Boulders Resort - South Course

The Boulders story began with a groundbreaking on September 8, 1982, in the Sonoran Desert foothills near Carefree, Arizona. The original 18 holes, designed by Jay Morrish (with Gary Panks), opened January 23, 1984. The resort opened in January 1985. Expansion through 1991 brought the facility to 36 holes (North and South courses). The property has passed through multiple luxury brands: Wyndham International (1998), Blackstone/LXR (2005), Waldorf Astoria (2009), and Hilton Curio under Crestview Management (2015). Troon Golf now manages both courses.

In January 2023, the North Course was converted to private members-only, making the South Course the only publicly accessible layout. Both courses received full bunker renovations in 2021; the South Course greens were renovated in 2022 and par-3 tee boxes leveled in 2023.

The ancient granite boulder formations that define the property are estimated at 12 million years old — the resort's tagline: "Twelve Million Years in the Making."

The South Course threads through and around ancient granite boulder formations estimated at 12 million years old. Saguaro cacti, native desert vegetation, and the towering rock formations frame virtually every hole. Many reviewers consider it even more scenic than the North Course.

The course plays to par 71 at 6,726 yards from the blues (slope 140). Bentgrass greens (renovated 2022) are firm and fast. The desert rough — rocks, cacti, hard-packed sand — means a missed fairway is often a lost ball. Five tee sets spanning over 2,000 yards of difference make it accessible at all levels.

Wildlife encounters (bobcats, coyotes, javelinas, rabbits) are common. Peak-season (winter) rates reach approximately $285; summer rates drop to $55–75.

Accuracy over distance on every hole. Desert rough is essentially a lost ball — keeping the ball on maintained turf is far more important than extra yards.

From the back tees, several holes require forced carries over natural desert washes. Know your carry distances honestly and play forward tees if in doubt.

Hole 5 (signature par 5): the uphill approach into the Boulder Pile requires precise distance control. Laying up to a wedge distance is the percentage play.

Hole 12 (321 yards, par 4) is a legitimate birdie or eagle opportunity — consider a long iron or hybrid off the tee to find the green.

Desert air and firm conditions make the ball fly farther and roll more. Adjust club selection accordingly, especially on the par 3s.

Play early morning or late afternoon for best light on the boulder formations and most comfortable temperatures.