Scottsdale Golf Vacation – Trip Planner

Page Contents

• Why go on a golf trip to Scottsdale?
• Where to stay on a Scottsdale golf trip?
  • Scottsdale golf resorts
  • Scottsdale golf hotels
• Scottsdale golf vacation packages
  • Scottsdale golf vacation rentals
• Scottsdale public golf courses
• Places to eat & drink in Scottsdale
• What to do on your day off?
• Helpful links

Why go on a golf trip to Scottsdale?

There are many destinations for the perfect golf trip. Pinehurst in North Carolina, Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head in South Carolina, and any number of places in Florida. But a Scottsdale golf vacation has to be up there as one of the best.

Scottsdale is a hotbed for golf and attracts thousands upon thousands of golf groups annually. With so many resorts and hotels, as well as golf courses of all types to choose from, this is the real deal. 

Bordered by Phoenix to the west, Scottsdale is conveniently located close to the Phoenix International Airport. It’s also a location that stretches 31 miles from north to south, covering a spectacular landscape.

Mostly desert, the city reaches through the Salt River Valley, which is otherwise known as the ‘Valley of the Sun’. This is all part of the massive Sonoran Desert which explains why the vast majority of Scottsdale’s golf courses are desert in style. 

Yet another reason a Scottsdale golf trip is so popular is due to the weather. 

The city has a year-round climate amenable to playing golf. If you were going to be really picky and wanted to avoid the summer heat, then you’d argue there are seven months which have perfect playing conditions. These are October through to April. 

But if you do visit in the summer months, keep an eye on the early morning or twilight green fees which can be fantastic value. 

And lastly, I can’t fail to mention one of the most iconic stops on the PGA Tour, the Waste Management Phoenix Open. 

Hosted at TPC Scottsdale, this is one of the most attended and viewed golfing events worldwide and is famed for its par-3 16th hole nicknamed the Coliseum, 

There are so many reasons to go on a golf vacation to Scottsdale. Let’s explore some of them in a bit more detail. 

Where to stay on a Scottsdale golf trip?

One of the many reasons Scottsdale is so popular is not just the quantity and quality of golf courses, but because there are so many different places to stay.

You have two choices you need to make.

1. Resort or stand-alone hotel? 
2. Location – Southern Scottsdale or to the North? 

The choice between resort and down-town hotel is important.

The resort has everything you could need all onsite. But then you’re limited to only playing golf onsite. Whereas choose a stand-alone hotel, and you can literally pick which courses to play, anywhere in Scottsdale. But accept there will be a lot more driving. 

In regards to the location, do you stay close to Old Town Scottsdale, in the Southern part of the city. Or head up north, out of town and where things are a little quieter. 

Regardless of which option you choose, here are some of my personal preferences, either from experience or reputation. 

Scottsdale Golf Resorts

I’ve picked out four resorts which I couldn’t recommend enough. Each is sensational, with a host of amenities onsite including quality golf and top-class dining options. 

The first is Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa, which is in Gainey Ranch. With 500 modern guestrooms, this Arizona destination has it all and it is without doubt one of the most popular resorts in the city. 

This is partly because of the quality of accommodation, the choice of amenities, but also the price. From a quality and value perspective, this is one of the most affodable Scottsdale golf resort packages out there.

Westin Kierland Resort is another iconic resort with The Westin Kierland Golf Club onsite. The location is further north, but still only half an hour’s drive from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.  

Close to the celebrated TPC Scottsdale, this is another top quality option. But still really reasonable value. 

In contrast to these more affordable options, we jump to two of the higher-end, luxury golf resorts in Scottsdale.

The uber-luxury Phoenician Resort, tucked away in the shadow of Camelback Mountain. As well as the epic Boulders Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection by Hilton.

These two will naturally cost more. But with that price tag, comes outstanding service with every attention to detail accounted for. Phenomenal amenities and sensational dining choices are yours to enjoy. 

If you want to find out more, you can read this blog all about the best golf resorts in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Golf Hotels

When it comes to stand alone hotels, there is ample choice. But foremost amongst them has to be the incredibly popular Hyatt House in Scottsdale Old Town. 

For groups of buddies or even younger couples, this is the perfect spot. Right next to Scottsdale’s Old Town, within walking distance you’ll find neighborhood bars, restaurants and even nightclubs.  

If you want to be located in a more central position, Aiden by Best Western is a great shout. It is close to the freeway so perfectly located to access most courses around the city. 

Whilst Hyatt Place Scottsdale North is where I would choose to stay if I wanted to be close to TPC Scottsdale. You’ve also got the 36-hole public facility of Grayhawk Golf Club and the fun Westin Kierland Golf Club just a short drive away. 

Scottsdale Golf Vacation Packages

When looking to book your golf trip to Scottsdale, naturally you want to ensure you are getting the best possible deals.

Amongst all the companies selling golf packages, I personally recommend Golfbreaks.com.

Every year they send hundreds of thousands of golfers on golf trips all over the world. Because of this, they get some of the best deals available. 

You tell them where you want to go, the courses you’re looking to play and what your budget is and they’ll do all the organizing, calling around and bookings for you. And to top things off, their service is second to none. 

Don’t know which course you want to play? Give them your budget, how far you want to drive, the average handicap in the group, and they’ll recommend courses. It really is that easy. 

Here is a selection of some of the best golf vacation packages in Scottsdale using Golfbreaks.com;

The Westin Kierland Resort 5*

5 nights room-only, 3 rounds of golf

from $995pp

Find out more

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa 5*

5 nights room-only, 3 rounds of golf

from $869pp

Find out more

Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old Town 3*

5 nights bed & breakfast, 3 rounds of golf

from $519pp

Find out more

Scottsdale Golf Vacation Rentals

There is one more option for your accommodation, and this is staying in a vacation rental. 

A couple of local companies who manage rentals include Holidayrental.com, a luxury service provider in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.

And ilovescottsdale.com, a really knowledgeable and friendly team of vacation home experts.

Scottsdale Public Golf Courses

There are around 50 golf courses in Scottsdale proper, with well over 100 more within a short drive away. 

Whilst it’s true that many of the more celebrated and renowned courses are private, there are some top class public layouts you can play. 

To kick things off, the world-famous TPC Scottsdale. There are two courses onsite, The Stadium Course, host to the Waste Management Phoenix Open. And the under-rated and recently renovated Champions Course. 

Grayhawk Golf Club is another 36-hole public golf facility, with the Tom Fazio designed Raptor Course a huge appeal. The Gary Panks / David Graham Talon Course is another hugely popular layout. 

East of the city, you have two of the finest Scottsdale public golf courses in the Cholla Course and Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club.  

And the list goes on and on. To see my recommendations on where to play, read this article on the best public golf courses in Scottsdale.

What you can be assured of playing golf in Scottsdale, is the fun factor cranked up to ten out of ten. The courses are designed to perfection, with the aesthetics on another level. Risk-rewards shots are everywhere. This is what golf is all about.

Places to Eat & Drink in Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale is naturally the place to go. It’s fun and quirky and within the Entertainment District, you’ll find everything you need. 

Because there is so much choice throughout Scottsdale and we all have different tastes, I would personally lean on recommendations from hotel staff or seek out TripAdvisor recommendations close to where you are staying. 

I have some favorites, places I’ve experienced which I’ll list below. But this is where it gets really subjective!

• Hand Cut Burgers & Chop House – Go-to steakhouse located in the Old Town, this is where you’ll find the finest chops, burgers, pastas using nothing but quality ingredients and grass-fed beef.  (Old Town)

• Postino Wine Cafe – Low-key vibe specializing in Italian cuisine and raft of different wines. Try the charcuterie board!  (Old Town)
• Frank & Lupes – Family-run restaurant bringing you the finest Mexican cuisine. Informal, laid back and great value. (Old Town)
• The Mick Brasserie + Bar – The chef and restaurateur Brent Menke, gives his interpretation on a modern French Brasserie. Steak tartare, barbequed shrimp toast, Iberico pork, foie gras…this place is fantastic. (Gainey Ranch)

What to do on your day off?

If you have an afternoon off, there are plenty of popular tourist attractions you could enjoy. 

• Explore Scottsdale’s Old Town – it seems that the current trend is to hire some segways and discover the historic highlights. Maybe I’m old-school as I like to walk. Either way, this is a good way to get around quickly. 
• Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset – The rugged desert landscape of the Sonoran Desert is spectacular during the day. But at sunset, it takes on a completely different character with epic skylines. And what better way to indulge than in a robust 4×4 Jeep. 
• Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning studio and residence is open to the public and offers various different tour options. This is a unique attraction for architectural enthusiasts which showcases Wright’s architectural vision and the connection this property has with the surrounding Arizona desert. 

Helpful Links

• Map of Old town Scottsdale – Supplied by Experience Scottsdale
• Map of Scottsdale’s Old Town Ale Trail – Supplied by Experience Scottsdale

*Occasionally I will recommend services which I think add value to you the user, and offer you a way to find out more about a particular golf resort or course. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, I may earn an affiliate fee. However, please rest assured yourgolfcourses.com is 100% independent and these commissions in no way influence the content OR rankings 🙂