This week: Troon North vs. Grayhawk. Scottsdale’s top dogs. Stats and strong opinions are the ultimate breakdown for serious players in the Valley.

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Troon North vs. Grayhawk

Let’s face it: choosing where to drop $200+ for a tee time…

Scottsdale’s two biggest names just stepped on the first tee, and let’s say, there’s tension in the desert. If you’re a serious player in Arizona, this debate hits close to home: Troon North or Grayhawk?

You’re not just picking a course. You’re choosing a lifestyle.

Bottom Line?

Troon North is desert golf royalty, quiet, challenging, and picture-perfect.

Grayhawk? It’s the golf version of a rooftop happy hour with an NCAA ring on its finger.

My Two Cents:

Troon North is tougher, cleaner, and quieter. Grayhawk is flashier, faster, and flat-out more fun.

Vibe Check:

Troon North:

• Built for purists and golf snobs

• Firm & fast, with elevation changes that’ll test your distance control

• Desert silence, high-end pace of play, and greens that demand respect

Grayhawk:

• NCAA host. Mickelson’s old digs. Golf bros, welcome home.

• Friendly layouts, lush fairways, spicy greens

• The post-round patio scene rivals any Scottsdale bar

Best for Tournament Prep & Ball-Striking Snobs?

Troon North

Best for Social Rounds, Vibes & Returning Guests?

Grayhawk

My Advice?

Midweek try-hard round? Troon.

Weekend with the boys and a transfusion? Grayhawk.

Turf Wars Power Rankings:

You’ve played both. You’ve got opinions. Troon North or Grayhawk?

Next week, I’m kicking off a brand-new series: 6 Questions With…

I’ll chat with Arizona’s most interesting people—players, pros, course operators, and golf hustlers—to explore what you need to know each month.

My first guest drops next week

Fun Fact: Troon North Golf Club is one of Arizona's few public golf facilities with bentgrass greens, which provide a smooth and fast putting surface typically found at private clubs.

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Need To Know

In 2024, over 28 million people teed it up, marking the 7th year of growth. That’s 1.5 million new golfers, the most significant single-year jump since Tiger-mania in 2000.

Dive into the numbers with the latest Graffis Report, a data-packed breakdown of what’s driving golf’s boom and how to ride the wave.

Link to report

🗞️ News

• After 430 episodes and 15 iconic years, Martin Hall wraps up “School of Golf,” leaving behind a legacy that transformed millions of swings and scores worldwide. (more)

• Golf legend Dave Pelz transformed the short game forever. His groundbreaking work shaped champions, most notably, guiding Phil Mickelson to his iconic 2004 Masters win. (more)

🧰Equipment

• TaylorMade’s R7 Quad Mini Driver blends classic design with modern tech. It is built for precision off the tee and playability from the fairway. It is compact, powerful, and versatile. (more)

• Whether on the PGA TOUR or in golf retail stores, mallet putters have become the predominant putter style, outselling blades 2-1 and dominating wins on TOUR. (more)

👕 Fashion

• Reebok Golf returns to the fairway, blending iconic ‘80s heritage with modern performance, where timeless style meets next-gen comfort, swing after legendary swing. (more)

• Lacoste teams up with Provence’s elite Terre Blanche Resort in a luxurious three-year partnership, merging iconic French Fashion with Europe’s premium golf lifestyle experience. (more)

Daily News for Curious Minds

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In The Know

Grass Clipping just launched its new online retail store, and it’s as fresh as a dew-covered fairway at sunrise. From limited-edition drops to everyday essentials, their shop is stacked with golf-inspired gear that hits different on and off the course.

Expect clean designs, premium quality, and that unmistakable vibe that’s become the heartbeat of Phoenix golf culture. Whether you're chasing birdies or dressing like you do, this store’s your new clubhouse.

Shop now!

🗓️Events

• Join AZ GOLF’s first-ever Parent/Child Tournament on May 18th at Arizona Biltmore’s Estates Course, an 18-hole scramble, multiple divisions, unforgettable family fun, and epic bragging rights! (more)

• GHIN Challenges debuts at Papago, Dobson Ranch, and Randolph North, offering golfers-friendly, handicap-based competition and real-time leaderboards after posting just three scores. (more)

📰News

• ASU golf coach Matt Thurmond was booted from Augusta National’s range for wearing shorts, proving even legends aren’t exempt from golf’s strict dress codes. (more)

• The Glenrosa Bar and event lawn are now open day and night. Enjoy food and drink with the golf course as your backdrop. (more)