Nice question — Arizona has a few well-known golf destinations (TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, Grayhawk) but also a bunch of quieter, “hidden‑gem” golf resorts and course‑front hotels that many travelers miss. Below are 8 underrated picks around the state, why they stand out, who they suit, and a quick booking tip for each.

1. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (Tubac / southern AZ)

• Why it’s a gem: historic hacienda property with a scenic 27‑hole layout, spa and a relaxed small‑town arts village nearby — a very different (more peaceful) Arizona golf experience than Phoenix/Scottsdale. (azHideawayCollection.com)
• Best for: couples or golfers who want quiet, history and spa time as well as golf.
• Booking tip: midweek stays in shoulder seasons give best rates and less crowding.

2. Gold Canyon Golf Resort (Gold Canyon / Superstition Mountain views)

• Why it’s a find: two dramatic courses set against the Superstition Mountains with big desert scenery — great value compared with Phoenix resorts but still very scenic. (YourGolfTravel.com)
• Best for: players who want mountain vistas without Scottsdale prices.
• Booking tip: tee times at sunrise or late afternoon for best light and cooler temps.

3. Quintero Golf Club (Peoria / northwest Phoenix area)

• Why it’s a gem: a secluded, high‑end private club often described as “Arizona’s hidden gem” — spectacular routing and views in the Hieroglyphic Mountains; limited public access or stay‑and‑play packages make it feel exclusive. (yattagolf.com)
• Best for: experienced players seeking dramatic, well‑maintained shots and a private‑club feel.
• Booking tip: contact the club or local golf tour operators ahead of time about limited guest play packages.

4. The Gallery / Ritz‑Carlton Dove Mountain area (Marana / northwest Tucson)

• Why it’s a gem: world‑class courses (Gallery North/South) tucked into higher‑elevation desert foothills — cooler temps and dramatic course design that hosted major events but is much quieter than Phoenix resorts. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Best for: golfers who want tournament‑quality courses with resort amenities and fewer crowds.
• Booking tip: check for combined resort + tee time packages at the Ritz‑Carlton Dove Mountain or local tee‑time deals.

5. Rancho Mañana Golf Club (Cave Creek / Sonoran Desert)

• Why it’s a find: a small, scenic course built around an old dude ranch — dramatic elevation changes, desert routing and a rustic clubhouse/restaurant that give a genuine Arizona feel without big crowds. (troon.com)
• Best for: players who like intimate courses with character and great desert views.
• Booking tip: stay at nearby Cave Creek or the Hilton Vacation Club at Rancho Mañana for easy access and less travel time.

6. Lookout Mountain Golf Club (north Phoenix)

• Why it’s a gem: highly regarded course that often flies under the radar compared with Scottsdale heavyweights — scenic desert terrain, quality conditioning and fewer tee‑time headaches. (journeyjunket.com)
• Best for: golfers who want a top course near the city but without the bustle of the biggest resorts.
• Booking tip: play weekday mornings to enjoy quiet and fast play.

7. Gold Canyon / Superstition Mountain’s Superstition courses (if you want alternatives in that area)

• Why it’s a find: multiple routing options and dramatic mountain backdrops; an area that rewards exploration beyond a single course. (See Gold Canyon reference above.) (YourGolfTravel.com)
• Best for: golfers planning multi‑round trips who want variety in one region.
• Booking tip: bundle rounds at the two different courses to get the area’s best variety.

8. Smaller country‑club resorts and boutique stays around Tucson and Prescott (examples to look up)

• Why they’re gems: towns like Prescott, Green Valley and Tubac have small resorts/inns with excellent local courses — more relaxed pacing, local flavor and lower rates than major Scottsdale resorts. (See Tubac example above and Gallery/Dove Mountain for Tucson area.) (azHideawayCollection.com)
• Best for: golfers who want to pair sightseeing (historic towns, hiking) with golf.
• Booking tip: search for “stay & play” packages at local inns or call courses directly — many small properties offer deals not shown on big OTAs.

Quick general tips for finding Arizona hidden‑gem resorts

• Time of year: late fall through spring is peak golf season; for quieter travel, try November or March weekdays. Summer brings lower rates but high temps — higher‑elevation sites (Dove Mountain, parts of Prescott) are cooler. (Regional climate differences implied by course locations above.)
• Ask for local packages: many smaller resorts and clubs offer stay‑and‑play or midweek packages that don’t appear on big travel sites.
• Call ahead on access: private or semi‑private clubs (e.g., Quintero) often have strict guest policies — contact them early if you want a tee time.
• Consider variety: if you want big views and fewer crowds, target the mountain/foothill courses (Dove Mountain/Gallery, Gold Canyon); for rustic desert charm, choose Cave Creek/Rancho Mañana or Tubac.

If you’d like, I can:

• Build a 3‑day sample golf itinerary around any of these (include lodging, best tee times and food spots), or
• Check current stay‑and‑play package availability and typical green fees for any specific resort you pick (I’ll look up latest rates and deals).