Desert Golf Experience
Scottsdale offers a completely different golf experience—target golf through stunning Sonoran Desert landscapes. The absence of rough is replaced by desert waste areas, cacti, and dramatic mountain backdrops. January through April brings ideal weather and hosts the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale.
Tips
- •Winter and early spring offer perfect temperatures (60-80°F)
- •Summer rates are dramatically lower but temperatures exceed 100°F
- •Hydrate constantly—the desert is deceptively dry
- •Watch for wildlife—rattlesnakes and javelinas are common
Must-Play Courses
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course hosts the wildest tournament in golf, and you can play it year-round. Troon North Monument and Pinnacle courses offer quintessential desert golf. We-Ko-Pa Saguaro and Cholla showcase the desert at its most beautiful. Quintero outside Phoenix is worth the drive for pure desert drama.
Tips
- •TPC Scottsdale: Walk the famous 16th hole stadium setup
- •Troon North: Play both courses if time allows
- •We-Ko-Pa: Outstanding conditions and stunning scenery
- •Quintero: Worth the 45-minute drive from Scottsdale
Where to Stay and Dine
Scottsdale offers world-class resorts like The Phoenician, Four Seasons, and Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Old Town Scottsdale provides excellent dining and nightlife. For golf-focused stays, Talking Stick and Boulders Resort put you steps from the first tee.
Tips
- •Stay near your chosen courses to maximize tee time options
- •Old Town Scottsdale has the best restaurant and bar scene
- •Resort packages often include golf at better rates
- •Consider a spa day to break up golf rounds
Key Takeaways
- January through April offers ideal golf weather
- Desert golf requires target golf strategy—stay on the short grass
- TPC Scottsdale lets you walk in the footsteps of the pros
- Hydration is critical in the desert climate
- Summer offers great value for heat-tolerant golfers