When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
The Estancia Club

Why The Estancia Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a prestigious private club celebrated for its beautiful desert setting and an acclaimed 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Established in 1996 and nestled amid the iconic Pinnacle Peak landmark, the club offers breathtaking views and meticulously maintained bent grass greens spread across 7,314 yards. Beyond golf, Estancia features upscale amenities such as tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, fitness facilities, and elegant dining options, making it an ideal place to meet up with friends for both sport and socializing. The club's exclusivity, with membership by invitation only, ensures a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where members and their guests enjoy personalized service, including attentive caddies and staff focused on providing a seamless experience. Estancia’s clubhouse and grounds provide a relaxing, aesthetically appealing environment in the Arizona desert, perfect for gathering with peers. The club also encourages an active lifestyle with well-maintained practice facilities including a driving range, putting green, and pitching/chipping areas. The tradition-rich club has been repeatedly recognized as the #1 golf course in Arizona by Golf Digest and is praised nationally for combining challenging play with exceptional hospitality.
Here's what people think of The Estancia Club
As of recent, The Estancia Club holds a 4.7-star rating based on 91 reviews.
Reviews of The Estancia Club consistently highlight its breathtaking course design and excellent maintenance that create an outstanding golf experience. Many users praise the challenging yet enjoyable layout crafted by Tom Fazio, noting the variety of holes and the beautiful desert surroundings. Positive reviews frequently mention the club’s impeccable service, from knowledgeable caddies to attentive staff who enhance each visit, as well as the top-notch practice facilities and the exclusivity that makes it feel like a retreat. Members appreciate the club’s tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect place for socializing and relaxation among friends. Conversely, some critical reviews touch upon the high costs associated with membership and occasional concerns about access or exclusivity feeling restrictive to some visitors. A few mention the dress code and pace of play policies as factors to consider. Overall, the club’s reputation for excellence in golf quality and guest service predominates in member feedback. The positive aspects of exceptional course conditions, elite amenities, and an inviting community environment overwhelmingly outweigh the limited reservations. The reviews affirm The Estancia Club as a top choice for those seeking an elite private club experience in Scottsdale's desert landscape.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Michael Neel
Incredible golf course, immaculate upkeep and maintenance. The grounds crew is doing an incredible job. It is no wonder this is rated so highly in all of the relevant golfing magazines. It is a special place.
Krystal E
What a treat! This private club is beyond beautiful. The staff were very attentive and friendly. Overall, it was a great experience.
Jeremy Mihaylo
I always feel honored when I get to experience Estancia Club. Amazing! The perfect Martini at Hole 19 bar.
Ben Smith
What an amazing golf club. Great course, great people and great amenities
Alan Digan
Beautiful club. Lavishly appointed but with usable furnishings not museum pieces that one would be reticent to relax upon. Service was exceptional. Food very tasty and garnished to perfection. Wine list quite extensive. The grounds were immaculately kept. Beautiful views, well worth the trip.
How to reach The Estancia Club
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Why The Estancia Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Estancia Club with your friends?
Gathering friends or family for a memorable meetup finds perfect grounds at The Estancia Club, a prestigious private golf club set in the breathtaking high desert landscape of Scottsdale, Arizona. The club offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere that encourages camaraderie, connection, and celebration. Nestled beneath the iconic Pinnacle Peak, the surroundings blend rugged natural beauty with meticulous course design, creating an inspiring backdrop where friends can enjoy time together away from everyday distractions. Its exclusivity and high level of service ensure a refined experience, where attentive staff and expert caddies enhance every moment. Whether your group shares a passion for golf or prefers a luxurious setting to socialize, Estancia Club combines scenic vistas, top-quality facilities, and a welcoming ambiance that makes it an ideal rally point. It’s not just about playing a round; it’s about creating lasting memories in an extraordinary setting tailored for group enjoyment and leisure. This is why friends looking for an oasis of relaxation, challenge, and hospitality find no better destination than The Estancia Club.
What activities can you enjoy at The Estancia Club?
The Estancia Club primarily shines as a premier golf destination, featuring an 18-hole championship course designed by the renowned Tom Fazio. This course caters to golfers of all skill levels, offering a variety of tees from the gold at 7,314 yards to more forgiving options, making it both challenging and accessible. The layout showcases dramatic elevation changes, generous fairways, and stunning views of Pinnacle Peak and the surrounding desert landscape. Four par-three holes demand pinpoint accuracy, adding strategic variety and excitement to your round. Beyond the main course, the club also provides extensive practice facilities including a driving range, pitching and chipping areas, and a putting green, where groups can warm up or hone their skills together. Private instruction from teaching pros is available, perfect for those looking to improve their game as a group activity. The meticulous maintenance ensures pristine greens and fairways year-round, guaranteeing a flawless playing experience. Besides golf, the sprawling clubhouse and outdoor patios offer elegant spaces for dining, socializing, or just basking in the scenic beauty, making every visit a full day affair filled with fun and relaxation.
Why is The Estancia Club perfect for group meetups?
The Estancia Club is tailored to accommodate groups seeking an upscale, private environment where friends and family can gather comfortably and with style. The club’s exclusivity offers a tranquil and secure haven, ensuring your group can enjoy privacy and personalized service away from crowded public venues. The staff’s attention to detail and the availability of knowledgeable caddies enhance not only the golf experience but also foster a convivial social atmosphere, supporting both competitive rounds and casual play. The clubhouse boasts sophisticated dining options with spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas where groups can gather after golf for memorable meals or celebrations. Additionally, the scenic setting of the Arizona high desert provides a remarkable backdrop for photography, leisurely walks, and relaxation, which adds to the day’s enjoyment for all group members regardless of their golf experience. The club’s policies, such as a dress code and provisions for golf carts and club rentals, ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for newcomers and seasoned players alike. All these factors combine to create a versatile environment that enhances every aspect of group gatherings, from spirited competition to relaxed socializing.
How does The Estancia Club support all skill levels in golf?
One of the standout features of The Estancia Club is its thoughtful golf course design that respects both challenge and playability, making it suitable for players from beginners to seasoned experts. The course offers multiple sets of tees wide-ranging in length and difficulty, allowing groups with diverse abilities to play together while maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience for each participant. The fairways and greens are immaculately maintained bentgrass and Alaska bluegrass, providing excellent playing surfaces that encourage confident shots and good pace of play. Caddies are available to assist with club selection, course navigation, and strategy, leveling the playing field and enhancing the fun for more novice golfers. The availability of practice facilities and professional instruction helps anyone in your group deepen their game skills or warm up efficiently before the round. This attentiveness to player variety ensures that no one feels left out or overwhelmed, making the club a welcoming destination for golfing groups with mixed experience and ambitions.
What makes the location and setting of The Estancia Club unique?
The Estancia Club’s location is one of its most compelling attributes. Situated on a 640-acre parcel of pristine Arizona desert, the club lies under the imposing northern slope of Pinnacle Peak, Scottsdale’s famed natural landmark. This setting provides a stunning panorama of desert flora, rugged boulder formations, and picturesque city views extending towards the south and west. The high desert elevation creates a comfortable climate for year-round play and outdoor leisure without excessive heat. The course is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural terrain, preserving and highlighting the native saguaro cacti and granite boulders that dot the landscape. This integration of natural beauty with expert course architecture creates a uniquely serene yet invigorating environment, perfect for groups seeking both challenge and tranquility. The peaceful surroundings encourage relaxation and connection among group members, enhancing the overall experience far beyond the golf itself.
What amenities enhance the social experience at The Estancia Club?
Beyond golf, The Estancia Club provides a suite of luxurious amenities that promote socializing and celebration. The clubhouse is an elegant space featuring fine dining with locally inspired cuisine and an extensive wine list, perfect for group dinners or casual meals after play. Outdoor terraces offer spectacular sunset views, ideal for gathering with friends to enjoy food, drinks, and conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. Private event spaces within the club can accommodate larger groups for meetups, celebrations, or corporate outings, supported by attentive staff to ensure seamless service. The availability of carts, club rentals, and caddies adds comfort and convenience for all players, allowing groups to focus on their enjoyment without logistical concerns. Additionally, the club's membership and guest policies create an exclusive yet welcoming environment, fostering a sense of community and shared appreciation for quality recreation and hospitality among visitors. These social amenities round out the Estancia Club experience, turning a day of golf into a memorable group event.
How does the exclusivity of The Estancia Club contribute to its appeal for meetups?
The Estancia Club’s status as a private club within the Discovery Land Company portfolio ensures a high standard of exclusivity and personalized service, which greatly contributes to its appeal for group meetups. Membership and guest access are carefully managed, which means your group will experience a peaceful setting free from the interruptions or overcrowding common in public golf venues. This exclusivity elevates the feeling of occasion and importance for any gathering, whether a casual round with friends or a special celebration including family. The staff’s commitment to service manifests in attentive caddies, immaculate course care, and a clubhouse team focused on fulfilling guests’ needs, making every group member feel valued and welcome. The controlled access also adds security and privacy, essential for groups wanting to enjoy their time without concerns about outside disruptions. Together these elements foster an ambiance of prestige and comfort that helps transform standard outings into truly extraordinary meetups.
What seasonal and weather considerations make The Estancia Club a year-round destination?
The Scottsdale, Arizona climate provides The Estancia Club with excellent conditions that make it a year-round golfing and social destination. The high desert location moderates temperatures, allowing for comfortable play even during winter months that might be off-season elsewhere. The course's well-draining terrain and meticulous maintenance prevent weather-related disruptions, ensuring the course remains in pristine condition throughout the year. Rainfall is minimal, further reducing the likelihood of canceled rounds or poor conditions. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant weather with mild temperatures and beautiful desert blooms enhancing the natural scenery, making outdoor meetups and events especially enjoyable. Even the warmer summer months are manageable with early morning or late afternoon tee times, and the clubhouse provides shaded, air-conditioned areas for comfortable respite. This reliable climate consistency means groups can confidently plan gatherings at any time, knowing the quality of experience will be maintained regardless of season.
How does The Estancia Club cater to newcomers or first-time visitors?
For visitors new to The Estancia Club, the experience is crafted to be welcoming and accessible. The club’s staff is known for their hospitality and willingness to assist guests with everything from equipment rentals to explaining course features and rules. The availability of caddies provides invaluable support for first-timers, offering guidance on club selection, shot strategy, and course layout, which can make a big difference in comfort and enjoyment. The club’s dress code is easy to meet, ensuring guests can focus on the experience without worrying about complicated details. Practice facilities and instruction are also accessible to newcomers who may want to refresh or develop skills before playing. Overall, these thoughtful touches ensure even those unfamiliar with high-end golf clubs or the Scottsdale area feel embraced, enabling groups that include beginners or occasional players to enjoy a stress-free and memorable outing.
Why is The Estancia Club an ideal setting for combining sport and socializing?
At The Estancia Club, the seamless blend of a championship golf course with luxurious social amenities creates an ideal setting where sport and socializing enrich each other. Groups can engage in friendly competition on the meticulously designed course under spectacular desert skies, creating shared experiences filled with challenge and excitement. Afterward, the elegant clubhouse and outdoor terraces transition the mood to convivial relaxation, allowing friends and family to swap stories, enjoy gourmet meals, and celebrate achievements in style. The attentive service provided throughout both the sporting and social aspects ensures a smooth progression from active play to leisure, encouraging lingering conversations and connections. This balance caters perfectly to groups seeking more than just a game of golf but a full day of enjoyable, meaningful interaction. The Estancia Club’s ability to merge athletic pursuit with social pleasure makes it an exceptional choice for meetup occasions that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.