Reasons to visit Arizona for a golf holiday

Discover eight reasons to visit Arizona, from desert golf and winter sunshine to luxury resorts, lively Scottsdale and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Arizona is renowned for its warm desert climate, towering cacti and dramatic mountain landscapes, but it is also one of the leading golf destinations in the American Southwest. Combining distinctive desert courses, high-quality resorts and a lively post-golf scene, a golf vacation in Arizona offers a memorable change from the traditional golf trip.

Most golfers base themselves in Scottsdale or Phoenix, where an impressive collection of courses sits within easy reach of excellent hotels, restaurants and outdoor attractions. If you are looking for winter sunshine, bucket-list golf and plenty to experience away from the fairways, here are 8 reasons to book a golf trip to Arizona.

Desert golf is one of the main reasons to visit Arizona. Bright green fairways cut through the natural Sonoran Desert, with cacti, sandy waste areas and mountain foothills shaping both the challenge and the scenery.

This landscape creates a style of golf that feels completely different from the parkland and links courses found across the UK and Europe. Accuracy is important because shots that miss the fairway can quickly find desert scrub, while changes in elevation and firm conditions bring additional strategy into play.

Standout courses include:

Troon North Golf Club - Classic Scottsdale desert golf Home to the Monument and Pinnacle courses, Troon North weaves through natural ravines, granite boulders and the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Both layouts reward accurate driving and confident approach play.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club - Uninterrupted desert scenery The Saguaro and Cholla courses occupy an open desert setting without houses lining the fairways. This gives golfers expansive views and a greater sense of the surrounding landscape.

Boulders Golf Club - Golf among striking rock formations The North and South courses wind through towering boulders and mature saguaro cacti, producing one of Arizona's most recognizable golfing environments.

The number of quality courses surrounding Scottsdale and Phoenix makes it easy to build a varied itinerary from one base. Rather than spending hours traveling between rounds, golfers can stay in or near Scottsdale and access an excellent mix of championship venues, resort courses and more forgiving layouts.

Alongside Troon North and We-Ko-Pa, leading options include:

TPC Scottsdale - PGA TOUR pedigree Play the Stadium Course, home of the WM Phoenix Open, or the Champions Course for another enjoyable test in a classic desert setting.

Grayhawk Golf Club - Two contrasting championship layouts The Talon Course offers a rugged desert challenge, while the Tom Fazio-designed Raptor Course combines generous landing areas with demanding bunkering and approach shots.

Whirlwind Golf Club - Excellent for groups Devil's Claw and Cattail provide two distinctive courses in an open Sonoran Desert setting, making Whirlwind a strong choice for mixed-ability groups.

Arizona is especially appealing when the weather at home becomes cold and unpredictable. Scottsdale and Phoenix have a dry desert climate, with the period from late fall to spring generally offering comfortable daytime temperatures and dependable playing conditions.

• Spring (March to May): Warm days and excellent course conditions make spring one of the most popular periods for an Arizona golf vacation.
• Summer (June to August): Temperatures can become extremely high, so early-morning tee times are essential. Golf and hotel prices can be considerably lower during this period.
• Fall (September to November): Conditions become more comfortable as the season progresses, although course overseeding can affect availability and playing surfaces at some venues.
• Winter (December to February): Mild, sunny days make Arizona an attractive winter golf destination for travelers looking to escape colder weather.

January to April is particularly popular, while May and November can provide a useful balance between favorable weather and better value. Whichever month you choose, it is worth checking local conditions and course maintenance schedules before confirming your itinerary.

Arizona gives golfers the chance to play courses with a genuine tournament pedigree. The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale hosts the annual WM Phoenix Open, one of the most energetic events on the PGA TOUR calendar.

Its best-known hole is the short par-3 16th. Surrounded by grandstands during tournament week, it produces an atmosphere unlike almost anything else in professional golf. Visiting the event allows you to watch leading players tackle the course, while adding a round at TPC Scottsdale gives you the opportunity to experience the venue for yourself.

The appeal extends beyond one course. Troon North, We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk are among the layouts that have helped establish Scottsdale as a major American golf destination. Combining several of them creates an itinerary filled with memorable holes and contrasting versions of desert golf.

Demand rises around the tournament and during the wider peak season, so early booking is important if TPC Scottsdale or the WM Phoenix Open is central to your trip.

Arizona's resort scene makes it easy to combine golf with time by the pool or a relaxing afternoon in the spa. Many properties have golf on-site or nearby, while the wider Scottsdale area provides accommodations for different group sizes and budgets.

Popular choices include:

• Boulders Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton - A five-star desert retreat with casitas, suites and villas, plus two championship courses on-site. Its impressive boulder formations create a strong sense of place throughout the resort.
• Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort - A luxury base close to Old Town Scottsdale, with resort pools, dining options and access to 27 holes at Gainey Ranch Golf Club.
• The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa - A convenient stay-and-play option with extensive resort facilities and 27 holes at Kierland Golf Club.
• Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town - A practical base for a multi-course tour, with spacious accommodations and easy access to the restaurants and nightlife of Old Town.

The trip does not have to finish when the final putt drops. Scottsdale has a lively restaurant, bar and nightlife scene, making it particularly appealing to groups that want a social golf vacation.

Old Town Scottsdale is a popular place to spend an evening, with relaxed bars, modern restaurants and live entertainment located close together. The wider Phoenix area adds professional sports, shopping and cultural attractions, giving non-golfers and mixed groups plenty of choice too.

After your round, you can:

• Try Southwestern and Mexican-inspired food
• Visit a local brewery or cocktail bar
• Explore the galleries and shops of Old Town Scottsdale
• Watch professional sports in the Phoenix area
• Relax by the pool or book a spa treatment at your resort

The Sonoran Desert provides an impressive setting for golf, but there is much more to see away from the courses. Cacti, mountain silhouettes and colourful sunsets shape the landscape around Scottsdale, while hiking trails and guided experiences offer a closer look at the desert.

Popular additions to a golf itinerary include:

• Camelback Mountain - One of the area's most recognisable landmarks, with demanding hiking routes and wide views across Scottsdale and Phoenix.
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve - An extensive protected desert area with trails for walking, hiking and mountain biking.
• Desert tours - Explore the landscape by Jeep, ATV or guided hiking tour and learn more about the plants, wildlife and geology of the Sonoran Desert.
• Hot-air ballooning - Take in the desert and surrounding mountains from above, usually during the cooler conditions around sunrise.
• Sedona - Known for its red-rock formations and walking trails, Sedona makes a rewarding day trip or an additional stop on a longer Arizona itinerary.

Arizona works particularly well for group golf trips. Scottsdale offers a broad choice of courses, hotels and evening venues, while the concentration of golf around the city keeps the logistics manageable. Groups can choose a resort with on-site facilities or stay close to Old Town for easier access to restaurants and nightlife.

It is also a natural starting point for a wider American road trip. Sedona and the Grand Canyon can be added to an Arizona itinerary, while neighboring states open up further possibilities.

Potential combinations include:

• Arizona and Las Vegas - Pair Scottsdale's desert courses with the entertainment and golf of Las Vegas.
• Arizona and Utah - Combine golf with the red-rock landscapes and national parks of southern Utah.
• Scottsdale and Sedona - Add hiking, sightseeing and a slower-paced desert stay after your main golf itinerary.
• Arizona and the Grand Canyon - Build one of America's best-known natural landmarks into a longer touring vacation.

Whether you are planning a focused golf week or a multi-destination adventure, Arizona provides enough variety to suit both.

Best time to visit: The main golf season runs from late fall through spring, when Scottsdale and Phoenix enjoy warm days and cooler evenings. January to April is especially popular, while May and November can offer better value. Summer is extremely hot, so golfers traveling at this time should book the earliest available tee times.

Where to stay: Scottsdale is the leading base for an Arizona golf vacation. Staying close to Old Town gives groups convenient access to restaurants and nightlife, while resorts such as Boulders, Grand Hyatt Scottsdale and The Westin Kierland combine comfortable accommodations with excellent leisure facilities and nearby golf.

Getting there: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the main gateway for Scottsdale and the wider Phoenix area. Renting a car is usually the easiest way to travel between your hotel, golf courses and local attractions.

Booking tips:

• Reserve headline courses well in advance when traveling between January and April.
• Check fall overseeding dates before finalizing your tee-time schedule.
• Combine premium venues with more affordable courses to balance the overall cost of the trip.
• Allow for longer drive times during busy periods, particularly when traveling across the wider Phoenix area.
• Add at least one rest day for the pool, spa, Old Town Scottsdale or a desert excursion.

Q: Is Arizona good for a golf vacation? A: Yes. Arizona combines reliable winter sunshine with a large selection of desert courses, high-quality resorts and plenty to do after golf. Scottsdale and Phoenix are particularly well suited to trips featuring several different courses.

Q: Where is the best place to stay for golf in Arizona? A: Scottsdale is the most popular base because it offers convenient access to many of Arizona's leading courses, including TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, We-Ko-Pa and Grayhawk. It also has a strong selection of resorts, restaurants and nightlife.

Q: What are the best golf courses in Arizona? A: TPC Scottsdale, Troon North and We-Ko-Pa are among the best-known choices. Grayhawk, Boulders and Whirlwind also provide memorable desert golf, with each venue offering its own scenery and playing style.

Q: What is the best time of year to play golf in Arizona? A: Late fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable conditions. January to April is the busiest period, while May and November can offer a useful combination of favorable weather and value. Summer rounds should be booked for early morning because temperatures can become extremely high.

Q: Can I attend the WM Phoenix Open during an Arizona golf trip? A: Yes. The tournament takes place at TPC Scottsdale and can be included as part of a wider Scottsdale golf vacation. Accommodations, tickets and tee times are in high demand around the event, so booking early is strongly recommended.

Q: Is Arizona suitable for a group golf vacation? A: Arizona is an excellent group destination. Scottsdale has courses for different abilities and budgets, alongside flexible accommodations, resort facilities and a lively evening scene. The relatively short transfers between many hotels and courses also make multi-round itineraries easier to organize.

An Arizona golf vacation brings together a distinctive style of golf and a destination with plenty to offer between rounds. You can expect:

• Memorable desert courses
• Warm winter golf conditions
• PGA TOUR venues and bucket-list layouts
• High-quality resorts and spas
• Excellent restaurants and nightlife
• Mountain, desert and red-rock scenery
• Outdoor activities and road trip opportunities

Scottsdale and Phoenix make it simple to play several leading courses from one base, while the resorts and evening scene help create a complete group vacation.

From teeing off among towering cacti in the morning to watching the sun set behind the mountains, Arizona offers a golf experience that feels far removed from anything you will find at home.