Hot temperatures, cooler prices: Tee off for less this summer

Summer is one of the best times to unlock incredible value at some of America's most iconic golf destinations. While places like Scottsdale, Palm Springs and Mesquite are known for soaring temperatures that regularly climb into the triple digits, those willing to embrace the heat are rewarded with some of the year's best golf deals.

With fewer crowds, greater tee time availability and attractive stay-and-play offers, the off-season presents an opportunity to experience world-class courses for far less than during the cooler months. An early morning tee time, plenty of water and a little preparation are all it takes to enjoy unforgettable rounds on championship layouts while making significant savings.

If you can handle the heat, you'll discover that summer is one of the smartest times of year to play premium golf for a fraction of peak-season prices.

• Lower prices: Take advantage of off-season rates on golf and accommodation.
• More availability: Enjoy greater choice when booking tee times and resorts.
• Fewer crowds: Experience quieter courses and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Excellent conditions: Play well-maintained courses throughout the summer.
• Longer days: Make the most of early morning and twilight tee times.
• Worth the heat: Hotter temperatures can mean big savings on your golf trip.

Summer temperatures: Average highs of 100 to 110°F Best tee times: Before 9am or after 4pm

Why it's worth the heat:

Scottsdale is the benchmark for desert golf in America, combining luxury resorts, iconic championship layouts and dramatic Sonoran Desert scenery. Summer rewards golfers willing to embrace the early starts, with quieter fairways and exceptional value at some of the country's most celebrated courses.

Why you'll save:

As Scottsdale's off-season, summer brings lower green fees, reduced resort rates and excellent stay-and-play packages. Fewer visitors also means greater tee time availability, making it easier to play bucket-list courses without paying peak-season prices.

Courses to play

• Troon North Golf Club - Consistently ranked among Arizona's best public courses, Troon North offers two unforgettable desert layouts, Monument and Pinnacle, featuring dramatic boulder formations and immaculate conditioning.
• We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Home to the Cholla and Saguaro courses, ranked as the top courses in Arizona by Golfweek, We-Ko-Pa delivers pure desert golf with spectacular mountain views and no surrounding housing, creating an authentic Arizona golf experience.
• Grayhawk Golf Club - A favourite among locals and visitors alike, Grayhawk features the acclaimed Raptor and Talon courses, combining strategic design with outstanding practice facilities.
• TPC Scottsdale - Best known for hosting the WM Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course lets golfers follow in the footsteps of the PGA TOUR's biggest stars, including the famous par-3 16th hole.
• Boulders Golf Club - Set among enormous granite boulders and towering cacti, Boulders offers one of the most scenic rounds in the Southwest, with two championship courses that blend seamlessly into the desert landscape.

Summer travel tip

Book one of the first tee times of the day, stay hydrated and embrace the early start. You'll enjoy cooler playing conditions while taking advantage of some of Scottsdale's biggest savings of the year.

Summer temperatures: Average highs of 100 to 108°F Best tee times: Before 9am or after 4pm

Why it's worth the heat

Palm Springs blends outstanding golf with classic California resort living. Morning rounds, afternoons by the pool and warm desert evenings make it an ideal destination for golfers looking to combine championship courses with a laid-back summer escape.

Why you'll save

Summer is Palm Springs' quiet season, bringing reduced green fees, discounted resort packages and fantastic stay-and-play offers. With fewer golfers visiting during the hottest months, you'll enjoy greater tee time availability and the chance to experience premium golf without the premium price tag.

Courses to play

• PGA West - Home to six championship courses, including the legendary Stadium Course that's ranked 23rd in California by Top 100 Golf Courses, PGA West is one of the most celebrated golf destinations in the country, offering a variety of unforgettable layouts.
• Indian Wells Golf Resort - Featuring the Celebrity and the Players course that was ranked 28th in the US by Golf Advisor in 2023, Indian Wells combines pristine conditioning, dramatic mountain views and a first-class resort experience.
• Classic Club - Designed by Arnold Palmer, this championship course provides a more traditional desert golf experience, with strategic bunkering and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Summer travel tip

Plan an early morning round to beat the midday heat, then spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool or enjoying the resort. It's the perfect way to make the most of Palm Springs' incredible summer savings.

Summer temperatures: Average highs of 100 to 110°F Best tee times: Before 9am or after 4pm

Why it's worth the heat

Mesquite is all about unforgettable golf. Towering canyons, dramatic elevation changes and bucket-list layouts create one of the Southwest's most exhilarating golf experiences, while summer offers the chance to play these spectacular courses at their most affordable.

Why you'll save

As visitor numbers dip during the summer months, Mesquite offers excellent value on green fees, accommodation and stay-and-play packages. You'll also find quieter courses and greater tee time availability, making it easier to experience the destination's standout layouts.

Courses to play

• Wolf Creek Golf Club - One of America's most photographed golf courses and ranked the 5th best golf course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses, Wolf Creek is famous for its dramatic elevation changes, winding canyons and unforgettable desert scenery.
• Conestoga Golf Club - Set against the striking Virgin Mountains, Conestoga combines wide fairways, rugged desert terrain and immaculate conditioning to create one of Nevada's premier public courses.
• Falcon Ridge Golf Course - Ranked the 28th best golf course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses and featuring dramatic elevation changes and panoramic desert views, Falcon Ridge delivers a fun yet challenging round with plenty of memorable holes.
• Oasis Golf Club - Home to the Palmer and Canyons courses, Oasis offers two contrasting layouts, combining scenic desert golf with excellent practice facilities and resort-style hospitality.

Summer travel tip

Start your round as early as possible and take advantage of Mesquite's quieter summer season. You'll enjoy cooler conditions, faster play and some of the year's best prices on bucket-list golf.

Summer temperatures: Average highs of 95 to 105°F Best tee times: Before 9am or after 4pm

Why it's worth the heat

St. George offers the best of Utah's spectacular red rock scenery, with championship golf set against some of the Southwest's most striking landscapes. Better still, it's typically a little cooler than many neighbouring desert destinations, making early morning rounds even more comfortable while still delivering outstanding summer value and quieter courses.

Why you'll save

Summer is an excellent time to visit St. George, with reduced green fees, attractive stay-and-play packages and lower accommodation rates. The quieter season means you'll have easier access to some of the region's most sought-after courses while enjoying significant savings.

Courses to play

• Sand Hollow Golf Course - Ranked the 3rd best golf course in Utah by Top 100 Golf Courses, Sand Hollow is famous for its dramatic back nine, where fairways cling to towering red rock cliffs overlooking the desert below.
• Copper Rock Golf Course - A championship layout known for its wide fairways, strategic bunkering and stunning desert scenery, Copper Rock has quickly become one of Utah's must-play courses.
• Black Desert Resort - Set against ancient lava fields and vibrant red sandstone cliffs, Black Desert offers a visually spectacular championship layout that has rapidly earned national acclaim, leading to it being ranked the 2nd best golf course in Utah by Top 100 Golf Courses.
• Coral Canyon Golf Course - Designed by Keith Foster, Coral Canyon combines rolling fairways, natural desert washes and panoramic mountain views to provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Summer travel tip

Thanks to St. George's slightly milder summer temperatures, an early tee time gives you an even longer window of comfortable playing conditions before heading off to explore nearby Zion National Park or relax back at the resort.

Summer temperatures: Average highs of 100 to 110°F Best tee times: Before 9am or after 4pm

Why it's worth the heat

Few destinations let you combine championship golf with world-class entertainment quite like Las Vegas. Play a bucket-list course in the morning, then spend the evening enjoying award-winning restaurants, shows and nightlife, all while benefiting from some of the year's best hotel and golf rates.

Why you'll save

Summer is one of the best times to find value in Las Vegas, with reduced green fees, discounted hotel rates and attractive golf packages. With fewer golfers on the courses, you'll also benefit from greater tee time availability and a more relaxed pace of play.

Courses to play

• Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort - Home to the Snow Mountain, Sun Mountain and Wolf courses, Paiute offers an unforgettable desert golf experience with immaculate conditions and sweeping mountain views.
• Serket - (Formerly Rio Secco) Ranked 21st best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses and perched above the Las Vegas Valley, Rio Secco combines dramatic elevation changes with panoramic views and a layout that's both challenging and rewarding.
• Reflection Bay Golf Club - Set along the shores of Lake Las Vegas, Reflection Bay is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course that offers a refreshing contrast to traditional desert golf with its lakeside scenery and lush fairways.
• Cascata Golf Club - One of Nevada's premier luxury golf experiences, Cascata is ranked as the 6th best course in Nevada by Top 100 Golf Courses and features dramatic waterfalls, pristine conditioning and spectacular mountain backdrops, making every round feel truly special.

Summer travel tip

Book an early tee time to stay ahead of the heat, then spend the rest of the day enjoying Las Vegas' world-famous dining, entertainment and nightlife. It's the perfect way to pair championship golf with unbeatable summer savings.

What to expect

Summer golf in the desert is all about trading milder weather for exceptional value. You'll find quieter courses, greater tee time availability and attractive stay-and-play packages at many of the USA's most celebrated golf destinations. With a little planning, you'll enjoy championship layouts in excellent condition while saving significantly compared to peak season.

Tips for playing in extreme heat

• Book the first tee time of the day to avoid the hottest temperatures.
• Drink water before you're thirsty and keep hydrated throughout your round.
• Pack electrolytes to replace salts lost in the heat.
• Wear light-coloured, breathable clothing to stay as cool as possible.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and wear a hat or visor for extra protection.
• Take a cart if needed to conserve energy during particularly hot days.
• Cool off at the turn by taking advantage of clubhouse facilities after nine holes.

Whether you choose to visit in peak season or summer depends on what matters most to your golf trip:

Peak season:

• Comfortable playing temperatures
• Premium green fees and resort rates
• Busier tee sheets
• Lively resorts and courses

Summer:

• Hotter conditions
• Significant savings on golf and accommodation
• Greater tee time availability
• A quieter, more relaxed experience

If your priority is experiencing world-class golf while getting the best possible value, summer is hard to beat. A little extra heat can unlock big savings, making bucket-list destinations like Scottsdale, Palm Springs and Las Vegas more accessible than ever.

Q: Is it too hot to play golf in the desert during summer? A: It can be very hot, particularly in the afternoon, but early morning and late afternoon tee times are much more comfortable. With plenty of water, appropriate clothing and regular breaks, thousands of golfers enjoy these destinations every summer.

Q: Why are summer golf trips cheaper? A: Summer is the off-season for many desert golf destinations, so resorts and courses often reduce prices and introduce special offers to attract visitors.

Q: Will the courses still be in good condition? A: Yes. Leading golf resorts maintain their courses throughout the year, so you can still expect excellent playing conditions despite the warmer weather.

Q: Which destinations offer the biggest summer savings? A: Scottsdale, Palm Springs, Mesquite, St. George and Las Vegas are all known for offering exceptional value during the summer months.

The summer heat may not be for everyone, but for golfers willing to embrace the sunshine, the rewards are well worth it. Lower prices, quieter courses and greater availability make it possible to experience some of America's finest golf destinations for far less than during peak season. If you can handle the heat, you'll discover that summer is one of the smartest times of year to tee it up and save.