Desert, downtown & year-round sun, Scottsdale has it all

The warm climate makes Scottsdale & Phoenix perfect for a golf holiday, where you can play a collection of first-class desert courses and stay in the finest hotels and resorts. With less than 10 inches of rainfall each year, it's a promising location for a sun-filled holiday.

Scottsdale is conveniently located near Phoenix International Airport, making it easily accessible from the UK. It is also home to the PGA TOUR's Waste Management Phoenix Open, dubbed the 'Greatest Show on Grass'. Against the backdrop of the desertscape and towering rock formations, the city hosts a buzzing nightlife and 1920s architecture in its Old Town - the perfect blend for your customisable Scottsdale golf holiday.

Why book a golf holiday in Scottsdale?

  • Experience the home of the PGA TOUR's Waste Management Phoenix Open
  • Play unrivalled desert golf, from TPC Scottsdale to Troon North
  • Combine golf with superb shopping, dining & nightlife available
  • Easily accessible from the UK, fly direct into Phoenix, then just a short drive
  • Year-round sunshine and warm temperatures make it ideal golf escape
  • Book with peace of mind with ABTOT and ATOL protection

Play the best golf courses in Scottsdale

Scottsdale and the Greater Phoenix area have long been at the heart of Arizona golf. With nearly 300 courses developed since the 1960s, the region has evolved into one of America’s most respected and diverse golfing destinations.

Surrounded by rugged desert landscape and mountain views, it’s a stunning location, and one all golfers should experience.

Some of Scottsdale's best courses include:

TPC Scottsdale Best for: Confident mid to low handicappers and bucket-list golfers Par: 71 | Yardage: 7261 | Architects: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish

A regular fixture among the Top 100 Public Courses in America, the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale is a true showcase of desert golf and tournament theatre. Home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, it delivers a playing experience unlike anywhere else on the PGA TOUR calendar, highlighted by the world-famous 16th hole where grandstands wrap the green to form a roaring amphitheatre.

Set against the rugged Sonoran Desert landscape, the course combines immaculate conditioning, strategic design and an electric atmosphere that makes every round feel like centre stage.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Best for: All abilities, particularly golfers who value strategy over power Par: 71 | Yardage: 6966 | Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw

The Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club offers a pure and refreshing desert golf experience. Designed with walkability in mind, it features rolling fairways, subtle elevation changes and strategic bunkering rather than forced carries.

Set on untouched Sonoran Desert land, the course provides sweeping mountain views and a sense of space and serenity, with firm conditions and classic design principles rewarding thoughtful shot-making from tee to green.

Golfers seeking a sterner test can also take on the more dramatic Cholla Course, which provides a contrasting, more demanding experience.

Troon North Golf Club Best for: Mid to low handicappers seeking a classic desert challenge Par: 71 | Yardage: 5764 | Architects: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish

Regularly ranked among the finest desert golf experiences in the Southwest, the Pinnacle Course at Troon North offers a polished yet playable test set against dramatic Sonoran scenery.

Known for its pristine conditioning and strategic bunkering, it winds through natural washes and granite outcroppings with wide fairways and well-protected greens. Elevated tees provide sweeping views across the desert, while thoughtful design rewards smart positioning and confident iron play.

Golfers looking for a tougher, more rugged challenge can also tackle the Monument Course, which offers a narrower, more demanding alternative within the same iconic setting.

Travel tips:

  • Best time to visit – Scottsdale is a year-round golf destination, with peak season running from late autumn through spring. Winter and early spring offer warm, sunny days and cooler evenings, creating ideal playing conditions. Summer brings extreme heat, but early tee times and excellent value make it appealing for experienced desert golfers.
  • Booking tee times – Demand is high during peak season, particularly for headline courses such as TPC Scottsdale, Troon North and We-Ko-Pa. Securing tee times well in advance is strongly recommended, especially for morning rounds.
  • Accessibility – Fly directly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, just 20 minutes from Scottsdale. A rental car makes it easy to reach courses, resorts and dining spots across the city and surrounding desert.
  • What to Pack: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat for the desert sun, plus a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

For more travel tips, see our Scottsdale golf holidays FAQs article.

Best golf in Scottsdale

Here are our recommendations for must-play courses when visiting Scottsdale.

Best-selling golf holidays in Scottsdale

Here are our recommendations for where to stay when visiting Scottsdale.

Where to stay on your golf holiday to Scottsdale?

When it comes to popularity, Scottsdale has been the golfing mecca of stay-and-play resorts for many years. It is renowned to those seeking to indulge in luxury accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and on-site championship golf all in a single location.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Scottsdale that our team of experts have tried and tested:

Stay & Play Golf Resorts in Arizona These resorts are ideal if you want golf either on site or very close by, combined with full resort facilities and a relaxed stay-and-play experience.

Boulders Resort & Spa Ideal for golfers seeking a truly iconic desert setting with championship golf on site. Customer rating: 4.7/5 | Golf: South & North Courses

For a five-star Arizona escape, Boulders Resort & Spa is set 25 miles north of Scottsdale in Carefree, surrounded by dramatic rock formations and Sonoran Desert scenery. Spanning over 1,300 acres, the resort offers casitas, suites and private villas, all designed with a refined Southwestern style, featuring fireplaces, patios and spacious stone bathrooms.

Golfers can play the Jay Morrish-designed South and North Courses at Boulders Club, with the South Course in particular offering a scenic and challenging layout that winds through towering boulders and desert terrain. Off the course, guests can enjoy tennis, pickleball, spa facilities and resort pools, making this a standout luxury stay-and-play option.

We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort Ideal for golfers who want pure desert golf with no housing and easy access to top-ranked courses. Customer rating: 4.6/5 | Golf: Saguaro & Cholla Courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club

Located east of Scottsdale on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort pairs modern accommodations with one of Arizona’s most highly regarded golf clubs just minutes away. The resort offers contemporary rooms, multiple dining options and a relaxed atmosphere focused on the surrounding desert landscape.

Stays here are centred around We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, home to the acclaimed Saguaro and Cholla courses. With no real estate lining the fairways, golfers enjoy uninterrupted desert views and a pure golfing experience that suits a wide range of abilities.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort Ideal for golfers seeking luxury amenities, resort-style relaxation and easy access to Scottsdale’s top courses. Customer rating: 4.4/5 | Golf: Gainey Ranch Golf Club

For a convenient city-based stay-and-play option, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is located just north of Old Town Scottsdale. The resort features nearly 500 rooms, including upgraded suites and casitas, all with balconies, plush bedding and modern comforts.

Golf is played nearby at Gainey Ranch Golf Club, offering 27 holes across the Lakes, Dunes and Arroyo courses. Each layout delivers a distinct challenge, with water features, generous fairways and well-manicured greens providing variety across your rounds.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Ideal for golfers looking for a lively resort atmosphere with championship golf on site. Customer rating: 4.2/5 | Golf: Kierland Golf Club

Set in North Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a popular four-star resort with over 700 rooms, a full-service spa, multiple dining venues and a vibrant pool complex. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms to spacious suites, all featuring Westin’s signature comfort and mountain or resort views.

The 27-hole Kierland Golf Club is located on site, offering Ironwood, Acacia and Mesquite courses. This makes it an excellent choice for golfers who want maximum convenience without compromising on course quality.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino Ideal for golfers seeking championship golf paired with entertainment and nightlife. Customer rating: 4.5/5 | Golf: Whirlwind Golf Club

Located south of Phoenix, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino combines upscale accommodation with casino entertainment and easy access to Whirlwind Golf Club. The resort features spacious rooms, multiple dining options and a lively atmosphere beyond the golf course.

Golfers play the Devil’s Claw and Cattail courses at Whirlwind, both known for their dramatic desert layouts, elevation changes and challenging finishing holes, making this a strong option for confident golfers.

Arizona Golf Tour Options These hotels are ideal for escorted tours or multi-course itineraries, offering comfort, location and flexibility rather than on-site golf.

Hyatt House Scottsdale A popular choice for Arizona golf tours, Hyatt House Scottsdale offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, comfortable living areas and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Its central location makes it ideal for accessing multiple Scottsdale courses throughout the week.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess For a premium touring base, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess delivers five-star service, extensive dining options and a luxurious resort setting. Frequently used on hosted golf tours, it provides easy access to TPC Scottsdale and other top courses while offering outstanding off-course facilities.

Aloft Scottsdale Modern, stylish and well-located, Aloft Scottsdale is ideal for golfers looking for a more contemporary and informal base. The hotel’s proximity to Old Town Scottsdale makes it perfect for groups wanting easy access to nightlife, dining and a wide range of nearby golf courses.

Plan your ultimate Scottsdale golf holiday Experience the very best of desert golf with a premium Scottsdale golf tour designed to bring together multiple bucket-list courses in one unforgettable trip. From world-class layouts to laid-back luxury, Scottsdale offers the perfect balance of championship golf and relaxation.

Sample Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, check in at Hyatt House, and enjoy an evening exploring the vibrant local downtown scene.
  • Day 2: Tee off at Troon North, renowned for its dramatic desert landscape and iconic holes.
  • Day 3: Play We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, a must-play course offering pristine conditions and breathtaking mountain views.
  • Day 4: Take on Grayhawk Golf Club, a Scottsdale favourite known for its challenging design and tour-level pedigree.
  • Day 5: Enjoy a day at leisure. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa experience, or explore Scottsdale’s dining, shopping, and nightlife.
  • Day 6: Step onto the legendary Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, home of the WM Phoenix Open and one of the most recognisable courses in the world.
  • Day 7: Round out your trip with a round at Boulders Golf Club, where golf meets the raw beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
  • Day 8: Depart Scottsdale and travel home, taking with you memories of an exceptional golf getaway.

This Scottsdale golf tour is perfect for golfers looking to play the region’s most iconic courses while enjoying premium accommodation and unforgettable desert scenery.

Our experts say...

“Scottsdale is one of the ultimate golf destinations, combining world-class desert courses with sunshine almost year round. From championship layouts framed by dramatic mountain scenery to luxury resorts designed with golfers in mind, it offers the perfect balance of elite golf, relaxation, and vibrant off-course experiences.”

Adam Ward

Director of Product

Golf travel tips Scottsdale

Best months for golfing weather:

January to April

Best months for value:

April, May & November

Most popular months:

February & March

Our experts recommend:

May & November

Explore by map

Not sure where to play? Browse our map and find your ideal destination in a continent of possibilities. We know you will be spoiled for choice! Remember our Knowledgable golf experts are ready to answer any questions.

Off the course activities in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is far more than just a premier golf destination, it’s a vibrant hub of outdoor adventure, desert beauty and standout dining. Whether you want to relax after a round or pack your itinerary with memorable experiences, there is plenty to enjoy beyond the fairways.

Desert Landscapes and Outdoor Exploration The Sonoran Desert provides a striking backdrop for exploration, with Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak offering popular hiking trails and rewarding summit views. For a more relaxed experience, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases the region’s unique plant life and seasonal events in a beautifully curated setting.

Adventure Activities Scottsdale is ideal for travellers seeking a mix of adrenaline and sunshine. Options include desert off-road tours, horseback riding through saguaro-studded terrain and hot air balloon rides at sunrise for sweeping desert views. Those looking to cool off can head to nearby lakes for paddleboarding, kayaking or boating.

Dining, Nightlife and Local Flavours The city boasts one of Arizona’s best dining scenes, ranging from high-end steakhouses and modern Southwestern cuisine to laid-back patios and rooftop bars. Old Town Scottsdale is the centre of the action, offering lively nightlife, craft cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere well into the evening.

Arts, Culture and Local Attractions Scottsdale’s cultural side is equally impressive, with galleries, museums and public art throughout the city. Old Town blends historic charm with boutique shopping, while venues such as Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and nearby Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s former winter home, offer memorable cultural experiences to round off your stay.

FAQs

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    Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.
  • Tick icon Seamless journey
    Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.
  • Tick icon Excellent service
    We're here 7 days a week offering advice & support whilst saving you time & money.
  • Tick icon Loyalty rewards
    Save on future trips with Breakpoints, plus exclusive competitions, discounts & promotions.
  • Tick icon Total flexibility
    Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.
  • Tick icon Seamless journey
    Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.
  • Tick icon Trusted experts
    Over 25 years' experience sending more than 3.5 million golfers away on trips.
  • Tick icon Extensive choice
    With thousands of experiences worldwide, there's a golf break for every golfer.
  • Tick icon Unbeatable value
    We always offer the best value for money, with no hidden costs or extra admin fees.
  • Tick icon Safe & secure
    We're ATOL & ABTOT bonded so your booking is always protected & your money is secure.
  • Tick icon Excellent service
    We're here 7 days a week offering advice & support whilst saving you time & money.
  • Tick icon Loyalty rewards
    Save on future trips with Breakpoints, plus exclusive competitions, discounts & promotions.
  • Tick icon Total flexibility
    Tailor every aspect of your trip, from travel dates & tee times to room types & extras.
  • Tick icon Seamless journey
    Plan, manage & organise with ease through our app, your entire golf break in one place.
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