Scottsdale Golf Trip Guide: Where to Stay, What to Know & How to Plan Your Arizona Golf Getaway
- Apr 16
- 10 min read
Scottsdale is one of the best golf destinations in the country.
With sunshine, desert scenery, mountain views, winter golf weather, world-class courses, patio dining, Old Town Scottsdale, day spas, pools, Spring Training, and easy access to courses across the greater Phoenix area, Scottsdale is a natural home base for golfers planning an Arizona getaway.
Golf is not just something visitors do while they are here. For many travelers, golf is the reason for the trip.
Experience Scottsdale describes the area as having more than 200 golf courses and calls Scottsdale “The World’s Finest Golf Destination.” Visit Phoenix also reports that Phoenix and nearby communities are home to nearly 200 golf courses, making Greater Phoenix one of the top golf destinations in the country.
For guests planning a golf weekend, winter golf trip, group getaway, snowbird stay, Spring Training visit, or long Arizona escape, where you stay matters almost as much as where you play.
At iTrip Scottsdale, our professionally managed vacation rentals give golf travelers the practical comfort they need between rounds: kitchens, laundry, parking, living space, outdoor areas where available, room for groups, space for clubs and gear, and direct booking options for future trips.
This guide explains how to plan a Scottsdale golf trip, when to visit, what to consider, and why an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can make the entire golf getaway easier.
Why Scottsdale Is Such a Strong Golf Destination
Scottsdale’s golf appeal comes from more than the number of courses.
Visitors come for the full experience:
Desert golf scenery
Mountain backdrops
Sunshine
Winter and spring playing conditions
Golf group travel
High-end dining
Old Town Scottsdale
Patio restaurants
Day spas
Pool time
Spring Training overlap
Easy access to Phoenix-area courses
Repeat annual golf trips
The greater Phoenix area offers a wide variety of golf experiences, from desert courses and public courses to municipal courses and private club settings.
The City of Phoenix alone operates five 18-hole championship courses and three 9-hole courses, which adds even more options for visitors staying in the region.
For iTrip Scottsdale guests, that means a golf trip can be customized around the way they want to travel. Some guests want a serious golf itinerary with tee times every day. Others want a relaxed trip with one or two rounds, pool time, dining, and day trips.
Scottsdale works for both.
Why Golf Travelers Should Consider a Vacation Rental
Golf travelers often need more than a hotel room.
An iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can give golfers the comfort and flexibility they need before and after a round.
Golf guests often value:
Parking
Space for clubs
Laundry for golf clothes
Kitchens for early breakfasts
Refrigerators for drinks and snacks
Living rooms for group downtime
Outdoor patios where available
Multiple bedrooms in many homes
Wi-Fi for planning tee times and work calls
Comfortable recovery space after a long day
Privacy
Direct communication with a local team
For golf groups, this can make a major difference.
Instead of everyone splitting up into separate hotel rooms, guests can share a comfortable home base, enjoy coffee before tee times, return for lunch or pool time, and spend evenings together without crowding into a lobby or small room.
That is one of the biggest advantages of booking an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental for a golf trip.
Best Times of Year for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
Scottsdale golf can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the experience changes by season.
Winter
Winter is one of the most popular times for Scottsdale golf.
Guests come from colder climates to enjoy sunshine, outdoor dining, and comfortable desert golf conditions. This is also when snowbirds and longer-stay winter visitors are in the market.
Because winter is a high-demand season, golfers should plan ahead, especially if they need specific dates, multiple bedrooms, or preferred locations. Prices will also be higher during the winter.
Spring
Spring is another major golf season.
This period often overlaps with Spring Training, major events, great patio weather, desert blooms, and high visitor demand.
Golf groups should book lodging and tee times early during this window. The weather is still great through the spring, especially for early morning tee times.
Summer
Summer golf requires heat planning, but it can still work for guests who know how to structure the day.
Early morning tee times, hydration, sun protection, pool time, and afternoon rest become essential. Some visitors may also combine Scottsdale stays with cooler high-elevation day trips. An early start, good hat for shade, and lots of hydration can make summer golf great.
The bonus is that many courses prices are reduced allowing you to play courses that may be out of reach during other seasons.
Fall
Fall is a strong shoulder season as temperatures begin to improve.
Golf, outdoor dining, scenic drives, and lower-pressure travel windows can make fall appealing for visitors who want Scottsdale without the peak winter pace.
How to Plan a Scottsdale Golf Trip
A successful golf trip starts with a clear plan.
Step 1: Decide the Style of Trip
Is this a serious golf trip with tee times every day? A relaxed couples’ getaway? A group weekend? A winter golf escape? A Spring Training and golf combo?
Your trip style affects where you stay, how many bedrooms you need, and how much downtime to build in.
Step 2: Choose Your Home Base
Scottsdale is spread out, and courses are located throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area.
Before booking lodging, think about whether you want to be closer to:
North Scottsdale golf areas
Old Town Scottsdale dining and nightlife
Talking Stick / Salt River area
Kierland / Scottsdale Quarter area
Family or friends
Day trip routes
Step 3: Book Tee Times Early
During peak golf season, tee times can fill quickly.
If golf is the main reason for your trip, do not wait until the last minute to plan where and when you want to play. Especially if playing in the warmer months, early morning tee times go quick.
Step 4: Build in Downtime
A great golf trip is not just about the rounds.
Leave time for:
Pool or patio time
Old Town Scottsdale
Dinner reservations
Day spas
Shopping
Easy hikes or walks
Day trips
Recovery time at the rental
Step 5: Book a Vacation Rental That Fits the Group
The right property should support the trip:
Enough bedrooms
Comfortable living space
Parking
Kitchen
Laundry
Outdoor space where available
Things to do when not golfing or for non-golfing family members
Easy access to planned courses and activities
Where to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
The best place to stay depends on the golf trip you are planning.
North Scottsdale
North Scottsdale can be a strong fit for guests who want desert scenery, quieter surroundings, access to well-known golf areas, and a more relaxed luxury-desert feel.
It can work well for couples, golf groups, snowbirds, and travelers who want golf and outdoor scenery.
Old Town Scottsdale Area
Old Town is a strong option for guests who want golf during the day and dining, shopping, galleries, bars, and walkable entertainment in the evening.
This can be especially useful for group trips, celebration trips, Spring Training visitors, and first-time Scottsdale travelers.
Kierland / Scottsdale Quarter Area
This area can work well for visitors who want shopping, restaurants, golf access, and a polished Scottsdale lifestyle feel.
Talking Stick / Salt River Area
This location may be useful for guests combining golf, Spring Training, entertainment, dining, and easy access around the Valley.
Peoria / Glendale / Phoenix Access
Some iTrip Scottsdale guests may be planning rounds, events, or Spring Training activities in the wider metro area. In that case, the best lodging location may depend on the full itinerary.
Golf Trip Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels
For golf travelers, vacation rentals often solve problems that hotels do not.
Hotels May Work Well If:
You are staying one night
You are traveling solo
You want hotel-style services
You do not need much space
You are not coordinating a group
Vacation Rentals Often Work Better If:
You are traveling with a group
You need multiple bedrooms
You want a kitchen
You need parking
You want laundry
You have golf clubs and gear
You want shared living space
You are staying several nights or longer
You want a more private home base
For many golf trips, the vacation rental becomes the base camp.
Guests can start early, return between rounds, cook when convenient, relax after dinner, and spend time together in a way that separate hotel rooms do not allow. It also allows better relaxation, things to do, and coordination if you're group is made up of both golfers and non-golfers.
What to Pack for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
Golfers should pack for desert conditions, seasonal shifts, and comfort between rounds.
Consider bringing:
Golf clubs or rental confirmation
Golf shoes
Golf clothes
Light layers
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable casual clothes
Swimsuit
Light jacket for winter evenings
Phone charger
Tee time confirmations
Dinner reservation details
Winter and spring mornings can be cooler than visitors expect, while afternoons may be warmer. Layers are especially useful. The temperature can fluctuate as much as 35 degrees in a day, so be prepared.
Scottsdale Golf for Groups
Scottsdale is a natural group golf destination.
Groups may include:
Friends’ golf weekends
Couples’ golf trips
Family golf vacations
Corporate-style retreats
Birthday golf trips
Snowbird guests hosting visitors
Spring Training and golf groups
For groups, the right lodging setup matters.
An iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental can provide shared space, bedrooms, kitchens, parking, laundry, and comfortable downtime while still keeping the trip responsible and respectful.
Group golf travel should always respect property rules, parking limits, quiet hours, HOA guidelines, and neighborhood expectations.
The message is simple:
Enjoy Scottsdale golf. Enjoy the home. Respect the rules. Come back again.
Winter Golf in Scottsdale
Winter golf is one of Scottsdale’s strongest travel drivers.
When many parts of the country are dealing with snow, frozen courses, indoor simulators, and limited outdoor play, Scottsdale offers the ability to play real outdoor golf in a scenic desert setting.
This is especially attractive for:
Snowbirds
Retirees
Couples
Golf groups
Long-stay visitors
Remote workers
Guests escaping cold climates
Many iTrip Scottsdale guests return each season to stay at the same vacation rental, or try a new area, and book direct to save off of the inflated online travel site fees.
WM Phoenix Open and Scottsdale Golf Travel
It is one of the biggest golf-related events in the Scottsdale area.
We will update you here each year when official dates, ticket information, parking, shuttle details, and event guidance are current.
Each year, before your trip, be sure and read:
WM Phoenix Open Visitor Guide: Where to Stay, What to Know & How to Plan Your Trip
It will have all the information you need to plan your trip including help with:
Booking early
Stays near the experience
Planning transportation
Understanding event days and crowds, and schedule
Building in dining reservations
Using a vacation rental as the home base
Returning for future Scottsdale golf trips
Because event information changes, this article is updated regularly as information becomes available or changes.
WM Phoenix Open dates, tickets, parking, shuttle details, and event information can change each year. Before planning your trip, check the official event website for the latest details.
What to Do After Golf in Scottsdale
A Scottsdale golf trip is stronger when the post-round experience is part of the plan.
After golf, visitors may enjoy:
Patio dining
Old Town Scottsdale
Day spas and massage
Pool time
Shopping
Art galleries
Sports bars
Scenic drives
Read What to Do After Golf in Scottsdale, to discover dining, wellness, pools, Old Town, Spring Training, and outdoor adventure for the down time during your golf trip.
Or visit our Experience Arizona page to discover everything the Valley has to offer.
Suggested Scottsdale Golf Weekend Itinerary
Here is a simple golf-focused weekend itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival and Settle In
Check in, unpack clubs and luggage, pick up groceries, and enjoy a relaxed evening at the vacation rental or dinner nearby.
Day 2: First Round and Patio Dinner
Start with coffee and breakfast at the rental, play a morning or afternoon round, then enjoy patio dining or Old Town Scottsdale.
Day 3: Second Round and Pool Time
Play another round, return for laundry, pool or patio time, and a relaxed evening with the group.
Day 4: Easy Morning and Departure
Enjoy coffee, pack up, and consider booking direct for next year’s golf trip.
For longer stays, add Spring Training, day spas, easy hikes, shopping, or a scenic day trip.
Why iTrip Scottsdale Vacation Rentals Are a Smart Fit for Golf Travelers
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals are practical for golf travelers because they support the way golfers actually travel.
Depending on the property, guests may benefit from:
Multiple bedrooms in many homes
Full kitchens
Laundry
Parking
Comfortable living areas
Outdoor patios or pool areas where available
Space for clubs and luggage
Wi-Fi
Local support
Direct booking options
Access to Scottsdale and greater Phoenix-area golf
For golf groups, couples, snowbirds, and repeat visitors, a vacation rental can make the trip easier, more comfortable, and more connected.
Instead of just booking a room, guests are choosing a golf home base.
Booking direct can be especially helpful for golf travelers.
When guests book direct with iTrip Scottsdale, they can:
Ask questions about property layout
Better understand parking
Confirm kitchen and laundry features
Ask about outdoor space where available
Choose a location that fits the golf itinerary
Avoid some third-party platform fees
Build a relationship for future stays
Make repeat golf trips easier
Have access to our live and local 24/7, 365 boots on the ground team
Many golfers return to Scottsdale year after year.
Once you find a property, location, and local management team you trust, booking direct can make future golf trips simpler.
Start Planning Your Scottsdale Golf Getaway
If your ideal Arizona trip includes golf, sunshine, desert scenery, patio dining, pool time, and a comfortable place to relax between rounds, Scottsdale is one of the best destinations in the country.
With an iTrip Scottsdale vacation rental, guests can enjoy the space, kitchens, laundry, parking, and flexibility that golf travelers need.
Play the round. Enjoy the patio. Do the laundry. Store the clubs. Relax with your group. Book direct next time.
Scottsdale golf is more than a round on the calendar.
It is a full travel experience built around sunshine, desert scenery, great courses, dining, relaxation, group time, and repeat visits.
Whether you are planning a winter golf escape, group trip, couples’ getaway, Spring Training and golf combination, WM Phoenix Open visit, or long-stay snowbird season, the right home base matters.
iTrip Scottsdale vacation rentals give golf travelers the practical comfort they need: kitchens, laundry, parking, living space, outdoor areas where available, and room to relax between rounds.
If you are planning a Scottsdale golf trip, start with where you want to play — then choose a vacation rental that helps the entire trip feel easier, more comfortable, and worth repeating.
Looking for more to do while in Arizona? Visit our Experience Arizona page to find something to do year-round for everyone in your group.
