Buying a Golf Course Home in North Scottsdale: What to Know

Buying a golf course home in North Scottsdale starts with one question: is the course public, private with optional membership, or private with required membership? After that, look closely at the lot position, the HOA and club documents, and how you will really use the course.

Does a golf course home come with a membership?

Usually not. At private clubs like the Silverleaf Club and The Country Club at DC Ranch, membership is a separate application and approval from buying the home. Some clubs work differently, and published comparisons note that Desert Highlands requires membership for property owners. Always confirm current rules directly with the club before writing an offer.

Which North Scottsdale courses are public?

Troon North Golf Club's Monument and Pinnacle courses and Grayhawk Golf Club's Talon and Raptor courses are daily-fee courses you can play by booking a tee time. Living near a public course can give you golf views and access without a membership commitment.

What private golf options are there?

North Scottsdale has many private clubs. Desert Mountain has seven private courses, including six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses and the par-54 No. 7. Silverleaf has a private Tom Weiskopf course. DC Ranch is home to The Country Club at DC Ranch. Each club has its own membership categories, and those details change, so we verify them in writing.

What should I check on the lot itself?

Walk the lot at different times of day. Look at which hole and which side of the fairway the home sits on, whether stray balls are likely, how much privacy you get from tee boxes and cart paths, and what the sun does to your patio in the afternoon. A view of a green can feel very different from a view of a tee box. Ask about maintenance schedules too, since course work affects noise.

What documents should I review?

Read the HOA documents, any sub-association rules, and any club documents separately. Look for rules on fencing, landscaping, and view areas next to the course. If the club and the HOA are different entities, understand what each one controls and what each one bills.

How do public and private golf living compare day to day?

Living near a public course gives you views and the freedom to play when you want, with tee times open to everyone. That means more outside traffic on the course. Private clubs offer a member-only experience with social events, practice facilities, and clubhouse life, along with membership costs and commitments. Neither is right for everyone. Think about how often you'll play, whether you want a social club, and how you feel about outside golfers near your home.

What should I watch for during inspection?

Golf course homes have a few specific items to check. Look for ball damage on windows, roofs, and stucco. Check patio covers and screens. Ask about irrigation and drainage near the course edge. Review any rules about fences or walls along the fairway. A good inspector and a careful walkthrough will help you understand what you're buying, and I'll help you use what we learn in negotiation.

How do I compare golf communities side by side?

Make a simple list for each community: public or private golf, membership options, HOA structure, home styles, and how far you are from the clubhouse you'd use most. Add the lifestyle details too, such as dining, fitness, and social events. Then tour your top two or three in the same week so the comparisons stay fresh. When it's time to talk price, I'll pull current, verified market data so the numbers are real.

Is a golf course home a good second home?

For many golfers, it is. If you'll be away part of the year, think about how the home will be maintained and secured while you're gone. Ask the HOA and the club about any rules that affect part-time residents or rentals. And check whether your membership category fits a part-time schedule. Getting these details right makes your time here more enjoyable.

What should I ask the HOA and the club?

Ask the HOA about rules for fences, walls, landscaping, and view areas along the course, and about any planned assessments. Ask the club about membership categories, availability, current costs, and how membership works when you sell. Get answers in writing. If the HOA and the club are separate entities, ask each one what it controls and bills, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Should I buy on the course or just near it?

A home directly on the course gives you views and quick access, but also more exposure to golf balls, golfers, and maintenance noise. A home near the course, but not on it, can offer more privacy while keeping the golf lifestyle close. Tour both kinds of homes so you can feel the difference before deciding.

How do I decide?

Be honest about how often you'll play. If golf is your daily routine, a private club may be worth it. If it is occasional, a home near a public course might fit better. I've invested in property myself, so I'll walk you through the decision with a clear head, not just the views.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does buying a golf course home include club membership?

Usually not. In most private clubs, membership is separate. Confirm with the club.

Which North Scottsdale golf courses are public?

Troon North's Monument and Pinnacle and Grayhawk's Talon and Raptor are daily-fee courses.

How many courses does Desert Mountain have?

Seven private courses.

Who designed the Silverleaf course?

Tom Weiskopf.

What is the biggest lot mistake buyers make?

Not checking where the home sits relative to the hole. Walk the lot at different times of day.

Who designed Grayhawk's Talon course?

David Graham and Gary Panks.

Ready to Talk?

Looking for a golf course home? I'll help you match the right course, the right club setup, and the right lot. Call or text me at 602-854-8323 or email david@tackettteam.com. I'm David Leach, Associate Broker and REALTOR® with The Tackett Team at eXp Realty in North Scottsdale. Strategic. Straight-forward. Relentless.