There’s no denying that Scottsdale is the world’s best golf destination, as evidenced by the 200-area courses and the awards that keep piling up, including being named the 2018 Golf Course Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
While all the notoriety can certainly mean more expensive greens fees, there are deals to be had year-round – even in peak season. You just have to know where to look.
Here’s the inside scoop on how to save on golf next time you’re in Scottsdale:
Sleep In
Many courses cut their greens fees by more than 50 percent for late-morning or early-afternoon tee times. Bonus: You’ll wrap up just in time to hit the 19th hole at the golf course bar and catch a spectacular sunset. Here are three to try:
- Silverado Golf Course: Located just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, this course offers afternoon tee times for $50 or less.
- McDowell Mountain Golf Club: Afternoon tee times are around $100, but recent renovations by Steve Loy and Phil Mickelson ensure a great desert golf experience.
- Boulders Club: Coming in at around $180 for an afternoon tee time, the Boulders Club is well worth the price of admission, offering two scenic championship courses that are considered among the most demanding in the Southwest.
Buy in Bulk
As any good Costco shopper knows, discounts come to those who buy in bulk. Get the best bang for your buck with that allow you to play multiple rounds on one course or that pair rounds with a hotel stay.
- Stay & Play Packages: Phoenix Scottsdale Golf handles every detail of your stay with golf packages that make the game affordable for everyone. Packages include accommodations at a variety of area hotels and rounds of golf based on the number of days booked.
- Bounce-Back Rates: Many Scottsdale golf clubs, including We-Ko-Pa Golf Club and Wildfire Golf Club, have multiple courses and offer bounce-back rates so you can play the courses for a discounted fee on different days.
Play Municipal Courses
Golf in Scottsdale never disappoints, even at municipal courses. If you're in search of affordable golf courses, consider teeing off at one of these courses:
- Continental Golf Course: This 18-hole, par-60 course weaves its way through scenic Indian Bend Wash.
- Coronado Golf Course: A cash-only facility, the nine-hole Coronado Golf Course is exceptionally popular for its lighted driving range, which is open until 9 p.m. daily and offers “happy hour” pricing.
- Papago Golf Course: Home to Arizona State University’s golf program, this Pete Dye-designed course features creative bunkering and is known as one of the best municipal courses in the nation.
Drive a Little
Not only do many courses outside the Scottsdale city limits have fewer golfers, they often have scenic views and lower prices.
- Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Course: An hour south of Scottsdale, this 18-hole course rewards your drive with creative specials like the Pace Setter, which gives you 20 percent off lunch if you finish a round in under four hours.
- Verde River Golf & Social Club: This course underwent a major renovation in 2016 at the hands of Tom Lehman. Adjacent to the Tonto National Forest, the course offers sweeping views of the Mazatzal Mountains.
- Desert Canyon Golf Club: Nestled in neighboring Fountain Hills, Desert Canyon offers views of the town’s signature fountain (one of the tallest in the world!). You’ll also enjoy elevation changes and views of the Four Peaks mountain range.
