Scottsdale Insider Info

Q: How far is it from Phoenix to Scottsdale?
A: Well, that depends on where you want to go, but generally speaking, Phoenix and Scottsdale are next door to each other. Scottsdale runs north and south on the map, and borders Phoenix on the west.

Q: What airport do you fly into to get to Scottsdale?
A: Phoenix, the Sky Harbor International Airport. All major airlines served.

Q: Are discounts available through Arizona Tee Times’ service?
A: In our high season, there are few real discounts available because the demand is so high. There are a few services that offer deals on last minute tee times, but if you prefer a confirmed reservation in advance of your arrival, you must reserve at the full rate.

Q: When can I expect to get the best rates for golf in Scottsdale?
A: Unfortunately, the best time to get a great premium round at a reduced price is to come to Scottsdale during the summer months (June, July & August). If you don’t mind the heat you can save up to 50%!

Q: Are there fees for your services?
A: Arizona Tee Times does not charge any kind of service fee or advance booking fee for arranging a golf vacation.

Q: What is the best place to stay, area wise, in Scottsdale?
A: This depends on a few things: 1) How far are you willing to drive to play? 2) Do you like the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale’s Resort Row? 3) Downtown or North side?

South Scottsdale is great with its downtown area and courses like Talking Stick, Whirlwind, McCormick Ranch, Phantom Horse and Gold Canyon Ranch.

Central Scottsdale is nice too, in the area of Shea Blvd and Scottsdale Rd. with its upscale restaurants, Gainey Village and shopping at the Borgada. You can easily access We-Ko-Pa, SunRidge Canyon, and Eagle Mountain from Central Scottsdale in 15 minutes.

North Scottsdale has grown up and the Kierland area is hot right now with its night spots, fine dining and upscale shopping. From here you are only a chip shot away from the Kierland Golf Club, TPC of Scottsdale, Sanctuary, and Grayhawk, and it’s just a short drive to Legend Trail and Troon North.

Q: When does it rain in Scottsdale?
A: Scottsdale has what is referred to as a “monsoon” season in July and August, where it blows a bit and thunderstorms will move in toward afternoon. In the winter months there is not much rain to speak of and total rainfall for the year is less than 5 inches.

Q: What is the average temperature in the winter?
A: Days will average 75 degrees throughout January, February and March. Expect night temperatures in the low 60’s.

Q: How far is the Grand Canyon?
A: You can reach the canyon by car in about 4.5 hours. Note however, that it is very cold there in the winter there due to the high elevation. Air tours are available, but its best to go there in the hot summer months.

Q: I am a high handicapper. Are there courses to play that are more “user friendly” than the target-style courses?
A: Scottsdale is known for its target-style desert courses, but there are still good courses to play that are more traditional in design, with wider fairways with grass from tee to green, trees and water features, etc. Some examples of traditional-style courses would be: the Kierland Golf Club, Raven at South Mountain, McCormick Ranch, Talking Stick Golf Club, Whirlwind Golf Club and Dove Valley Ranch.

Q: When is your peak or high season?
A: January, February and March are the best weather-wise and offer warm temperatures, blue skies, windless conditions and little rainfall. Of course this is when the northeast, Midwest and south are experiencing the worst of winter, so rates are at their highest for golf and accommodations during this period.

Q: Does a “Golf Package” mean I get a discount on the components?
A: A package in high season may or may not offer a discount off the “street” rate.

Q: Does Arizona Tee Times offer “canned” golf packages where the package is all-inclusive?
A: We prefer to customize a program to fit the customer and therefore do not offer “canned” packages generally. In nine out of ten situations, the customer wants to change the components of a pre-determined package and we almost always end up with a custom designed program anyway. Most packages on the internet are “loss leaders”, designed to capture your attention with a low price and then up sell you with add-ons when you attempt to book it.

Q: Please define a “premium” course.
A: Most people who travel to Scottsdale to play golf are interested in playing the high-end, daily-fee resort courses. These courses are target-style desert layouts that are unique to the Sonoran Desert. Examples of these courses include Troon North, Legend Trail, Grayhawk, TPC and We-Ko-Pa.

Q: How much does golf cost?
A. For rate ranges by season, please refer to our rate ranges table.

Q: My group likes to play 36 holes a day. With the days shorter in winter how can we fit this in?
A: 36-hole days can be a little tricky to schedule, but if done in advance can generally be accomplished as long as the courses are close by or if a facility has more than one 18 hole course. If 36 holes is booked at the same facility most courses do not offer a replay rate where you will be guaranteed to finish.

For groups of less than 8 players, we recommend that you pre-book the first round early with Arizona Tee Times, and we'll let the starter know that you want to play more golf on the day of play. They can then book you a twilight round.

Q: What is there to do besides golf?
A: Well, nothing beats the golf here, but there are some really fun things like hot air ballooning, jeep tours, Wild West shootouts, car auctions, great shopping, nightlife and much more. A wide array of exciting activities has made Scottsdale famous as a resort destination.

Q: How far in advance can I book a tee time?
A: Arizona Tee Times can access tee times up to 120 days in advance! Public access as a general rule is 30 days or less.

Q: Do you book courses in Phoenix and the surrounding areas?
A: Yes. We offer courses in Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix that we consider “must-plays”, such as: Gold Canyon Ranch, Las Sendas Golf Club, Estrella Mountain Ranch, The Duke at Rancho El Dorado, Whirlwind Golf Club, Raven at South Mountain, Phantom Horse Golf Club and many more.

Q: What is the best way to get to the courses once I am there?
A: Not many hotels offer shuttles to the courses. Therefore, the best way to get around is to rent a car at the airport. We recommend Thrifty Car Rental.

Q: Does Scottsdale have a shoulder season where the weather is still nice and the prices are a bit lower?
A: Yes. Those periods are April/May and November/December.