Scottsdale has earned a reputation as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States (and even the whole world). It isn’t difficult to see why. There are more than 200 golf courses spread across the Valley. Plus with over 330 days of sunshine each year and legendary layouts designed by some of the biggest names in golf, it’s a place where an ordinary golf weekend can quickly turn into an unforgettable getaway.
This Scottsdale golf trip guide is designed for anyone planning a visit centered around golf. Plenty of groups visit to play bucket-list courses like TPC Scottsdale and Troon North. There are also those who simply want a few great rounds and a relaxing place to stay between tee times.
You’ll find everything needed to organize the perfect getaway in our Scottsdale golf trip planner. We’ll cover the best times of year to visit as well as the top golf locations in the area. We’ve also put together suggested itineraries and a few local insights that can help make the trip run more smoothly. Ready to plan your perfect golf trip?
Why Scottsdale Is the #1 Golf Trip Destination
Few places can match Scottsdale when it comes to golf. The city and surrounding Valley offer more than 200 courses. These cover affordable public layouts as well as championship venues that regularly appear in national tournaments.
People can visit the famous PGA Tour courses or discover hidden local favorites.
The weather is another major draw. Scottsdale enjoys roughly 330 sunny days each year, making golf possible in every season. While winter and spring attract the largest crowds, golfers can find excellent conditions during much of the calendar (particularly in the cooler months).
Location also plays a big part. North Scottsdale has become the heart of the area’s golf scene. This is largely down to renowned courses such as TPC Scottsdale, Troon North golf, and Grayhawk golf all within a short drive of one another. Visitors staying nearby spend less time traveling and more time on the course.
Scottsdale offers everything needed for a memorable vacation away from the golf course. Restaurants and bars offer unforgettable experiences. We also have hiking trails and sporting events to make it easy to fill the hours between tee times. Nearby Paradise Valley AZ adds another element of luxury and scenic desert views.
Getting here is also refreshingly straightforward. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is located around 20 to 25 minutes from much of North Scottsdale. Many visitors land and head to their first tee on the very same day. That’s golfing convenience.
Best Time to Plan a Scottsdale Golf Trip
One of the first decisions when planning a golf trip Scottsdale AZ is choosing the right time of year. Every season offers something different.
The busiest period runs from October through April. Comfortable daytime temperatures, clear skies, and perfectly maintained courses make this the most popular time to visit. Tee times can book well in advance. There’s often high demand between January and March so early planning is recommended.
May and September are often considered the sweet spot for golfers looking to balance good weather with better value. Temperatures are warmer. Many courses actually reduce green fees compared with peak season. It makes these months attractive for groups watching their budget.
Summer (from June through August) brings the hottest temperatures but also some of the year’s biggest savings. Early morning tee times remain popular. Visitors willing to play before the afternoon heat can often enjoy premium courses at a fraction of winter prices. If your Scottsdale golf trip cost is an important consideration, summer is worth looking at.
Golfers should also be aware of overseeding season. It typically takes place between late September and early November. Some courses temporarily close while transitioning from summer to winter grass and checking course schedules before booking is a good idea.
Major events also affect demand. The WM Phoenix Open in February and Major League Baseball Spring Training in March both bring large numbers of visitors to the area. This can increase accommodation prices and reduce tee-time availability.
| Time of Year | Average High | Golf Conditions | What to Expect |
| January | 68°F (20°C) | Excellent | Peak season, cool mornings, busy courses |
| February | 72°F (22°C) | Excellent | WM Phoenix Open, very high demand |
| March | 77°F (25°C) | Excellent | Spring Training, ideal weather |
| April | 85°F (29°C) | Excellent | Warmer temperatures, popular for golf trips |
| May | 94°F (34°C) | Very good | Better rates, quieter courses |
| June–August | 102–106°F (39–41°C) | Good | Lowest prices, early tee times recommended |
| September | 99°F (37°C) | Good | Shoulder season, some overseeding begins |
| October | 88°F (31°C) | Very good | Courses reopen after overseeding, demand increases |
| November | 76°F (24°C) | Excellent | Peak golf season returns |
| December | 67°F (19°C) | Excellent | Comfortable conditions, holiday demand |
Top Golf Courses for Every Skill Level
One of the biggest advantages of a Scottsdale golf vacation is the variety of courses available. Golfers can choose from PGA Tour venues and championship desert layouts. There are also scenic mountain courses and more forgiving public tracks. Groups may include scratch golfers or a mix of abilities. It is easy to build an itinerary that suits everyone.
For golfers chasing iconic rounds, TPC Scottsdale and Troon North golf usually sit at the top of the list. Those looking for classic Sonoran Desert scenery often head to We-Ko-Pa or Eagle Mountain. The groups wanting a relaxed opening or closing round have several excellent public options.
| Course | Type | Best For | Typical Green Fees* |
| TPC Scottsdale – Stadium | Public | Advanced | $$–$$$$ |
| Troon North – Monument | Public | Advanced | $$–$$$$ |
| Troon North – Pinnacle | Public | Advanced | $$–$$$$ |
| Grayhawk – Raptor | Public | Advanced | $$–$$$$ |
| Grayhawk – Talon | Public | Intermediate | $$–$$$ |
| We-Ko-Pa – Saguaro | Public | Intermediate | $$–$$$$ |
| Eagle Mountain | Public | Intermediate | $$–$$$ |
| Papago Golf Club | Public | Beginner–Intermediate | $–$$ |
| Lookout Mountain | Resort | Beginner–Intermediate | $–$$$ |
*Green fees vary significantly by season and tee time and should always be confirmed before booking.
TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course
The home of the WM Phoenix Open. This Stadium Course is one of the most recognizable layouts in American golf. Walking the famous 16th hole is a bucket-list experience, even outside tournament week. Strong approach play and confident putting are rewarded. A great challenge for experienced golfers.
Troon North Golf Club
Troon North has become synonymous with Scottsdale golf. Both the Monument and Pinnacle courses showcase dramatic boulder formations and stunning desert golf. They’re challenging without feeling unfair and regularly appear on lists of the best golf courses Scottsdale has to offer.
Grayhawk Golf Club
Grayhawk combines two distinct championship layouts. Raptor provides a tougher test with demanding approach shots. Talon is slightly more forgiving without sacrificing scenery. Both are excellent choices for golf groups staying in North Scottsdale.
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
One of We-Ko-Pa’s biggest strengths is its setting. No homes bordering the fairways means uninterrupted mountain views throughout the round. It’s a favorite among visitors looking for a more natural desert golf experience.
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Eagle Mountain offers dramatic elevation changes and sweeping valley views. It’s challenging enough to stay interesting while still approachable for confident mid-handicap and intermediate golfers.
Papago Golf Club
Papago is a great option for an arrival day or relaxed final round. Wide fairways and a more forgiving layout make it ideal for mixed-ability groups. Its location closer to the airport can simplify travel on arrival or departure days.
Lookout Mountain Golf Club
For golfers looking for resort golf with excellent scenery, Lookout Mountain is a strong choice. The elevation changes and mountain backdrop create a memorable round without the intensity of some championship courses.
Look at our complete guide to the best golf courses near North Scottsdale for more detailed information on the courses.
Where to Stay: Private Estate vs. Hotel vs. Resort
Choosing the right place to stay can have just as much impact on the trip as choosing the right golf courses. Accommodation often becomes one of the biggest expenses for big groups so it’s worth comparing the options before booking.
Hotels work well for solo travelers or couples. Larger groups often end up spread across multiple rooms and floors. Once everyone returns from the course, finding somewhere to relax together usually means meeting in the lobby or heading back out to a restaurant or bar.
Resorts provide more amenities but they come at a premium. Guests may have access to pools, restaurants, and spas, yet everyone still retreats to separate rooms.
A private estate creates a very different experience. Everyone stays together under one roof. It makes it easier to enjoy breakfast before tee times or simply spend time together between rounds. At Elite Retreat, guests can share communal spaces such as eating around the outdoor kitchen area and the stunning poolside setting.
Sample 3-Day Golf Trip Itinerary
A long weekend is enough to experience some of Scottsdale’s best golf while still leaving time to relax and enjoy the area.
Day 1 – Arrival and Warm-Up
Arrive in Scottsdale, check into your accommodation, and ease into the trip with an afternoon round at somewhere like the Papago Golf Club. The forgiving layout makes it an ideal first course after a flight. Head to Old Town Scottsdale for dinner before returning to the estate to unwind.
Day 2 – Bucket-List Golf
Start early with a tee time at Troon North. This is truly one of Scottsdale’s signature golf experiences. After the round, spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool before heading out for dinner at one of the area’s renowned steakhouses. If there’s still some energy left you can even play the golf simulator back at the estate.
Day 3 – Championship Finish
Wrap up the trip with a morning round at Grayhawk before returning for brunch and packing up for the journey home. Scheduling the final round close to where you’re staying helps reduce travel time and keeps departure day as relaxed as possible.
It’s also worth leaving plenty of time between tee times and evening reservations. Scottsdale traffic is generally manageable, but tournament weeks and peak golf season can make travel around the city a little slower than expected. A flexible golf trip itinerary Scottsdale allows everyone to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
Golf Trip Planning Checklist for Groups
Planning a golf trip is normally much easier when a few key details are organized ahead of time. A little preparation helps avoid last-minute changes and gives everyone more time to enjoy the experience once they arrive. It also ensures you can sort things like eatly bookings for tee times.
Task Recommended Timing
Choose your travel dates 3–6 months ahead
Reserve accommodation 3–6 months ahead (earlier for peak season)
Book tee times 30–60 days ahead (or earlier for popular courses)
Arrange transportation 2–4 weeks ahead
Reserve rental clubs if needed 2–4 weeks ahead
Confirm dinner reservations 2–4 weeks ahead
Share itinerary with the group 1 week ahead
If your group is playing several of Scottsdale’s most popular courses, booking tee times as early as possible is one of the smartest moves. Courses such as TPC Scottsdale and Grayhawk can fill quickly during peak season.
Transportation is another important consideration. Rental cars provide the most flexibility for groups playing multiple courses across North Scottsdale. Larger parties may find SUVs or passenger vans more convenient than booking several smaller vehicles.
Traveling without clubs? Many premium courses offer high-quality rental sets. There are PXG clubs available to rent at select locations. Avoid airline baggage fees without sacrificing equipment quality.
Finally, set a realistic budget before booking. Green fees, accommodation, dining, transportation, and evening activities all add up. Planning these costs in advance helps keep the trip enjoyable for everyone and avoids surprises later.
Insider Tips from Local Golfers
Even experienced golfers can pick up a few useful tricks when visiting Scottsdale for the first time. These tips can help make the trip smoother and often save both time and money.
- Book twilight tee times when possible. Afternoon rounds often cost less than morning tee times while still offering excellent playing conditions for much of the year.
- Dress in layers during winter mornings. Early tee times in January and February can be surprisingly cool (even if temperatures climb into the 70s by lunchtime).
- Don’t underestimate the desert climate. Carry water throughout the round during all seasons. Arizona’s dry air can be more dehydrating than many visitors expect.
- Use the GolfNow app. Last-minute tee times and promotional rates are often available. This is particularly true during quieter periods.
- Choose a cart if playing multiple rounds. Many Scottsdale courses include significant elevation changes. Saving energy on one round often means enjoying the next day’s golf even more.
- Reserve rental clubs early. Premium rental sets can sell out during busy periods. This is particularly true around the WM Phoenix Open and Spring Training.
- Allow extra travel time during major events. Tournament weeks and popular weekends can increase traffic around North Scottsdale.
FAQ
How many golf courses are there in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix area have more than 200 golf courses. They range from affordable municipal layouts to championship venues regularly ranked among the best in the country.
What is the best month to visit for golf?
February through April generally offers the most comfortable weather and excellent course conditions. These months are also the busiest. Booking accommodation and tee times well in advance is recommended.
What does a typical round of golf cost?
Green fees vary considerably depending on the season and the course. Public courses may start below $100 during quieter periods. Premium championship courses during peak season can exceed $400 per round.
Do I need a rental car?
It helps with many golf trips. Having a vehicle makes it much easier to reach different courses and attractions throughout North Scottsdale. Consider one if your group plans to play several venues.
Can I rent golf clubs?
Yes. Most major Scottsdale golf courses offer rental clubs. Many provide premium sets from leading manufacturers. Reserving them in advance is recommended during peak golf season.
How far is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from most of North Scottsdale depending on traffic and exactly where you’re staying.
Book Your Golf Trip Base at Elite Retreat
A great golf trip is about more than just the courses. It’s also about having a place where the group can relax and enjoy time together between tee times.
Elite Retreat AZ is designed with golf groups in mind. Located just minutes from many of North Scottsdale’s top courses, the estate comfortably accommodates up to 32 guests and features a private golf simulator, putting green, resort-style pool, outdoor kitchen, and spacious gathering areas.
Everyone stays together in one luxury property. It makes every part of the trip easier to enjoy.