What’s the fastest public golf course to play in Scottsdale?

Mountain Shadows is the fastest, with 18 par-3 holes playable in under 2 hours. Continental and Talking Stick are also quick options.

How long is a round at Talking Stick or Papago?

Under normal conditions, both courses can be played in 3.5–4 hours depending on tee time and group size.

Is walking faster than riding in Scottsdale?

On flat courses like Continental or Talking Stick, walking can often be faster for small groups during non-peak hours.

Scottsdale

Best Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Fast Rounds

Need a quick 18 in Scottsdale? These public golf courses are perfect for fast rounds without sacrificing the experience.

September 23, 2025 · 6 min read

Not every round in Scottsdale needs to be a five-hour epic. Whether you're squeezing in a game before a flight or prefer faster-paced golf, the city has public courses that deliver efficient, enjoyable rounds without sacrificing the scenery.

This guide highlights Scottsdale-area courses with a strong pace-of-play reputation, smart routing, and lighter congestion, perfect for groups trying to keep things moving.

Quick Answer: Where to Play a Fast Round in Scottsdale

Courses like Talking Stick, Eagle Mountain, and Papago are known for quick rounds thanks to wide fairways, less crowding, and walkable layouts. For an even faster option, check out Mountain Shadows or the executive tracks covered in our guide to Scottsdale’s Best 9-Hole and Executive Golf Courses.

What Makes a Golf Course Fast in Scottsdale?

When we talk about fast rounds, we're looking at a few key factors:

Good pace-of-play enforcement
Wide, forgiving layouts that reduce search time
Walkability and short distances between holes
Less crowded tee sheets or efficient scheduling
Twilight flexibility for faster evening play

Let’s dive into the best Scottsdale public courses for players who value speed and efficiency.

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Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Fast Rounds

1. Talking Stick Golf Club – O’odham Course

Central Scottsdale | $$ |

With a wide, links-style layout and excellent marshaling, the O’odham Course at Talking Stick is perfect for golfers who want to keep up the pace. It’s flat, easy to walk, and rarely overly crowded compared to other top-tier resort courses.

Why it’s fast:

Flat terrain and straightforward holes
Efficient check-in and starter coordination
Excellent cart paths and routing

2. Papago Golf Club

Phoenix (Tempe-adjacent) | $ |

A Phoenix city course just minutes from Scottsdale, Papago is wide-open and well-managed. It’s affordable, easy to get on, and a local go-to for quick rounds. Tee off mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid slow groups.

Why it’s fast:

Straightforward routing
Large greens and generous landing areas
Efficient twilight pace and easy access

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3. Eagle Mountain Golf Club

Fountain Hills | $$ |

Known for great views and a relatively quick front nine, Eagle Mountain is built for players who want a fun, moderately challenging round that doesn’t take all day. Avoid peak weekends for best results.

Why it’s fast:

Quick-moving weekday tee times
Smoother back nine transitions
Less traffic than the mega-resort courses

4. Continental Golf Club

Old Town Scottsdale | $ |

If you're staying in or near Old Town, this is your spot. Continental is walkable, casual, and a perfect option for beginners or groups looking to hit the course before lunch.

Why it’s fast:

Shorter layout (par 60)
Super easy to walk
Always a laid-back, quick-play vibe

5. Mountain Shadows

Paradise Valley | $$ |

This is a short-course gem with 18 par-3 holes that can be played in under 2 hours. It’s boutique, beautifully maintained, and excellent for post-brunch or pre-dinner golf with the crew.

Why it’s fast:

Par-3 only, less than 2-hour rounds
Stylish desert design
Near luxury hotels and Old Town nightlife

For more short-round gems, check out our Best Par 3 Golf Courses in Scottsdale guide.

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When Should You Tee Off for Speed?

Mid-Morning (9:30–10:30 AM): Early groups are done, and you beat the heat.
Late Twilight (after 3 PM): Discounted and typically uncrowded.
Weekdays: Always faster than weekends, especially Tuesday–Thursday.

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Want a quick game without sacrificing desert beauty? This guide will help you tee off fast and finish strong.

Author

Ryan from 18Away Golf trip designer and editor

I help groups plan unforgettable itineraries across the top golf destinations in the U.S., blending real-golfer feedback with first-hand course research.

About the author · [email protected]

About This Scottsdale Guide

Every 18Away guide is independently written and updated by real golfers. We evaluate public access, group-friendly value, and proximity to top courses, referencing thousands of verified reviews, rate data, and on-site experience. Guides are refreshed regularly as conditions & pricing change over time.

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