Three Nights, Three Rounds – The Best Golf Courses to Play in Scottsdale, AZ

Why are these the best golf courses in Scottsdale?

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Located in the scenic Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, We-Ko-Pa offers two award-winning courses, Cholla and Saguaro, with stunning views of the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks. The Saguaro course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is known for its walkability and strategic layout. Both courses provide a pure desert golf experience with no residential development.

Southern Dunes Golf Club: Located in Maricopa, Southern Dunes is a top-rated course designed by Fred Couples and Schmidt-Curley. Known for its wide fairways, challenging bunkering and undulating greens, it offers a true test of championship golf. Its links-style design is set against a rugged desert backdrop, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Troon North Golf Club: Situated in Scottsdale, Troon North features two highly acclaimed 18-hole courses, Monument and Pinnacle, both set against the dramatic desert landscape. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, these courses are known for their pristine conditions, elevation changes and boulder-strewn surroundings. Troon North is a must-play for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging yet picturesque round.

Quintero Golf Club: Nestled in the Hieroglyphic Mountains near Peoria, Quintero Golf Club is a Rees Jones design celebrated for its dramatic elevation changes and scenic views. Known for its challenging layout and lush, well-maintained fairways, it offers a secluded desert golf experience. Each hole presents a new challenge, making it a favorite among serious golfers. These are highly rated and you can't go wrong with these courses.

TPC Scottsdale: A premier golf destination in Scottsdale, Arizona, home to two championship courses: the Stadium Course and the Champions Course. The Stadium Course is famous for hosting the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, known for its energetic atmosphere, especially at the iconic par-3 16th hole. Both courses offer stunning desert views, challenging layouts and world-class facilities, making TPC Scottsdale a must-play for golfers seeking a top-tier golf experience.

How far in advance do you have to book tee times for these courses?

Of course, a golf travel advisor, like myself can certainly help with coordination of tee times. One word of caution; you may not even be able to play multiple courses, if not, some courses have multiple courses that will be just as challenging as the other courses.

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club: Tee times can typically be booked up to 120 days in advance for public play.

Southern Dunes Golf Club: Tee times can be booked up to 60 days in advance for public players.

Troon North Golf Club: Tee times are available for booking up to 120 days in advance for public access.

Quintero Golf Club: Tee times are generally available for booking up to 90 days in advance, though availability may vary slightly.

TPC Scottsdale: Tee times can typically be booked up to 365 days in advance for public players.

When would be an ideal time to plan golf trip to Scottsdale?

The temperatures in Scottsdale are most comfortable between October and April. May into September will get too hot.

How much should I expect to pay for tee times for these courses in Scottsdale?

We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro and Cholla Courses): Peak season rates range from $200 to $350 per round, depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Southern Dunes Golf Club: During peak season, tee times typically range from $150 to $250 per round.

Troon North Golf Club (Monument & Pinnacle Courses): Peak season rates are generally between $250 and $400 per round, with premium rates for morning tee times.

Quintero Golf Club: Tee times during peak season usually range from $200 to $300 per round.

TPC Scottsdale: Peak season rates are typically between $300 and $500 per round, depending on the time and course.

Dominick's Steakhouse: A high-end steakhouse located in the Scottsdale Quarter, Dominick's offers a luxurious dining experience with prime cuts of beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list. Its elegant rooftop dining area adds to the ambiance, making it perfect for a special night out.

FnB Restaurant: Known for its innovative farm-to-table approach, FnB is a local favorite that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Arizona farms. Chef Charleen Badman, a James Beard Award winner, creates unique, flavorful dishes with a focus on vegetables, complemented by a curated selection of Arizona wines.

Cafe Monarch: An elegant, fine-dining restaurant located in Old Town Scottsdale, Cafe Monarch is renowned for its multi-course prix-fixe menus and romantic atmosphere. The dishes are beautifully presented, with an emphasis on creative, seasonal ingredients, offering a truly luxurious and intimate dining experience.