Why you must visit Scottsdale for a golf break

UK golfers visiting the USA often head to Florida and South Carolina to feed their travel habits.

But this vast country has many world class golfing destinations so it really is worthwhile looking at alternatives.

One such location is Arizona, and in particular Phoenix and its upmarket neighbourhood, Scottsdale, where desert golf gets no better and the off course experiences raise a golf trip abroad to a different level.

With more than 150 courses to choose from in Arizona it can seem a little overwhelming. But the best and most accessible are found around Scottsdale, which, though a city in its own right, has become a suburb of Phoenix.

Why You Visit Scottsdale For Golf

Scottsdale is defined by the protected Sonoran Desert in which it sits. This huge desert, one of four in the US, stretches from Mexico, through parts of California and into southern Arizona.

It’s not like the deserts most from the UK would recognise. Due to its twice yearly rainfall, it is considerably more lush than most might imagine. There are no camels either. Instead, while you are searching for your ball, you might be blessed with a sighting of a bobcat hunting the vast number of rabbits, a scavenging jackal, or an odd looking javelina. Not to mention rattlesnakes and scorpions found in the undergrowth out of bounds.

The scenery of this unique desert landscape is surreal and breathtaking. 

The land is dotted with the hallmark giant saguaro cacti which prove to be an unusual on-course hazard. Look closely during your round and you will see these majestic, ancient plants peppered with golf balls collected from errant shots.

Rugged distant mountain ranges, granite boulder-strewn ground, and sparse scrubland completes the picture ensuring there is so much to appeal to the senses and you will enjoy a round of golf on some of the lushest fairways you have ever seen.

While the urban centres are large and populous, and outlying neighbourhoods have spread wide and far, there is no sense of overcrowding. Phoenix and Scottsdale are low rise, and nearly all properties are tastefully integrated into the natural desert environment. 

Scottsdale attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all descriptions and as there is so much to see and do, it is one of the top tourist resorts in the country.

Sitting beside the natural rawness are 70 hotels and resorts in the greater Scottsdale area, and all around are scores of sports bars, restaurants and a vast variety of legendary entertainment.

In the heart of the Scottsdale community is the Old Town, a magnet for shopping, nightlife, galleries, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs and a huge range of restaurant options.

Playing Golf in Scottsdale

It all began nearly 100 years ago with golfers playing on dirt courses with sandy greens. Since then, following a boom in the late 1950s, new courses built on old cattle ranches have attracted the likes of Bing Crosby, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. Many more stars of the game followed, and put the town in the golfing Hall of Fame.

In recent years it has become well known internationally as the home of the WM Phoenix Open. You know the one - it’s where raucous fans gather in the stands around "The Coliseum" - the Stadium Course’s 16th par three hole throwing beer at the players.

Today there are 51 courses and an additional 200 in the surrounding area offering great variety and differing levels of green fees on a mix of private, resort, public courses, and the odd municipal. Most travelling golfers will play the public and resort courses and will experience some top quality golf on stunning and challenging courses - and that too goes for the excellent Phoenix "muni", Papago GC.

Read this article for my recommendations on which golf courses you should play.

Where Can You Stay & Play Golf in Scottsdale?

There are a host of stay and play opportunities in greater Scottsdale to suit all tastes and budgets.

I stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Troon North, found in a fabulous location in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, overlooking the desert and the city below. A top class resort in every respect with impeccable service levels, it has 210 guest rooms including 22 suites, spa and fitness centre and offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits. It also has priority privileges and a shuttle service to the nearby Troon North Golf Club.

The 750 room Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is another good option, overlooking the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course. It’s an AAA Five Diamond luxury resort with five restaurants and lounges, shops, spa, six heated pools and the current rave, pickleball.

The Boulders Resort & Spa, set in a jaw-dropping natural environment puts guests in the heart of the desert, accommodated in luxury villas and haciendas which belie their Flintstone-like appearance. It’s located by the aptly named town of Carefree, now an upscale residential area. There’s a spa, outdoor pool at the foot of a gigantic boulder, and a host of outdoor activities to enjoy. Both golf courses here are pristine and set in the most dramatic environment.

What Time of Year Should You Visit Scottsdale?

Scottsdale benefits from 330 days of annual sunshine so in one sense it’s perfect for year-round golf. Between October and April are the best months to visit as it gets very hot in the summer months from June to August, when prices are at their lowest. December to February is peak golfing season with average temperatures of around 70F. Courses are closed for a short period for overseeding in October, so prices are lower for a period when they reopen as cart path-only rules are often the norm while the new rye grass takes firm root. There are two rainy periods; in the summer when a sudden downpour may occur and a little in the winter months. Overall, there is only about 10 inches of rain each year.

Flights to Scottsdale

BA operates regular direct services from Heathrow to Sky Harbor (Phoenix). Flights take approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Our travel partners Golfbreaks provide a number of options for golf and accommodation options in the Scottsdale area. Click here for the latest offers.

Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers - and last year its customers saved an average of £196 per trip by booking their airport parking in advance.

Booking Airport Parking means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. 7 nights’ Meet & Greet parking at Manchester Airport Terminal 2 is available for £95.99 based on arrival on 19/01/2026.

For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.        

*All costs supplied are the cheapest available rates for the product specified and therefore availability may be limited at this price. Prices are correct as at 12/12/2025.