioning, a fair but challenging layout, efficient operations, and Phil's Grill — the best post-round gathering spot in Scottsdale golf.
What Makes It Worth Playing
Three things set Raptor apart for group trips:
- Bookability. The 30-day window and generally available tee times mean Raptor is the course you can reliably slot into any itinerary without the 90-day scramble required for TPC or Troon North.
- Phil's Grill. Named after Phil Mickelson (ASU alum and longtime Scottsdale resident), the outdoor restaurant between Raptor and Talon has become the default gathering spot for golf groups. Settle bets, talk about the round, and eat surprisingly good food in a casual atmosphere.
- Championship conditioning. Three NCAA championships mean the course is maintained to a standard that most resort courses can't match. Greens are true, fairways are consistent, and the bunkers are actually raked.
The design itself is classic Fazio: generous fairways, well-positioned bunkers, interesting green complexes, and a layout that rewards good shots without brutalizing bad ones. It's the course where everyone in your group will have fun regardless of handicap.
Booking and Access
- Public window: 30+ days out via grayhawkgolf.com. Easier to book than the 90-day courses.
- No stay-and-play requirement: Grayhawk is fully public. No resort affiliation needed.
- Group-friendly: The operations team is experienced with golf groups and can accommodate larger parties more easily than many Scottsdale courses. Call the pro shop directly for groups of 12+.
Course Strategy
Raptor plays long but fair. The fairways are wide enough that driver is usually the play off the tee, and the risk-reward options on the par 5s are genuine — aggressive players can go for it in two on several holes. The key is avoiding the Fazio bunkers: they're deep, well-placed, and will cost you a stroke if you find them.
Greens are mid-speed and hold approaches well. The course rewards players who hit the center of greens — the pin positions can be tucked, but two-putting from 30 feet is always available if you play smart.
Practical Details
- Address: 8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Green fees: $120–$280 (season-dependent)
- Par / Yardage: 72 / 7,151 yards
- Architect: Tom Fazio
- Booking: grayhawkgolf.com
- 19th hole: Phil's Grill (outdoor dining between Raptor and Talon)
Raptor pairs naturally with any course in the Scottsdale rotation. Use it as the day-one warm-up before TPC Scottsdale Stadium, or pair it with We-Ko-Pa Saguaro for a strong-value two-day block. Full itinerary planning in our Scottsdale golf trip guide.