Updated October 2026. Seasons and access change, so confirm with the course before you book a tee time.

When the Valley is 106, it's in the low 80s up here. That's the whole pitch for summer golf in the White Mountains: tall pines, cool mornings, and a round at 6,000-plus feet where the ball carries a little farther. The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside calls itself noted for its golf courses, and it's earned that.

Courses you can play

Public golf near Grumpy Toads (drive times from Lakeside are approximate)
CourseWhereAccessWhat it's like
Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country ClubPinetop, ~10 minPublic18-hole executive course, par 63, lined with tall pines. Quick, fun round.
Birdie Ranch at Silver CreekNorth of Show Low, ~30 minPublic18-hole championship course by Gary Panks, plus a bonus par-3 "19th hole" for settling bets.
Bison Golf ClubShow Low, ~15–20 minSemi-private18 holes through pines and meadow, redesigned by PGA Tour player Billy Mayfair. Call ahead.

Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club

The closest public round to the cabin. It's an executive course, par 63 and about 4,500 yards, so it plays quick and works for mixed groups and kids. There's a range and practice greens, and the holes run through tall pines. The season generally runs spring through fall.

Birdie Ranch at Silver Creek

Formerly Silver Creek Golf Club, it calls itself an 18-hole championship public course. Gary Panks designed it, and the bonus par-3 19th hole is a nice touch for settling a bet before lunch. It's been promoted as the White Mountains' year-round course.

Bison Golf Club

Show Low's course through the pines and a big open meadow, redesigned by Billy Mayfair. It describes itself as semi-private, so call before you plan around it.

The private clubs

You'll see three more names around town: Pinetop Country Club, White Mountain Country Club and Torreon Golf Club in Show Low. They're private clubs for members and their guests, so they're not bookable for visitors.

When to play

A golf day from Grumpy Toads

Tee off early at Pinetop Lakes, 10 minutes away. Be back by lunch. Spend the afternoon in the kayaks on Rainbow Lake or casting the community pond. Finish at the fire pit. The non-golfers in your group won't mind at all. More on that in our fishing guide.

Grumpy Toads Getaway

4 bedrooms · sleeps 10 · one dog welcome · steps from Rainbow Lake. Book direct with us and skip the Airbnb service fee.

Check dates at Grumpy Toads

Common questions

What golf courses near Pinetop-Lakeside are open to the public?

Pinetop Lakes Golf & Country Club in Pinetop (an 18-hole executive course) and Birdie Ranch at Silver Creek near Show Low (an 18-hole championship course) are both public. Bison Golf Club in Show Low is semi-private, so call ahead.

Can you golf in the White Mountains in winter?

Mostly no. High-country courses generally run spring through fall. Birdie Ranch at Silver Creek has been promoted as the area's year-round course, so call them for winter conditions.

How far is the golf from Grumpy Toads Getaway?

Pinetop Lakes is about 10 minutes away. The Show Low courses are roughly 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the course.

Are Pinetop Country Club, White Mountain Country Club and Torreon public?

No. Those three are private clubs for members and their guests.

More: Pinetop-Lakeside · Show Low · East Valley golf near H2O Sanctuary

Sources

Drive times are typical, measured from the town or neighborhood, and change with traffic and weather. Event dates are as published when we wrote this; confirm with the organizer before you plan around them.