Sun, warm desert fairways, and post-round celebrations done right. If you’re planning a Scottsdale golf trip and want the full picture, including the best time to visit, top public courses, and where to stay close to the action, this guide brings everything together in one place so you can spend less time planning and more time on the course.
If you would rather avoid coordinating tee times and accommodations on your own, our golf travel partner GolfTrip can handle it for you. They build customized golf packages that combine premier courses with handpicked homes, streamlining the entire planning process for your group. As an added perk, guests who book through GolfTrip can receive 10% off select GoodNight Stay homes!
However you choose to plan it, here’s everything you need to know before booking your Scottsdale golf getaway. Let’s tee it up!
The Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s prime golf season runs from November through March, when sunny skies and comfortable temperatures in the 60s and 70s create ideal playing conditions. This is also peak demand, especially in early February during the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. For fewer crowds and more flexible pricing, consider October, April, or early May. No matter when you visit, plan to book tee times 60 to 90 days in advance for the most sought-after public courses!
The Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Now that you’ve picked your season, it’s time to talk fairways. Scottsdale is home to an impressive lineup of public golf courses, so you can tee it up at some of Arizona’s best layouts without a membership. From PGA TOUR venues to scenic desert tracks and a few budget-friendly options for relaxed rounds, there’s something here for every type of golfer and every kind of group trip.
8620 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ
A North Scottsdale staple, Grayhawk delivers two 18-hole championship courses—Raptor and Talon—each bringing its own personality. Raptor challenges shot placement with strategic risk-reward moments, while Talon pairs dramatic bunkering with sweeping McDowell Mountain views. The 40,000-square-foot clubhouse, strong practice facilities, and on-site dining make it easy to turn a single round into a full-day golf agenda. If your group wants high-level conditions without stepping into private-club territory, this is a strong contender.
10320 E Dynamite Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
Widely known as one of Arizona’s premier public golf experiences, Troon North features the Monument and Pinnacle courses set against the backdrop of Pinnacle Peak. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, these layouts weave through natural desert ravines and massive granite boulders, blending strategy with scenery. Expect pristine bentgrass greens and tee shots that make you pause for a photo before you swing.
18200 E We-Ko-Pa Way, Fort McDowell, AZ
For golfers who want uninterrupted desert views, We-Ko-Pa delivers. Located on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, the Cholla and Saguaro courses feature no residential development along the fairways—just saguaros, ridgelines, and wide-open Sonoran scenery. Saguaro is especially known for its walkable design and frequent top-public-course rankings, while Cholla brings bold elevation shifts and dramatic carries
415 N Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ
This 18-hole executive course plays just under 4,000 yards with a mix of par-3 and par-4 holes, but its biggest draw comes after dark. As one of the limited fully lit courses in the country, it offers night golf every day, with tee times available until 1 am and a par-3-only routing once the lights come on. The recent renovation elevated both the course conditions and clubhouse experience, and the newer on-site restaurant, Glenrosa, serves wood-fired plates and cocktails with views of the illuminated fairways and Papago Buttes.
Budget-Friendly Options
Not every round needs to come with championship pricing. These public courses keep things accessible while still delivering a solid Scottsdale golf day.
7605 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
An 18-hole, par 70 layout with mountain views and a memorable island-style finishing hole, Silverado works especially well for mixed skill groups. The course is walkable, welcoming, and conveniently close to Old Town, making it easy to pair your round with lunch or a post-game celebration nearby.
11500 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Designed by Arnold Palmer, this 27-hole public facility offers flexible 9-hole combinations and wide, player-friendly fairways. It is a great choice for larger groups or anyone looking to fit in a quicker round while still enjoying polished conditions and classic desert scenery.
7920 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
This centrally located executive course features a mix of par 3s and par 4s that make it approachable for beginners but still fun for experienced players sharpening their short game. It is walkable, relaxed, and one of the few spots in town that offers night golf, so you can tee it up after sunset and still make your dinner plans.
Post-Round Plans: Where to Eat and Celebrate in Scottsdale
After 18 holes in the Arizona sun, the only thing left on the agenda is food, drinks, and a little post-round storytelling. Luckily, Scottsdale makes the transition from golf to gathering very easily.
Good for Lunch
DraftKings Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale
8129 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Located directly across from TPC Scottsdale, DraftKings pairs wall-to-wall screens with elevated sports bar fare. Think artisan pizzas, stacked burgers, craft cocktails, and patio seating that keeps the golf-day energy rolling. It’s the move when your group wants to relive every birdie—or debate that triple bogey.
8623 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ
Located at Grayhawk Golf Club, Isabella’s Kitchen brings Italian-inspired plates, handcrafted pizzas, and a lively indoor-outdoor setting overlooking the course. It’s an easy call when you’d rather walk straight off the 18th green and into lunch.
Various Locations Across Arizona | 8624 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
With multiple Arizona locations, this casual sports bar is known for scratch-made burgers and an extensive beer list. Expect plenty of TVs, upbeat energy, and a setting that welcomes golf polo’s, and scorecard debates.
Good for Dinner or Celebrations
15000 N Airport Dr, Scottsdale, AZ
Set at Scottsdale Airport, Volanti serves globally inspired dishes with panoramic runway and mountain views. Sunset dinners here hit differently—especially if your group carded a few solid rounds.
15301 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Located in Scottsdale Quarter, The Guest House blends elevated New American cuisine with a high-energy social atmosphere that shifts into lounge mode as the night goes on. Great for groups that want dinner to turn into a night out.
3821 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
This acclaimed Japanese restaurant in Old Town offers sushi, sashimi, hot and cool tastings, and an omakase option for those ready to go all in. It’s polished, creative, and a strong choice for celebrating a trip well played.
Your Home Base Between Tee Times
A Scottsdale golf trip isn’t just about the course—it’s about the mornings before tee time, late-night laughs in the kitchen, and settling friendly wagers on a backyard putting green. Our homes are where families, friends, couples, and loved ones come together to create meaningful time between rounds.
6 Bed | 5 Bath | 19 Guests
8 mins to Starfire Golf Club | 13 mins to Silverado Golf Course | 14 mins to TPC Scottsdale
Paradise Palace is built for an unforgettable Scottsdale stay, complete with a private putting green, heated pool and spa, game room with a pool table, and even a separate casita for extra space. After a full day on the course, this is where the rematches happen, and the leaderboard talk continues well into the night.
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 12 Guests
6 mins to TPC Scottsdale | 11 mins to Grayhawk Golf Club | 16 mins to Silverado Golf Course
With its own putting green, bocce ball court, pool table, and an inviting backyard made for sunny afternoons, Kierland Charm keeps the competition alive long after the final putt drops. The open living spaces make it easy to gather for post-round recaps, group dinners, or a relaxed night in. Plus, you’re just minutes from top dining and shopping, making plans after golf effortless from start to finish.
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 8 Guests
9 mins to Silverado Golf Course | 9 mins to Talking Stick Golf Club
Right in Old Town Scottsdale, Hideaway blends walkability with quick access to nearby courses, making it easy to fit in a round before heading out for the evening. Fire up the grill, gather on the patio for drinks or games, and then step out to explore the city’s dining and nightlife—all without long drives cutting into your night. With open living spaces and a lively, central location, this home keeps the energy going from tee time to nightcap.
Sunny Daze
5 Bed | 4 Bath | 14 Guests
6 mins to Continental Golf Club | 9 mins to Silverado Golf Course
Sunny Daze puts you in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale with a private pool, arcade, and game room, and plenty of space to hang out after a day on the course. Take a short walk to Scottsdale Fashion Square for shopping or hit the Entertainment District for drinks, music, and nightlife. When it’s time to call it a night, the fire pit and private patio make it easy to keep the conversation going without leaving home.
Book the Trip. Bring the Clubs. We’ll Set the Scene.
Scottsdale gives you the sunshine and championship fairways—but the real highlight is the time spent together between rounds. Right now, you can take 10% off select Arizona homes for stays between February 12 – March 23, 2026 with code LUCKYINLOVEAZ. Lock in your tee times, rally the group chat, and let GoodNight Stay host the moments that make the trip more than just a weekend on the scorecard.
