Scottsdale Golf Trip — Golf Travel Guide (2026)
Scottsdale is the undisputed golf capital of the American Southwest, with over 200 courses within driving distance, world-class resorts, and nearly 300 days of sunshine per year.
Overview
A Scottsdale golf trip offers an unmatched combination of championship desert courses, five-star resort accommodations, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene along the Scottsdale Waterfront and Old Town. The area's courses range from bucket-list desert experiences like Troon North and We-Ko-Pa to PGA Tour venues like TPC Scottsdale. Most resorts offer stay-and-play packages that represent excellent value, especially during the shoulder seasons. The dramatic Sonoran Desert landscape — saguaro cacti, red rock formations, and mountain views — makes every round a visual feast.
Best Time to Visit
October through April is prime golf season with comfortable temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Peak season runs January through March with the highest rates. November and early December offer the best value with ideal playing weather. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F, making golf impractical for most visitors.
Getting There
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is the primary gateway, located 15-20 minutes from central Scottsdale. Direct flights from all major U.S. hubs. Scottsdale Airport (SDL) handles private aviation. A rental car is essential — courses are spread across the Valley.
Where to Stay
The Phoenician offers luxury with its own 18-hole course. The Boulders Resort provides a desert immersion experience with two Fazio courses. For a central location, stay along Scottsdale Road near Old Town for easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and multiple courses within 20 minutes.
Top Courses to Play
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Fazio (2001) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,508 yards
A PGA Tour player hangout and one of America's most exclusive clubs, Whisper Rock Upper is a Tom Fazio design that flows through pristine Sonoran Desert terrain. Many touring professionals call this home, and the course demands precision off the tee.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,322 yards
One of the most exclusive desert clubs in Arizona, Silverleaf is a Tom Weiskopf masterwork carved through pristine Sonoran Desert with dramatic saguaro-studded terrain. The 7,322-yard layout features dramatic elevation changes and impeccable conditioning year-round.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (1986) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,261 yards
Home of the WM Phoenix Open — the most attended event in golf — TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course is a desert classic. The iconic 16th hole's natural amphitheater is legendary, and the course delivers championship golf against a stunning Sonoran Desert backdrop.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (2006) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,225 yards
Built on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, We-Ko-Pa's Saguaro Course is a Coore & Crenshaw gem set against the Four Peaks and Red Mountain. The minimalist design celebrates the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert with wide playing corridors and creative green complexes.
Phoenix, Arizona · Rees Jones (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,232 yards
Set in a remote canyon northwest of Phoenix, Quintero is one of Arizona's hidden gems. The Rees Jones design navigates through rugged desert canyons with several jaw-dropping holes that emerge from the landscape.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish (1990) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,070 yards
Set against Pinnacle Peak in North Scottsdale, Troon North's Monument Course is the definitive desert golf experience. The layout weaves through massive granite boulders, towering saguaros, and native desert washes.
Scottsdale, Arizona · Tom Fazio / David McLay Kidd / Bobby Weed (2015) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,301 yards
A modern ultra-private club offering three distinct 12-hole courses designed by three different architects — including a David McLay Kidd links-style layout and a Tom Fazio desert parkland design. The innovative format keeps rounds to around 2.5 hours.
Phoenix, Arizona · Brian Curley & Lee Schmidt (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,546 yards
A links-style desert course south of Phoenix, Southern Dunes features dramatic dune formations, wide fairways, and a windswept feel that's unique in the Valley of the Sun. Consistently ranked among Arizona's top public courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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