Arizona golf vacations FAQs

Its reputation as a leading golf holiday destination has grown in recent years, driven by a collection of luxury resorts, an impressive range of high-quality desert golf courses, and its annual hosting of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Check out our top tips and answers to frequently asked questions to make your Arizona golf vacation smooth and hassle-free.

Arizona’s golf reputation is built on consistent sunshine, dramatic desert scenery, and a vast selection of world-class courses. From the Phoenix/Scottsdale mecca to Tucson, Sedona, and beyond, golfers of all skill levels can enjoy unforgettable rounds and premium stay & play experiences.

Highlights:

• Year-round sunshine and ideal playing conditions
• A large concentration of championship desert courses in Phoenix and Scottsdale
• Luxury resorts and golf focused accommodation options
• Home of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open
• Easy access via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Arizona is home to more than 300 golf courses across the state with two-thirds of those courses being in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, making it one of the densest golf regions in the United States. Highlights in the area include TPC Scottsdale, host of the Waste Management Phoenix Open and Talking Stick Golf Club.

The weather in Arizona is perfect for year-round golf. The desert provides warm temperatures all throughout the year, but it may get a little chilly in the morning/evenings during winter.

Spring (March–May) and Fall (October–November) are widely regarded as the best seasons, with mild temperatures and excellent course conditions. Peak season generally runs late October to April in the Scottsdale area. Summer can offer reduced rates and less crowded courses, especially for flexible travellers.

The golf rates in Arizona typically drop during the summer months which is usually around June 1st. The off season (low season) pricing normally runs through to the first week in September before the rates go back up prior to peak season.

Arizona’s golf scene blends iconic championship layouts with scenic desert challenges. Signature courses include:

• TPC Scottsdale – Famous for the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the par-3 16th “Coliseum” atmosphere.
• Troon North Golf Club – A desert classic with dramatic landscapes.
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Known for wide fairways and desert beauty.
• Whirlwind Golf Club – A Chandler favourite with multiple championship layouts.

For more inspiration, check out our best golf courses in Arizona article.

Arizona’s golf resorts pair memorable layouts with high-end amenities, including spa services, fine dining, and scenic views. Stay & play options include:

• Boulders Resort & Spa - Desert luxury with championship golf.
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Exceptional course quality and resort comfort.
• Talking Stick Golf Club - Championship golf with city convenience.

Check out our best golf resorts in Arizona article.

The biggest PGA TOUR event in Arizona is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which takes place annually at TPC Scottsdale. It is one of the most popular and unique tournaments on the PGA TOUR calendar due to its lively atmosphere and large crowds. The tournament regularly attracts over 700,000 fans over the course of the week, and the 16th hole is the most iconic, with fans cheering after every shot.

Most of Arizona’s top golf courses are within a 20 to 45 minute drive of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making arrivals and transfers straightforward.

Scottsdale, which is the heart of Arizona golf, is typically 25 to 35 minutes from the airport depending on traffic. Many of the area’s most popular courses and resorts, including Troon North, Talking Stick, TPC Scottsdale and We-Ko-Pa, are easily reachable by car on well-maintained highways.

Yes. Arizona is one of the best destinations in the US for group golf trips, whether you are planning a buddies’ break, a society trip or a larger celebration.

The Scottsdale and Phoenix areas offer a huge concentration of golf courses, which makes scheduling multiple tee times easier than in many other destinations. Courses are well set up for groups, with spacious practice facilities, clubhouse dining and relaxed resort atmospheres.

Accommodation options are equally group-friendly, ranging from golf resorts with multiple room types to villas and hotels close to nightlife.

Arizona, particularly Scottsdale, offers excellent dining and nightlife close to many golf resorts and hotels.

Old Town Scottsdale is the main hub, with a large selection of restaurants, rooftop bars, craft breweries and live music venues. It caters to all tastes, from upscale dining and steakhouses to casual Southwestern cuisine and vibrant late-night spots.

Many golf resorts also feature on-site dining, bars and lounges, making it easy to enjoy evenings without travelling far.

• Packing: Include lightweight layers, sun protection, and hydration essentials for desert conditions.
• Transportation: A rental car is usually necessary for getting between courses and airport hubs like Phoenix Sky Harbor.
• Early Tees: In summer, early mornings are best to beat heat and enjoy optimal playing conditions.
• Beyond Golf: Arizona’s sightseeing - from Sedona red rocks to Tucson desert hikes - adds memorable off-course experiences.