Best Courses, Where to Stay and Insider Tips for Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip

Most of Scottsdale’s well-known golf courses are located in North Scottsdale, including Troon North, Grayhawk, and The Boulders. Old Town Scottsdale is about 20–30 minutes south and is known more for nightlife, restaurants, and bars. Many golf groups choose to stay closer to the courses in North Scottsdale to reduce travel time between rounds, while others prefer staying near Old Town for easier access to nightlife after golf.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about 25-35 minutes from North Scottsdale, depending on traffic. Most of Scottsdale’s top golf courses are within a 10–30 minute drive of each other, making it easy for groups to play multiple courses during a long weekend trip.

Most vacation rentals in Scottsdale accommodate 6–10 guests comfortably. Larger golf estates designed specifically for group trips may accommodate 16-20 players, allowing the entire group to stay together rather than splitting into multiple hotel rooms or smaller houses.

Scottsdale’s peak golf season runs from October through April, when daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s and course conditions are excellent.

Many visiting groups also plan trips during late spring and summer, when tee times are easier to secure and green fees are often a fraction of peak-season prices. During warmer months, golfers typically book early morning tee times around 7–8 AM, finish their rounds before the hottest part of the day, and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or enjoying the property.

With the right schedule, Scottsdale can be a great year-round destination for golf trips.

Yes. Scottsdale is one of the most popular golf destinations in the United States, and many of the top courses fill their tee sheets weeks in advance during peak season. Courses such as Troon North Golf Club, Grayhawk Golf Club, and TPC Scottsdale often release tee times 30–90 days ahead, depending on the course and time of year.

For the best selection of morning tee times, most golf groups plan their rounds at least a month or two before arrival, especially for winter and spring trips. During summer months, tee times are usually easier to secure and green fees are often significantly lower.

Golf trip costs in Scottsdale vary depending on the time of year, courses played, and type of lodging. During peak season, many of the top public courses charge $250–$450 per round, while summer rates are often one-third of winter pricing.

Lodging ranges from luxury resorts and hotels to vacation rentals and larger private estates designed for golf groups. Many groups reduce per-person costs by sharing larger homes and planning trips during shoulder seasons when both green fees and lodging rates are lower.

Many visiting golf groups plan a few activities outside of golf, especially during longer trips or during warmer months when early morning tee times leave the afternoon open.

Popular options include hiking Camelback Mountain, Pinnacle Peak, or the scenic trails around Tom’s Thumb. The Desert Botanical Garden is another favorite stop, offering a beautiful look at the plants and landscapes of the Sonoran Desert.

Groups looking for more adventure often book UTV desert tours or curated shooting experiences at nearby ranges.

For a true Arizona experience, some visitors head north to Cave Creek, where the Buffalo Chip Saloon hosts an amateur rodeo twice each week along with live music and a lively Western atmosphere. The town is also known for its authentic Western shops, where visitors browse home décor, art, and clothing that reflect Arizona’s ranching heritage.

For some groups, the best part of the trip begins when everyone gets back together after the round at a stay designed for large groups to gather and relax.