Every couple years, Golf.com renews its best courses list in every state in the US. While they are overdue for an update, here is their latest list published in 2016. 21 of their 30 favorite Arizona public courses are in the Phoenix area. Here's the courses from the Phoenix area that made their list of favorites.
The full list can be accessed here: Arizona's Best Public Golf Courses 2016
#1. Troon North - Pinnacle Course, Scottsdale
#2. We-Ko-Pa - Saguaro Course, Fort McDowell
#3. We-Ko-Pa - Cholla Course, Fort McDowell
#4. Troon North - Monument Course, Scottsdale
#6. Grayhawk - Talon Course, Scottsdale
#7. Quintero, Peoria
#9. Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain Course, Gold Canyon
#10. Boulders - South Course, Carefree
#11. TPC Scottsdale - Stadium Course
#12. Grayhawk - Raptor Course, Scottsdale
#14. Verde River, Rio Verde
#15. Boulders - North Course, Carefree
#17. SunRidge Canyon, Fountain Hills
#18. Longbow, Mesa
#20. Camelback - Ambiente Course, Scottsdale
#21. TPC Scottsdale - Champions Course
#22. Verrado, Buckeye
#23. Wigwam - Gold Course, Litchfield Park
#24. Talking Stick - North Course (O'odham), Scottsdale
#29. GC of Estrella, Goodyear
#30. Marriot Wildfire - Faldo Course, Phoenix
Golf.com - Arizona's Best Public Golf Courses 2016