Playing both courses at Grayhawk gives you a beautiful contrast in design philosophy. The Raptor Course is exactly what you’d expect from a Tom Fazio design—wide, flowing fairways, large green complexes, and a beautifully manicured presentation that makes it feel a little more traditional and “come-and-get-it” despite being set in the Sonoran Desert. It’s a very fair test that rewards smart course management and solid ball striking. For many golfers, the Talon Course provides a little more visual drama and requires better shot placement, especially on the back side. Graham and Panks routed Talon’s back nine around a series of deep box canyons, creating elevated tees that provide spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains.

It demands several precise carries over native desert washes, and the signature Par-3 11th, which plays across one of those washes, is easily one of the most photographed holes in Arizona. The Talon puts a high premium on positioning off the tee, as the fairways often appear smaller than they truly are. The atmosphere here is consistently buzzing, a little louder and more fun than some of the more staid private clubs nearby.