Whisper Rock Golf Club: Upper Course
Scottsdale, AZ • Private
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Courtesy of the club
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Courtesy of the club
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Courtesy of the club
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Courtesy of the club
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Courtesy of the club
Overview
Whisper Rock’s Upper Course was intended, as the club’s second 18, to specifically test its low-handicap and PGA Tour pro membership, but Tom Fazio couldn’t resist being a crowd-pleaser, so although he designed 18 holes with demanding angles to diagonal fairways from the back tees, his landing areas for average golfers are generous and most greens are cradled with ample chipping areas. All players enjoy the scenic beauty of this patch of Sonoran Desert, with the front nine holes framed by dry washes and a four-hole stretch on the back woven through astonishing towers of balanced granite boulders. “That’s a beautiful, beautiful stretch, going up into those boulders and back down towards Pinnacle Peak,” said Fazio at the grand opening. “But I’m proud of the entire course, as it’s got a whole bag of different looks.” Whisper Rock’s other 18, the older Lower Course, is ranked No. 174.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2013.
2023-'24 ranking: 143rd
Previous ranking: 156th.
Highest ranking: No. 123, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked third, 2013-'16, 2019-'24. Ranked fouth, 2011-'12, 2017-'18. Ranked inside the top 5, 2009.
2023-'24 ranking: 3rd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Designed by Tom Fazio in 2005, the Upper course has wider fairways and larger greens than the Lower course at Whisper Rock. It can be difficult in the wind but it doesn't play particularly long for the yardage. While well bunkered, I thought that most holes had several options on your second shot—typical of Fazio giving the player options off the tee and into the green."
Read More2021
Review
“The elevation changes and vistas added to the experience and the views were at times stunning (#13). The 13th hole, a drivable par 4, was so much fun to play. One of the most memorable holes in Arizona for me."
Read More2020
Review
“One of the best Ambiances at any club in America. All about the golf and the camaraderie that comes with it. It's a bunch of guys who have a "unity of purpose" regarding the club. Reminds me a lot of Burning Tree. A truly memorable place."
Read More2019
Review
“The Upper is a course with one consistently solid golf hole after another that are presented well. The front nine lacks excitement down on the flat ground, but the course does get more interesting on the back, working it's way up a small mountain."
Read More2019
Review
“The conditioning is a high priority, and the greens reflect the attention to detail. First class practice facilities, and a very enjoyable loop. Customer service is also exceptional."
Read More2021
Review
“Great overall facilities and experience. Very friendly, engaging, and supportive staff."
Read More2018
Readers
Collection of reviews from our readers
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