Michael Leonard (Submitted Photo)

Do you need to escape the cold and play some incredible golf courses this winter? If so, Arizona is the ultimate golf destination—a true haven for golfers seeking sunshine and spectacular courses.

With temperatures ranging from the 60s to 80s between January and April, it’s the perfect spot for a winter golf trip. But with so many world-class courses to choose from, planning your trip can feel overwhelming.

As someone who’s lived in Arizona for over a decade, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make your golf getaway unforgettable. From the best courses to play during the day to unique evening golf activities—like a fully lit 18-hole course—and much more, this guide has you covered for an epic trip.

Winter Golf in Arizona: What You Need to Know

Let’s start with timing your trip, as there’s a lot happening in Arizona during the winter months:

January: The Barrett-Jackson Car Auction draws huge crowds at the end of the month and is ideal for car enthusiasts.

February: The WM Phoenix Open, known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” takes over Scottsdale and marks the most expensive week in Arizona golf. Hotel rates and tee times skyrocket, often doubling or tripling, as golf enthusiasts flock to the area. Add in the start of MLB Cactus League Spring Training later in the month, and the Valley is alive with energy and activity.

March: MLB Spring Training continues, with games held at stadiums across the valley and always a fun way to spend the day or night. 

While February and March can be the busiest—and priciest—times to visit, they also offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Arizona’s lively sports culture. If you plan to visit during these months, book your accommodations, tee times, and game tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

To make the most of your trip, let’s start with a general overview of the area to help you decide where to stay and play.

Phoenix Golf Overview

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the main hub for travelers and is conveniently close to Scottsdale, making it the ideal entry point for most golf trips. Alternatively, Mesa Gateway Airport is a smaller option, though it’s farther from many of the top golf courses.

Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe: These areas offer more affordable golf courses compared to Scottsdale, with some excellent options for quality play. Hotels here are typically much cheaper than those in Scottsdale, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Phoenix and Scottsdale: Centrally located, these areas allow easy access to most courses within a 30-minute drive. North Scottsdale boasts the most luxurious and expensive courses, along with exclusive private clubs, while Phoenix offers a mix of high-end and mid-tier courses. 

Glendale, Peoria, and Avondale: These western suburbs have some fantastic courses but are farther from Scottsdale and areas like Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler. Be prepared for longer drives if staying here.

Tucson: Located about two hours south of Phoenix, Tucson features incredible courses that are often more affordable than those in Scottsdale or Phoenix. It’s worth the trip for golfers seeking value and variety.

Sedona: Situated roughly two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona offers stunning scenery but colder winter weather, making it less ideal for golf the first few months of the year. 

Hopefully, this breakdown should help you decide where to stay based on your priorities—budget, proximity, or access to high-end golf experiences.

Best Golf Courses in Phoenix 

The Phoenix area is renowned for its abundance of world-class golf courses and they’re in perfect shape in winter months. Let’s start with higher end high-end public courses that offer exceptional playing experiences, stunning views, and top-tier facilities. While these courses come with a higher price tag, the quality and memories they deliver are well worth it.

TPC Scottsdale (Stadium and Champions Course)

The Stadium Course, home to the WM Phoenix Open, is a bucket-list experience for any golfer. After the tournament, the course remains in PGA Tour-level condition for months—perfect for hitting the famous tee shot at 16. 

I played it just 10 days after the event last year, and it was incredible. For a more affordable option, the Champions Course next door offers a fantastic layout and excellent conditions at a better rate. 

Grayhawk Golf Club (North Scottsdale)

Boasting two exceptional courses—Talon and Raptor—Grayhawk offers immaculate conditions and top-tier golf. I think Raptor is the better of the two and it has hosted the NCAA Men’s and Women’s’ Division I Golf Championship.  After your round, head to Isabella’s Kitchen for great food, drinks, and panoramic views.

Troon North Golf Club (North Scottsdale)

Troon North’s Monument and Pinnacle courses are iconic for their dramatic desert landscapes and challenging designs. Often ranked among the best in the country, these courses showcase the finest in desert golf. 

However, it’s true desert “target” golf, so pack a few extra golf balls. And bring your fairway finder—accuracy is key here.

The Phoenician Golf Club (Phoenix)

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, The Phoenician provides a luxurious golf experience with breathtaking views and a challenging course. Its proximity to Old Town Scottsdale also means you’re just minutes away from some of the area’s best restaurants and nightlife, making it an ideal destination for a full day of fun.

Camelback Golf Club (Central Scottsdale)

Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Camelback Golf Club features two fantastic championship courses: the Padre Course and the Ambiente Course. Each course offers a distinct challenge, making it a premier destination for golfers seeking variety and quality. 

Ambiente is the more challenging and upscale of the two, while Padre provides a fun, approachable layout that’s still well worth the round. With 36 holes of top-notch golf and a central location, Camelback is a must-play for visitors to Scottsdale.

Quintero Golf Club (Peoria)

This is often ranked among the top public courses in Arizona, and for good reason. This Rees Jones-designed gem offers amazing desert views, pristine course conditions, and a layout that challenges golfers of all skill levels. 

Known for its dramatic elevation changes, especially on the par 3s, and flawless greens, Quintero delivers a true championship golf experience. While it’s a bit of a drive from Scottsdale, the scenic journey and incredible golf make it well worth the trip.

Whirlwind Golf Club (Chandler)

Whirlwind Golf Club boasts two exceptional courses—Cattail and Devil’s Claw—both offering generous fairways, pristine conditions, and stunning desert landscapes. It’s a lot more forgiving off the tee than most desert golf courses, and always in amazing condition.

Whirlwind has hosted the final stage of Korn Ferry Q-School several years and is a great challenge for any type of golfer. Whirlwind also features outstanding practice facilities and, with nearby casinos, it’s easy to turn your golf day into a full-on adventure.

Wigwam Golf Club (Avondale)

Wigwam Golf Club is home to 54 holes of championship golf, spread across three courses: the Gold, Blue, and Red. The Gold Course, the toughest of the three, is a favorite for Arizona Golf Association tournaments and often used as Q-school for PGA Tour Americas. 

The Blue and Red courses are more player-friendly, offering a break from the rugged desert layouts typical of Arizona. With its traditional design and resort-level amenities, Wigwam provides a memorable golf experience just west of Phoenix. Plus, the resort is a great place to stay, with other excellent courses nearby.

Budget Friendly Golf Courses 

Golf in Arizona can be expensive, but there are fantastic options that provide excellent value without compromising on quality. These courses are perfect for balancing out your bucket-list rounds while still delivering memorable experiences:

The Raven (South Phoenix): Known for its lush, tree-lined fairways—uncommon in desert golf—The Raven offers a fun and playable layout at an affordable price. It’s consistently rated as one of the best courses in the area.

Legacy Golf Resort (South Phoenix): Located next door to The Raven, this budget-friendly gem delivers a premium experience with its well-manicured fairways and excellent course conditions. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike. 

Ocotillo Golf Club (Chandler): With three nine-hole courses featuring plenty of water hazards, Ocotillo provides a refreshing change from traditional desert golf. The scenic layout makes it a must-play for golfers seeking variety.

Southern Dunes (Maricopa): A bit of a drive from Phoenix, but well worth it for its dunes-style championship layout and affordable green fees. This course hosts top Arizona Golf events, US Open qualifiers, and Korn Ferry Q-School, offering a taste of professional-level play. With over 180 bunkers, make sure you bring your sand game!

Talking Stick Golf Resort: Offering two distinct courses, Talking Stick delivers great value in the heart of Scottsdale. Add in a nearby casino and Topgolf right next door, and it’s the perfect spot for a day packed with golf and entertainment.

McDowell Mountain: Nestled in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, this course combines stunning views with a layout that’s both playable and challenging. A hidden gem for those looking for a scenic and affordable round.

These courses prove you can enjoy world-class golf in Arizona without breaking the bank.

Evening Golf Activities

After your round, make sure to check out these golf related activities at night. 

Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills 

Did you know there are only 20 fully lit night golf courses in the United States? Arizona is home to one, thanks to Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills.

Play 18 during the day and come back for more under the lights. This cutting-edge facility features a modern driving range with Toptracer technology and 18 holes of day and night golf. 

With a laid-back vibe (T-shirts are the norm), it’s a fun way to test your game after dark. Night golf runs from dusk to midnight, seven days a week, with a special nine-hole option after 9 PM.

Top Golf (3 Locations)

Topgolf’s three Phoenix-area locations (Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Glendale) offer climate-controlled hitting bays, awesome food and drinks, and a variety of games. 

Perfect for groups, it’s a lively spot to enjoy golf at night. Just be prepared for weekend crowds, as it’s always busy—consider paying extra to reserve a bay and skip the wait.

Popstroke 

Created in collaboration with Tiger Woods, PopStroke offers a modern twist on mini-golf. With locations in Scottsdale and Glendale, you can enjoy beautifully designed putting courses, a full-service bar, and fantastic food options. It’s a unique experience, but expect long wait times during peak hours since they don’t take reservations.

Putting World

For the serious golfer, Putting World in Scottsdale is a must-visit. This indoor facility is all about putting, with advanced technology, challenging greens, and a social atmosphere. Whether you’re practicing, competing, or just enjoying the vibe, Putting World offers a distinctive way to spend your evening.

DraftKings Scottsdale

If you’re near TPC Scottsdale or in North Scottsdale, head to the DraftKings Sportsbook at night. With big screens, a vibrant atmosphere, and great food, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the course.

Indoor Simulators 

For a private and customizable golf experience, indoor simulators are a fantastic choice. Scattered across the valley, these facilities let you play virtual versions of world-class courses, fine-tune your swing, or compete with friends. It’s an excellent way to stay sharp while avoiding cooler evenings.

These evening golf activities ensure the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Whether you’re looking to practice, compete, or just relax, there’s something for everyone.

Planning Your Phoenix Golf Trip

Planning a winter golf trip to Arizona is an incredible experience, but preparation is key. Make sure to book your tee times as far in advance as possible, especially at the more popular courses, as they fill up quickly during peak season. 

Don’t forget to plan your transportation—having a car is essential to explore all the amazing courses and activities the area has to offer. With a little preparation, your Arizona golf getaway will be unforgettable!

About Michael Leonard

Michael is a mental golf coach and the creator of Wicked Smart Golf. He uses his platform to help golfers play more consistently and lower their handicaps through his 5-pillar approach—focusing on mental strategies, practice routines, short game, putting, and course management lessons. If he’s not working on his business, Michael is probably fine-tuning his game or playing in a golf tournament.