Arizona Biltmore Golf Club - Links

The Arizona Biltmore Golf Club traces to the legendary Arizona Biltmore Hotel, which opened February 23, 1929 — designed by Albert Chase McArthur with significant influence from Frank Lloyd Wright, who consulted for four months on the distinctive "Biltmore Block" textile-block construction.

The Links Course was designed by Bill Johnston and opened in 1979 as the second course at the resort. Every U.S. President from Eisenhower onward reportedly played the Biltmore courses. Ronald Reagan honeymooned here in 1952; Clark Gable and Carole Lombard were frequent guests; Marilyn Monroe sunbathed at the Catalina Pool; and the Wright Bar is where the Tequila Sunrise cocktail was invented in the late 1930s.

The sister Estates Course (formerly Adobe) underwent a complete Tom Lehman redesign reopening in 2023–2024. The resort sold for $705 million in 2024 to Henderson Park and Pyramid Global Hospitality.

The Links Course plays through the Biltmore Estates neighborhood near the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. Despite its name, this is a lush resort-style layout with tree-lined fairways, lakes, arroyos, and significant elevation changes — especially on the back nine which climbs into the mountainside.

The front nine is tighter and more confined, weaving among estate homes and water features. The back nine opens up with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Phoenix skyline and desert mountains.

At 6,300 yards with a slope of only 124 from the tips, this is not a monster. But tight corridors, water hazards, and elevation changes provide the challenge. The resort ambiance and historical significance make this a must-play for golf history enthusiasts visiting Phoenix.

Club selection on downhill holes is everything. The back nine elevation changes, especially the signature 15th, play 15–20 yards shorter than card distance. Take less club and trust the yardage adjustment.

The front nine is tight with homes and OB lining both sides. Accuracy matters more than distance — consider fairway wood or long iron on narrow holes.

Hole 12: commit to the approach over the water to the semi-island green. Indecision leads to a wet ball.

Multiple holes feature sharp doglegs — study the cart GPS before each tee shot. Cutting corners without knowing the layout leads to trouble.

Bermuda greens in the afternoon can be grainy — factor that into your reads.