Flagstaff is home to some of Arizona’s most scenic and well-designed golf courses, with a mix of private clubs and one accessible public option.
The five best courses in the area are Pine Canyon Club, Forest Highlands (Canyon and Meadow Courses), Flagstaff Ranch, and Continental Country Club—each offering a distinct experience at around 7,000 feet elevation.
Keep reading for a closer look at what sets each course apart.
Pine Canyon Club: Private Luxury at Altitude
Tucked into a high-altitude forest just south of downtown Flagstaff, Pine Canyon Club blends refined course design with the rugged beauty of Northern Arizona.
This private club is a favorite among serious golfers who value a mix of strategic challenge, scenery, and quiet exclusivity.
Designed for Playability Without Sacrificing Challenge
Jay Morrish, known for crafting courses that reward precision without punishing casual players, brought this philosophy to life at Pine Canyon.
The course stretches to 7,272 yards from the tips, playing as a par 72 with a slope of 138 and a course rating of 73.4.
These numbers reflect a track that isn’t overwhelming for mid-handicappers, but still demands thoughtful shot-making for low scorers looking to go under par.
It’s not just about length, though.
What makes the layout so engaging is how it shifts between opportunity and demand.
There’s a deliberate rhythm—some holes invite aggression, like the drivable par 4s that tease you with reachable greens, while others require a more conservative approach, especially the longer par 5s that demand both power and precision.
Natural Beauty Shapes the Experience
At roughly 7,000 feet above sea level, the course gets an extra boost in distance, but it’s the setting that really stands out.
The fairways wind through towering stands of ponderosa pines, with native grasses and crystal-clear ponds dotting the landscape.
Streams meander through several holes, not just adding to the visuals but occasionally influencing your strategy—especially when navigating approach shots.
The back nine offers some of the most picturesque holes, with elevated tees and sweeping views of the San Francisco Peaks.
These aren’t just fleeting glimpses—they’re a consistent backdrop that anchors the round, especially in the late afternoon when the light catches the mountains just right.
Greens and Roll-Out That Elevate the Round
One of the subtler advantages of Pine Canyon is the course’s conditioning.
Greens are known for running true, rewarding a good read and smooth stroke.
And the fairways provide excellent roll-out, especially helpful at elevation where every extra yard counts.
For better players, it opens up opportunities to chase a few more pins.
For others, it’s a bit of welcome forgiveness off the tee.
Beyond the 18th Hole
A unique perk of playing here is the presence of a 19th hole—a fun, relaxed spot designed specifically to settle bets or extend the match just a little longer.
It’s a small touch, but it speaks to the culture of the club: competitive, social, and centered around the full experience of a round.
In addition to top-tier golf, the club offers a caddy program, adding an old-school feel and providing local knowledge that can shave strokes for newcomers.
Pine Canyon is also consistently ranked among Arizona’s top 10 private courses, a testament to its quality and member satisfaction.
This isn’t a course you casually walk onto.
Access is limited to members and their guests, so if you’re looking to play, you’ll either need an invitation or be exploring membership.
But for those with access, it’s a standout option in the Flagstaff golf scene—offering a full, well-rounded experience that goes far beyond just the scorecard.
Forest Highlands Canyon Course: Rugged Beauty with a Twist
The Canyon Course at Forest Highlands Golf Club offers a bold contrast to more traditional layouts, combining elevated mountain terrain with a routing that’s anything but conventional.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, this private course stands out not just for its visuals, but for how it challenges golfers to think through every shot.
A Layout That Breaks the Mold
You’ll notice right away that the Canyon Course doesn't follow the typical template.
It stretches to 7,007 yards and plays as a par 71—but what makes it truly distinctive is the structure of the holes.
Rather than balancing out long and short holes in a familiar rhythm, this course throws in three par 5s that exceed 600 yards and six par 3s, a configuration you won’t see often.
It keeps players on their toes, forcing a different mindset when managing your round.
That layout offers real variety.
The long par 5s are true three-shot holes for most, demanding accuracy from tee to green, while the par 3s range in character from short and scenic to long and demanding.
You’ll need to bring a solid iron game and be ready to adjust your strategy based on elevation, wind, and landing zones—especially given the course’s mountain setting.
Carved Into the Landscape
The terrain here does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to both challenge and aesthetics.
The entire course is routed along rugged ridgelines, with fairways edged by towering ponderosa pines.
It feels like you’re playing through a canyon, which is exactly what the designers were aiming for.
This tight, tree-lined layout rewards controlled ball flight and course management over raw power.
Many of the tee boxes offer elevated views, giving you a visual preview of what’s to come but also testing your ability to judge distance with precision.
Elevation adds carry, but also creates more opportunity for a shot to drift—particularly if you misjudge the wind cutting through the trees.
A Signature Moment on the Ninth
Among all 18 holes, the ninth is one that lingers in memory. It descends into a narrow stream valley, creating a sudden change in elevation and pace.
The green itself is a double green shared with the 18th—something rarely seen in modern American golf course architecture.
That shared space creates an almost communal feel at the heart of the layout, where groups finishing their rounds cross paths with those just making the turn.
It’s not just visually striking; it’s also one of the more technically demanding holes, with elevation and water requiring both distance control and creativity.
Whether you’re laying up or going for the green, there’s no shortcut to a good score.
Always Among Arizona’s Best
Consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Arizona, the Canyon Course has earned a reputation for its unique design and immersive mountain setting.
For private club members who prioritize variety and strategic depth in their golf experience, this course delivers.
Its layout invites repeat play, rewarding those who learn its nuances over time.
Access is limited to Forest Highlands members and their guests, but if you have the opportunity to play it, this course is a must.
It’s a showcase of how terrain and design can come together to create a golfing experience that’s as cerebral as it is scenic.
Flagstaff Ranch: Elevated Drama and Bold Design
Flagstaff Ranch delivers a visually stunning and physically demanding round of golf, set against a backdrop that few courses in Arizona—or anywhere else—can match.
Designed by U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate, this private course blends shot-making with spectacle at every turn.
Designed for Challenge and Aesthetic Impact
At 7,127 yards and playing to a par 71, Flagstaff Ranch isn’t built for passive play.
With a slope of 140 and a course rating of 73.1, it leans more toward the competitive golfer, although its wide fairways give some breathing room off the tee.
What really defines this course is its ability to test every club in the bag—not through gimmicks, but through elevation shifts and natural contours that shape the strategy of each hole.
The course carves through dense stands of ponderosa pine, creating the kind of visual separation that helps with alignment and focus.
But while the setting is serene, the layout itself is anything but tame.
Elevation changes are dramatic, especially on approach shots, where you’ll often need to calculate both yardage and trajectory carefully.
A Signature Setting on the 13th
If there’s one moment that captures what Flagstaff Ranch is all about, it’s the 13th hole.
From the tee, you’re looking out over a caldera—an extinct volcanic crater that frames the shot with bold natural drama.
It’s more than a photo op; the hole requires both precision and imagination to navigate the descent and positioning.
It’s also emblematic of what the course offers in general: wide-angle views that open up unexpectedly as you move through the round.
Several holes feature panoramic sightlines over the forest and nearby ridges, making this a place where you often stop to take it all in, even in the middle of a competitive round.
Thoughtful Design in Every Detail
While elevation and views might steal the show, the course’s finer points are just as impressive.
The bunkering is sculpted with clear intention—not just to punish, but to frame and guide.
They’re deep in places, demanding solid technique, but never overly penal in a way that slows the pace.
Greens here are large and rolling, with subtle contours that reward players who can read slopes and pace.
That said, they’re kept in excellent condition, so a confident stroke often holds its line.
Combine that with fairways that offer good roll and you get a course that’s tough but fair—especially for players who come prepared.
A Quiet Powerhouse in Arizona Golf
Flagstaff Ranch might not be as widely known as some courses in Phoenix or Scottsdale, but among those who’ve played it, the reputation is strong.
Golfweek regularly includes it in the top 20 courses in Arizona, and it’s not hard to see why.
It’s immersive, it’s demanding, and it’s just far enough off the radar to feel like a true golf getaway.
Membership is required to play, and with a limited number of tee times available, pace of play tends to be relaxed—another perk that adds to the overall experience.
For golfers who want a round that mixes bold views, a bit of altitude, and a layout that rewards creativity, Flagstaff Ranch should be high on the list.
Forest Highlands Meadow Course: Scenic, Walkable, Championship-Caliber
The Meadow Course at Forest Highlands offers a softer contrast to its sibling, the Canyon Course.
Designed by Tom Weiskopf, it trades rugged elevation for a smoother, more walkable parkland layout—without giving up the views or the quality of play.
A Flatter Layout That Still Brings Visual Appeal
At 7,001 yards and playing as a par 71, the Meadow Course is more approachable in terms of terrain.
It’s relatively flat compared to the Canyon Course, which makes it a favorite for those who enjoy walking 18 without compromising the experience.
That ease of movement doesn’t mean the course lacks character—it just delivers it in more subtle ways.
The setting is lush and open, with tall pines framing the fairways, wildflowers blooming throughout the warmer months, and wetlands that come into play on several holes.
The layout follows a natural flow, making it feel less like a manufactured challenge and more like a well-curated walk through Northern Arizona’s high-altitude beauty.
Strategic Play in a Tranquil Setting
While the elevation changes are minimal, the course still demands attention to positioning.
Bunkering is thoughtful and placed to influence decisions off the tee rather than punish poor shots unfairly.
Greens are spacious and tend to have gentle movement, but the challenge lies in their subtlety.
If you aren’t paying attention to pace and slope, even short putts can be tricky.
The highlight holes often come mid-round, particularly the 14th and 15th, where the course opens up to striking views of the San Francisco Peaks.
These holes are more than just scenic—wind exposure and long approach shots make them a true test of club selection and accuracy.
Championship-Worthy, Yet Player-Friendly
Despite its walkability and relative calm, the Meadow Course has serious credentials.
It has co-hosted the 2006 U.S. Mid-Amateur, as well as served as the solo venue for the 2014 U.S. Girls’ Junior and the 2019 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur.
These aren’t ceremonial events—they’re competitive national championships that demand high standards in both layout and conditioning.
That history speaks volumes about the course’s versatility.
It can challenge elite amateurs, yet still offer an enjoyable round for members looking for a relaxed game in a beautiful setting.
A Consistent Contender on Arizona Rankings
Golf Digest regularly includes the Meadow Course in its top 15 courses in Arizona, and its reputation among in-the-know golfers is steady.
It’s ideal for players who want quality without flash—a layout that rewards good play but never overwhelms.
Like the Canyon Course, Meadow is private and limited to members and their guests.
But for those who get the chance to play it, it offers one of the most enjoyable walks in Arizona golf—a round defined by scenery, smart design, and a genuine sense of calm.
Continental Country Club: Casual, Public, and Local-Friendly
Continental Country Club offers something none of the other courses on this list do—public access.
Located right in Flagstaff, it’s a welcoming, no-membership-required option that appeals to both visiting golfers and local players looking for a regular spot to tee it up.
A Public Course with a Local Pulse
Designed by Bob E. Baldock, the course measures 6,249 yards and plays as a par 72.
That shorter length makes it more approachable for newer players or those simply out to enjoy a casual round.
But don't mistake accessibility for lack of quality—the course still rewards smart play and precision, especially around the greens.
This is a course that locals return to again and again.
It has a reputation for being easy-going and community-oriented, with a steady flow of returning players who know the layout well.
The vibe is relaxed, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a round without the pressure of ultra-competitive club golf.
Playing Surfaces That Hold Up
Continental is known for solid turf conditions, especially during the peak of the season.
The bent grass greens roll smoothly, and Alaska Bluegrass fairways offer consistent lies and durability—key factors in an area where elevation and seasonal shifts can put stress on turf.
It’s a course where you can generally count on fair conditions throughout the playable months.
And that window runs from April 1 through November 15, depending on weather.
That seasonality aligns well with peak tourism in Flagstaff, giving summer visitors and second-home owners a go-to course while the snow holds off.
Accessibility That Stands Out
In a region where most top-tier golf is private and exclusive, Continental fills an important niche.
It’s one of the few public courses in the greater Flagstaff area, which makes it especially valuable for traveling golfers who don’t have local connections or club affiliations.
Tee times are generally easier to book, pricing is reasonable, and the overall experience is friendly and low-key.
The clubhouse and facilities are modest but functional, with a restaurant and pro shop that support both casual and more serious players.
While you won’t find caddy programs or private locker rooms here, you will find a laid-back environment that prioritizes accessibility and pace of play.
Ideal for Everyday Rounds
Whether you’re a local looking to squeeze in a quick nine, a visitor wanting to play without jumping through hoops, or a beginner hoping to get more comfortable on the course, Continental is the kind of place that fits.
It’s also a great warm-up option before tackling some of the area’s more challenging private courses, helping players adjust to Flagstaff’s elevation and terrain.
In a market dominated by private clubs, Continental Country Club holds its own by being the dependable, open-door option.
It may not offer luxury, but it delivers exactly what many golfers need—a good round, beautiful views, and a welcoming pace.
Conclusion
Flagstaff’s golf scene offers a diverse mix of high-elevation courses, from exclusive private clubs to a welcoming public option.
Whether you're after championship-level play, dramatic mountain scenery, or a relaxed local vibe, there's something here for every golfer.
Take your pick—or try them all—to experience golf in Northern Arizona at its best.
