Camelback Golf Club
Two distinct desert golf courses, Ambiente and Padre, offering challenging play and stunning Scottsdale scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Ideal weather for golf.
Camelback Golf Club
Best Time
Ideal weather for golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two distinct desert golf courses, Ambiente and Padre, offering challenging play and stunning Scottsdale scenery.
"One of the best golf experiences I've had. The course is beautifully maintained. "
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance, especially for Ambiente.
👟 Choose Your Course Wisely
Ambiente is challenging with tight fairways; Padre offers a more forgiving links style.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ambiente Course
Camelback Golf Club
Experience desert elegance with tight fairways and challenging elevation changes. A true test of skill.
Padre Course
Camelback Golf Club
Enjoy a more traditional desert links feel with expansive fairways and strategic bunkering.
Pueblo-Style Clubhouse
Camelback Golf Club
Relax and refuel in the charming pueblo-style clubhouse after your round.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Understand Course Layouts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance, especially for Ambiente.
👟 Choose Your Course Wisely
Ambiente is challenging with tight fairways; Padre offers a more forgiving links style.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona sun is intense! Water stations and beverage carts are available.
💰 Consider Packages
Look into golf packages for potential savings on rounds and amenities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular courses fill up fast! Secure your spot in advance, especially for Ambiente.
👟 Choose Your Course Wisely
Ambiente is challenging with tight fairways; Padre offers a more forgiving links style.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Arizona sun is intense! Water stations and beverage carts are available.
💰 Consider Packages
Look into golf packages for potential savings on rounds and amenities.
🚗 Pace of Play Matters
Be mindful of pace. Some visitors experienced slow play due to large groups.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Camelback Golf Club for its beautifully maintained courses, particularly the Ambiente and Padre layouts, and the stunning desert scenery. The friendly and helpful staff contribute to a top-notch experience, with many highlighting the overall quality and service. However, some guests have noted issues with pace of play and a lack of proactive communication from staff regarding facility closures.
"Played the Ambiente course 4 days after it re-opened from summer maintenance. You would never know it. The entire course was in very good shape tee to green.
The Ambiente has a a bit more links feel to it’s sister,the Padre course, at least as much as you can get in the desert. Be prepared for some big and deep bunkers, especially greenside. If you are not a fair bunker player, play the Padre course.
Couple of items to note are that the 9th hole does not take you back to the clubhouse, you won’t see it till you finish. There are plenty of restroom facilities, and water stations on the course as well as a beverage cart going round so not seeing the clubhouse at the turn is not an issue.
At first I thought the course had no refuse cans, but like only a few I have played they are underground at tee boxes with a metal lid to keep animals away.
Service by the starter at the pro-shop and by the starter, as well as mtce folks on the course was friendly and helpful. While the Camelback courses don’t get as much publicity as some of the “Trophy” courses further north in Scottsdale, the quality and service were worth the stop."
Lawrence C
"One of the best golf experiences I’ve had. The course is beautifully maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The scenery is stunning, and the pace of play was perfect. Everything felt top-notch, from the practice areas to the clubhouse. I’ll definitely be coming back soon."
Carl Long
"Had a okay time yesterday. The course is great, my problem has to do with the lack of thoughtfulness from the staff.
The range closed very early without any notice to us. Even checking in, paying for the round, they told us nothing until I had to ask what the range situation was.
We had a 2:00 tee time, should’ve been easy enough to get all 18 in, but coming down the stretch the golf outing in front of us decided to group up together and play 8 man to a hole (see pictures). We never saw a Marshall all day monitoring for pace of play, and it showed.
Course was fun, but unfortunately spoiled a bit by these easy things the staff should’ve been on top of."
Andrew Deckert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camelback Golf Club is conveniently located in Scottsdale. If you're staying in Old Town, it's a short drive, typically around 10-15 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a popular option for golfers traveling in groups.
Yes, ample parking is available at Camelback Golf Club for all visitors. You'll find parking near the clubhouse and practice facilities.
Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore more of the Scottsdale area. Major car rental companies operate at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is about a 20-30 minute drive from the golf club.
For groups, consider coordinating transportation. Ride-sharing services can accommodate larger groups with multiple vehicles, or you might consider a pre-booked shuttle service for convenience, especially if staying further out.
Public transportation options directly to Camelback Golf Club are limited. It's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services, taxis, or a rental car for the most convenient access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can book tee times directly through the Camelback Golf Club website or by calling their pro shop. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially for the popular Ambiente course, as tee times can fill up quickly.
Green fees vary depending on the course (Ambiente or Padre), the time of day, and the season. It's best to check the official Camelback Golf Club website for the most up-to-date rates and any available packages or discounts.
Yes, Camelback Golf Club often offers various packages, including stay-and-play options with the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, and sometimes seasonal promotions. Check their website or inquire with the pro shop for current deals.
Camelback Golf Club generally adheres to a traditional golf dress code. Collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks are typically required for men, and appropriate golf attire for women. Denim and athletic wear are usually not permitted.
Walking the course is generally permitted, but it's always best to confirm with the pro shop when booking your tee time, especially during hotter months when carts are recommended. Carts are typically included in the green fee.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The Ambiente course is known for its desert elegance, tighter fairways, and more elevation changes, offering a challenging experience. The Padre course provides a more traditional desert links feel with wider fairways and deep bunkers, which can be more forgiving for some players.
Pace of play can vary. While many visitors report a good pace, some reviews mention slow play due to large groups or lack of course marshals. Booking tee times during less busy periods and being mindful of your own pace can help.
Yes, Camelback Golf Club offers practice facilities, including driving ranges and putting greens. These are great for warming up before your round or honing your skills.
The pueblo-style clubhouse features a pro shop with golf merchandise, and dining options. It's a great place to relax before or after your game.
Yes, a beverage cart typically circulates on both courses, offering drinks and snacks. There are also water stations available throughout the course.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Camelback Golf Club has dining facilities, often associated with the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, such as Rita's Cantina. These offer a range of options from casual bites to more formal meals.
Yes, a beverage cart usually operates on the courses, providing drinks and snacks. You can also find refreshments at the clubhouse.
Scottsdale offers a wide array of dining options just a short drive from Camelback Golf Club. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, you'll find plenty of choices to suit your taste.
Yes, the clubhouse and associated dining facilities often open early to accommodate golfers. It's advisable to check their specific opening hours when booking your tee time.
The clubhouse typically serves casual fare suitable for golfers, such as sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, along with a selection of beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The desert landscape surrounding both courses provides stunning backdrops. Look for scenic holes with mountain views, especially during sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. +1
Absolutely! Many golfers capture photos of their shots, scenic holes, and memorable moments. Just be mindful of pace of play and ensure your photography doesn't hold up other players. +1
While specific 'iconic' holes are subjective, many holes on the Ambiente course offer dramatic desert vistas and challenging layouts that make for great photos. Hole 13 on Ambiente is often highlighted.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting long shadows and warm tones across the desert landscape.
Modern smartphones are excellent for capturing great golf photos, especially with good lighting. If you have a dedicated camera, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive desert scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a more relaxed experience, inquire about any golf clinics or junior programs that might be available. Even if not playing a full round, the scenic desert surroundings offer opportunities for photos and enjoying the unique Arizona landscape. The JW Marriott Camelback Inn, often associated with the golf club, also offers family-friendly amenities and activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider exploring golf packages that might bundle rounds with accommodation or other perks, as these can sometimes offer better value than booking separately. Also, keep an eye out for any promotional offers or discounts that the club might advertise on its website or through golf booking platforms.
🏌️ Avid Golfers
Pay close attention to course conditions, as both are generally well-maintained. Be prepared for the desert elements, including potentially fast greens and challenging bunker play. Booking tee times in advance is essential to secure your preferred course and time, especially if you're planning a golf trip with friends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Between Ambiente and Padre Courses
The Padre course, on the other hand, offers a more traditional desert links feel. While still set within the stunning Arizona landscape, it tends to have wider fairways and can be perceived as slightly more forgiving than Ambiente. However, don't underestimate its strategic bunkering, which can be quite deep and challenging, especially around the greens.
When deciding, consider your skill level and what kind of experience you're seeking. If you thrive on a challenge and appreciate dramatic desert scenery, Ambiente might be your pick. If you prefer a more classic links-style game with ample room off the tee but still requiring thoughtful approach shots, Padre could be the better choice. Both courses are well-maintained and offer a memorable golfing experience in Scottsdale.
+1Navigating Pace of Play and Course Management
To ensure a more enjoyable experience, it's advisable to book your tee times during less crowded periods, such as weekday afternoons or early mornings. Being prepared and playing efficiently yourself also contributes to a better overall pace. If you notice significant delays, don't hesitate to politely inquire with the starter or pro shop about the situation.
Furthermore, understanding the course layout is key to efficient play. For instance, on the Ambiente course, the 9th hole does not return to the clubhouse, which can be a surprise to first-time visitors. Knowing these details beforehand, as well as being aware of the course's specific challenges like deep bunkers on the Padre course, can help you navigate the game more smoothly and contribute to a better pace for everyone.
The Camelback Golf Club Experience: Beyond the Greens
Dining at Camelback is also a highlight. The club is associated with the JW Marriott Camelback Inn, offering options like Rita's Cantina, which provides a delightful setting to enjoy meals and drinks. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite before your round or celebrating a great game afterward, the culinary offerings are designed to complement the overall upscale golf experience.
Beyond the immediate clubhouse amenities, Camelback Golf Club is situated in the heart of Scottsdale, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere, luxury resorts, and stunning desert landscapes. This location allows visitors to easily combine their golfing excursion with other activities, such as exploring local art galleries, enjoying fine dining, or simply taking in the breathtaking Arizona scenery.
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