From TPC to Troon: Discover Scottsdale’s premier golf experiences

Scottsdale is one of the most iconic golf destinations in the United States, renowned for championship golf courses, luxury resorts, and year-round sunshine. Set within the dramatic Sonoran Desert, a Scottsdale golf vacation combines world-famous PGA TOUR venues with scenic desert layouts and outstanding off-course experiences.

With more than 50 golf courses in the greater Scottsdale area, golfers are spoilt for choice. From prestigious resort courses and acclaimed public layouts to challenging desert designs by legendary architects, golf in Scottsdale caters to every ability and travel style.

Golf courses in Scottsdale are defined by immaculate conditioning, striking desert scenery, and thoughtful course design. Many layouts weave naturally through saguaro cacti, rocky outcrops, and rolling desert terrain, creating a playing experience that feels both challenging and visually unforgettable.

The area’s warm climate allows for year-round golf, making Scottsdale especially popular for winter golf vacations. Combined with luxury accommodation, exceptional dining, and easy access via Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Scottsdale consistently ranks among the best golf destinations in the USA.

Travel tip: The best months for golf are October to April. January and February are peak season, so booking tee times and accommodation well in advance is advised. Summer offers lower rates but early morning tee times are essential due to heat.

TPC Scottsdale: A PGA TOUR Experience Par: 71 | Yardage: 7261 | Architects: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish

TPC Scottsdale offers one of the most recognisable golf experiences in the world, ranked 36th in Arizona by Golf Digest. Home to the PGA TOUR’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, the Stadium Course is famous for its par 3 16th hole, known as “The Coliseum”.

Outside tournament week, golfers can enjoy pristine playing conditions and a layout that balances strategic challenge with playability. It is a must-play for anyone looking to experience professional tournament golf as part of their Scottsdale golf vacation.

Travel tip: Tee times at TPC Scottsdale are in high demand. Booking several weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Staying in North Scottsdale reduces transfer time and allows for early tee times.

Troon North Golf Club Par: 71 | Yardage: 5764 | Architects: Tom Weiskopf & Jay Morrish

Troon North is synonymous with desert golf in Scottsdale. The club features two highly regarded courses, the Monument Course and the Pinnacle Course, both carved through natural desert landscapes.

Golfers can expect elevated tees, sweeping fairways, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Troon North consistently ranks among the best public golf courses in Arizona, with the Monument course ranking 21st in Arizona by Golf Digest, and is a highlight of any Scottsdale golf itinerary.

Travel tip: Troon North is located in North Scottsdale, around 30 to 40 minutes from Old Town. Pairing it with nearby resorts or courses such as Grayhawk or Boulders helps minimise travel time.

Customer rating: 4.6/5 | Golf: Saguaro & Cholla course

We-Ko-Pa Golf Resort is widely regarded as one of the best golf resorts in Scottsdale. Located on Yavapai Nation land, the resort offers an authentic desert setting free from surrounding housing developments, allowing golfers to experience uninterrupted views and pure desert golf.

The resort is home to two award-winning courses, Saguaro and Cholla. The Saguaro Course, ranked 20th best in Arizona by Golf Digest, is known for its links-style design, generous fairways, and strategic bunkering, making it one of the most highly rated public courses in the region. The Cholla Course, ranked 33rd best in Arizona by Golf Digest, offers a more traditional desert layout with elevation changes and dramatic risk-and-reward holes.

We-Ko-Pa also provides a complimentary shuttle service to nearby courses including SunRidge Canyon, Eagle Mountain, and Desert Canyon, giving guests easy access to some of the finest golf in Scottsdale.

The resort also offers well-appointed rooms and suites, multiple dining options, a casino, spa facilities, and leisure amenities that suit both golfers and non-golfers.

Travel tip: We-Ko-Pa is ideal for golfers who want to stay on site and minimise driving. It works particularly well for groups or mixed itineraries where some guests may not play every day.

North Scottsdale is one of the most desirable areas to stay for a Scottsdale golf vacation, offering a combination of championship golf courses, scenic desert landscapes, and upscale resort accommodation. The area appeals to golfers who value high-quality courses, refined resorts, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the buzz of Old Town.

Here is where to stay & play in Scottsdale:

The Westin Kierland Resort and Kierland Golf Club Customer rating: 4.2/5 | Golf: Kierland Golf Club The Westin Kierland Resort is a popular choice for golfers seeking a full-service resort experience. The adjacent Kierland Golf Club features three nine-hole courses that can be combined to create varied championship layouts, offering wide fairways, pristine greens, and excellent practice facilities.

The resort itself includes multiple dining options, spa facilities, pools, and easy access to Kierland Commons for shopping and nightlife.

Travel tip: The Westin Kierland is ideal for groups and first-time visitors to Scottsdale, offering on-site golf and entertainment without the need for extensive driving.

Hyatt House North Scottsdale Customer rating: 5/5 | Golf: TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and Grayhawk. Hyatt House North Scottsdale offers a more flexible and contemporary accommodation option, particularly suited to longer stays or groups. While it does not have an on-site golf course, it provides convenient access to several top courses in North Scottsdale, including TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and Grayhawk.

Spacious rooms, kitchen facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a practical base for golfers who want comfort and value alongside premium golf.

Travel tip: Hyatt House works well for golfers planning to play multiple courses across North Scottsdale and who prefer a quieter stay with easy road access.

Boulders Resort and Spa Customer rating: 4.7/5 | Golf: North & South course Boulders Resort and Spa delivers one of the most distinctive golf experiences in the region. Set among massive granite rock formations, the resort offers two courses, the North and South, both of which blend strategic design with striking natural scenery.

Beyond golf, the resort features a world-class spa, fine dining, and a secluded setting that appeals to couples and golfers looking for a more tranquil stay.

Travel tip: Boulders is best suited to golfers seeking a premium, resort-led experience with golf and relaxation in one location.

A Sedona golf trip offers a completely different golf experience, defined by striking red rock formations and a more relaxed pace of play. Courses here prioritise scenery and enjoyment, making Sedona an ideal short extension to a Scottsdale golf vacation.

Oakcreek Country Club Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,824 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones, Sr Oakcreek Country Club is Sedona’s most established course and a favorite among visiting golfers. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr and Jr, the layout combines strategic design with forgiving fairways. The course philosophy focuses on rewarding good shots while keeping higher scores manageable.

Travel tip: Oakcreek is walkable for many golfers and plays particularly well in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the red rock views are at their best.

Sedona Golf Resort Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,646 | Architect: Gary Panks Sedona Golf Resort offers a more accessible layout that suits a wide range of abilities. The course provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups.

Travel tip: Pairing the course with nearby accommodation allows golfers to combine rounds with sightseeing and hiking without long transfers.

Old Town Scottsdale is the cultural and social heart of the city, offering art galleries, local boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife. It is an excellent base for golfers who want to balance daytime golf with evening entertainment.

Gainey Ranch Golf Club Par: 72 | Yardage: 3,000 - 5,000 | Architect: Michael Poellot & Bradford L. Benz Gainey Ranch Golf Club features three nine-hole courses that can be combined to create varied championship layouts. Known for its polished resort feel, it has been recognized among the Top 75 Golf Courses in the United States by Golf Digest.

Travel tip: Gainey Ranch pairs well with Old Town accommodation due to its short transfer time and relaxed resort setting.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,044 | Architect: Desmond Muirhead McCormick Ranch Golf Club is one of the most accessible golf venues in Scottsdale. The Palm Course is known for scenic water holes, while the Pine Course offers a longer and more demanding test.

Travel tip: McCormick Ranch is ideal for arrival or departure day golf due to its proximity to central Scottsdale and straightforward layout.

Phoenix and Tempe sit just outside Scottsdale and offer easy access to additional golf courses, nightlife, and outdoor activities. These areas are ideal for arrival or departure nights or for golfers looking to add variety to their itinerary.

Raven Golf Club Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,078 | Architect: Gary Panks Raven Golf Club is one of Phoenix’s most popular public courses, known for its tree-lined fairways and contrasting style compared to traditional desert layouts. Its location close to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport makes it particularly convenient for travel days.

Travel tip: Raven Golf Club is ideal for a final round before flying home, with minimal transfer time to the airport.

Papago Golf Club Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,419 | Architect: William Francis Bell Papago Golf Club is a historic course offering scenic views of Papago Buttes and a classic parkland feel. Renovated in 2018, the course provides a playable layout with excellent conditioning and a central location between Phoenix and Tempe.

Travel tip: Papago works well for golfers staying in Tempe or those looking for a relaxed round close to the city.

Tempe Town Lake and Surroundings While not a golf course, Tempe Town Lake adds balance to a golf itinerary with watersports, walking trails, and access to Camelback Mountain hiking routes.

Travel tip: Tempe is best suited for shorter stays or non-golf days, particularly for groups that want nightlife and outdoor activities alongside golf.

From iconic PGA TOUR venues and world-class desert courses to luxury resorts and unforgettable scenery, Scottsdale delivers a golf vacation that consistently exceeds expectations.

Booking tips

• Book early for spring and autumn. These are peak golf seasons in Scottsdale, when conditions are at their best and tee times at top courses like TPC Scottsdale and Troon North book up quickly.
• Travel midweek for better hotel rates and greater tee time availability.
• Mix courses and areas by combining North Scottsdale, Old Town, and the surrounding desert for a varied golf experience with different styles of layout and scenery.
• Play early or late. Morning tee times offer cooler temperatures, while twilight rounds showcase stunning desert sunsets and mountain views.

Sample itinerary

Why not consider this package? Stay five nights at Hyatt House Scottsdale and play four rounds of golf at TPC Scottsdale (Champions & Stadium), Troon North (Pinnacle or Monument), and Talking Stick (Piipaash or O'odham). Or extend your stay and explore even more of Arizona golf by embarking on a premium Scottsdale tour.

Q: Is Scottsdale a good golf destination? A: Absolutely. Scottsdale is widely regarded as one of the top golf destinations in the U.S., offering world-class desert courses, luxury resorts, and consistently excellent playing conditions.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in Scottsdale? A: Yes. Scottsdale enjoys sunshine most of the year, with peak golf season running from October to April. Summer golf is also popular thanks to reduced rates and early-morning tee times before the heat builds.

Q: How do I get to Scottsdale? A: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport serves Scottsdale and is located around 20 minutes from most resorts and golf courses, making it easy and convenient to access from across the U.S. and beyond.