Arizona's 55+ golf communities range from one 18-hole course to five or more, and the way golf works differs a lot. Some courses are run by the homeowners association at resident rates, some are separate clubs with their own memberships, and several welcome public play. Knowing which model a community uses matters as much as counting holes.
55+ golf communities at a glance
- Most holes on site: PebbleCreek (54), Sun City Grand (four courses), Sun Lakes (five courses across three associations)
- Association-run golf: Sun City Grand residents book at resident rates through the association
- Separate membership club: Westbrook Village Golf Club (members only October to April)
- Public play welcome: Power Ranch, Trilogy at Vistancia, Robson Ranch, and Ironwood and Oakwood in Sun Lakes
- No course on site: Province and Ventana Lakes
Find 55+ golf communities Call Terry: 602-483-4665
Golf by community
These details come from each community's, association's or golf club's own website, checked this November.
| Community | Golf | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| PebbleCreek, Goodyear | 54 holes: Tuscany Falls East and West (Dick Bailey design, opened 2001) and Eagle's Nest, each par 72 | Guests can play with a resident; ask the HOA about resident golf programs |
| Sun City Grand, Surprise | Four courses: Cimarron, Desert Springs, Granite Falls North and Granite Falls South | Residents book online at resident rates; each course page also has a public tee time link |
| Sun Lakes | Five courses: Sun Lakes Country Club (par 60 executive), Cottonwood (par 72), Palo Verde (par 62 executive), Ironwood (18-hole executive) and Oakwood (27 holes) | Each association runs its own golf; Ironwood and Oakwood offer public tee times |
| Westbrook Village, Peoria | Two 18-hole courses: the Lakes (Ted Robinson design) and the Vistas (par 72, Ken Cavanaugh) | Separate, membership-based club; 12-month, 6-month and weekend memberships |
| Trilogy at Power Ranch, Gilbert | Power Ranch Golf Club, 18 holes, Dick Bailey design | Public club with year-round public tee times, driving range and golf academy |
| Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria | Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, 18 holes, par 72, Gary Panks design | Welcomes public play |
| Robson Ranch Arizona, Eloy | Robson Ranch Golf Club, 18-hole championship course | Robson says the course, pro shop and practice facility are currently open to the public |
| Province, Maricopa | No course on site; a putting green and a resident golf club | Golfers use nearby courses such as the public Duke at Rancho El Dorado |
Three ways golf works in 55+ communities
Association golf. At Sun City Grand, the association runs the courses, and residents book tee times at resident rates. You pay as you play rather than buying into a private club.
Separate membership club. At Westbrook Village, the golf club is owned and run apart from the homeowners association, and it sells its own memberships. Buying a home there does not make you a golf member.
Public or semi-public club. At Power Ranch, Trilogy at Vistancia and Robson Ranch, the course welcomes outside players too. That keeps the course busy, and residents should ask about any resident programs.
In every case, I never assume a home on the fairway comes with playing privileges. I confirm golf terms with the club, separately from the HOA documents, before you write an offer.
Golf cart living
In the big 55+ communities, plenty of residents use a golf cart to get to the course, the clubhouse and the pool. If that is your plan, look for garage space that fits a car and a cart, ask about any cart rules in the association documents, and check the route from the house to the places you will go most. Several Sun City Grand floor plans, for example, were built with golf cart storage in the garage.
Choosing a golf course lot
A course lot can be wonderful or a daily annoyance, depending on where it sits. When I tour course homes with buyers, I check:
- Which side of the fairway the lot sits on, and how close the tee boxes and greens are
- Cart path placement and maintenance access behind the yard
- How the patio faces the afternoon sun
- Fencing and landscaping rules on course lots
Ask Terry for the floor plan of any course home you are considering, and I will look at how the main rooms and patio face the view.
Buying tips
Some resale sellers have FHA or VA loans that a qualified buyer may be able to assume, subject to lender approval. I check every listing for this before we tour. If you are looking at a builder's new home in a golf community, the builder's sales team works for the builder, so call me before your first visit.
Questions people ask about 55+ golf communities
Which Arizona 55+ community has the most golf?
Of the communities I checked, PebbleCreek lists 54 holes, Sun Lakes has five courses across its associations, and Sun City Grand has four courses.
Do I have to pay for golf membership when I buy?
It depends on the community. Some run golf at resident rates through the association, and others have a separate club with its own memberships. I confirm the terms for every home.
Can the public play 55+ community golf courses?
Several welcome public play, including Power Ranch Golf Club, Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia and Robson Ranch Golf Club. Westbrook Village Golf Club says it is members only from October to April.
Are there 55+ communities near Phoenix without golf?
Yes. Province in Maricopa and Ventana Lakes in Peoria have no course of their own, and they focus on lakes, clubhouses and courts instead.
How do I compare 55+ communities by amenities?
Use my 55+ community finder to filter by golf, pickleball, indoor pools and more, or browse the Arizona 55+ Living hub. For golf homes of every age group, see golf community homes in Arizona.
Find 55+ golf communities Call Terry: 602-483-4665
Want a 55+ home on or near the course? Call Terry Day, REALTOR® with DeLex Realty, at 602-483-4665.