This week: 10 elite Phoenix practice spots for low handicaps. Tour-level turf, full-flight balls, and secret sauce pros don’t post about.

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10 Best Practice Facilities in the Valley

Papago - Home of ASU

📍Phoenix

Why it’s elite: You’re hitting balls where future Tour stars train. The Thunderbirds Golf Complex at Papago offers a premium double-sided range, short game area, and bunker complex. Think: D1 golf meets public access.

Website: Papago

Talking Stick - Host of Saguaro Amateur

📍Scottsdale

Why it’s elite: Talking Stick is wide open like your driver swing should be. With one of the largest grass ranges in the state and a spacious short game area, this facility is perfect for dialing in distance and trajectory.

Insider tip: Book late afternoons in winter, it's golden hour bliss.

Website: Talking Stick

Legacy - Home of SMCC

📍Phoenix

Why it’s elite: This is where serious players go to grind. Legacy has Top 100 coach facilities, real-time ball flight tracking, and multiple greens to work every wedge shot in the book.

Website: Legacy

Dobson Ranch - InRange Technology

📍Mesa

Why it’s elite: This is where the vibe meets the grind. Dobson Ranch’s newly renovated range has InRange tech, targets galore, and music pumping. Bonus: a legit bar on site.

Please don’t sleep on: Their short game section is sneaky good and lit up at night.

Website: Dobson Ranch

Troon North - Host of 2025 US Mid-Am

📍Scottsdale

Why it’s elite: Troon North feels like a Tour stop. Its expansive practice facility mirrors the pristine on-course conditions. Multiple bunkers, tiered greens, and exacting targets make it ideal for prep.

Insider tip: Work on lag putting here, the greens roll fast.

Website: Troon North

Grand Canyon University - Home of GCU

📍Phoenix

Why it’s elite: This under-the-radar spot has pristine turf, great targets, and a massive chipping/pitching green. It’s public, affordable, and home to GCU's rising golf program.

Pro tip: Clean lies, fast greens, and space to grind, plus an underrated breakfast burrito.

Website: Grand Canyon

Ocotillo - Host of Arizona Stroke Play Championship

📍Chandler

Why it’s elite: Ocotillo blends beauty and practical utility. Their short game area mimics the course’s water-heavy layout. It’s a lush oasis in the desert.

Website: Ocotillo

Whirlwind - Host of Ford Championship

📍Chandler

Why it’s elite: Secluded, peaceful, and always in elite shape, the double-ended range and short game space feel like a private club.

Insider tip: Ask about weekday practice-only rates; they’re generous.

Website: Whirlwind

Valley Golf Center - TrackMan Range

📍Avondale

Why it’s elite: Valley Golf Center is an underrated gem with upgraded mats, a vast range, and a short game area. There are plenty of targets and always a solid bucket vibe.

Bonus: Great for grinding fundamentals or getting your reps in under the sun.

Website: Valley Golf Center

Longbow - Host of Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic

📍Mesa

Why it’s elite: Longbow has one of Arizona's best public-access short game areas. Designed with elite prep in mind, it’s where local college and mini-tour players regularly train.

Website: Longbow

Where You Practice Matters

If you’re serious about your game, and let’s be honest, if you’re reading this, you are. Then, where you practice does matter. Phoenix is blessed with world-class facilities that rival Tour-level tracks.

You can use that to your advantage.

_{Tracking every shot with Big Game}

Need To Know

🗞️News

• The USGA is investing $1 million into Pittsburgh’s public golf scene ahead of the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, boosting access, sustainability, and local impact. (more)

🧰Equipment

• For just $299/year, @PGATSS gives you insane value: daily practice, annual lessons + fittings, free grip installs, discounts galore. It’s the best deal in golf. (more)

👕Fashion

• Lacoste’s social content masterfully highlights its legacy, craftsmanship, and timeless design, proving the power of storytelling. The golf industry should take notes. (more)

In The Know

🗓️Events

• Catch the next wave of LPGA stars at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic, May 5–11 at TPC Scottsdale. Affordable tickets, elite talent, and desert drama. (more)

• NiteFlite is Arizona’s premier 5-player charity scramble, mixing pros, prizes, and party vibes. Benefiting Saguaros Children’s Charities for 35 unforgettable years. (more)

📰News

• Palmbrook Golf Club in Sun City is cracking down on theft, literally. Caught stealing? You can expect a face-to-face with the manager. Range balls or shirts, nothing’s safe. (more)

• Arizona’s golf industry drives $6B in economic impact, supports 66,200 jobs, and uses just 2% of daily water statewide to host 16.6M annual rounds. (more)

• The April issue of Arizona Golf Insider dives into Desert Forest, Don Rea’s journey, a 30-year-old fantasy course, and Papago’s beloved Lou’s Bar & Grill. (more)