Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Long Weekend Trips
The best public golf courses in Scottsdale for a long weekend, ideal 36-hole combos, top vibes, and repeat-play value.
September 13, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
Planning a long weekend golf getaway to Scottsdale? You’re going to want courses that are easy to pair, fun to replay, and well-located for maximizing your time. Whether it’s a bachelor party or a buddies’ escape, these are the public courses that make a 3- or 4-day trip smooth and memorable.
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Quick Answer: Best Courses for Long Golf Weekends in Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale Champions, Talking Stick, McDowell Mountain, and Papago are top public picks for long weekends. Each offers replay value, strong second-round pairings, and easy logistics for 3–4 day golf itineraries.
Want your whole weekend pre-built? Unlock the 3-Day Scottsdale Template or Start a Custom Trip Plan to get everything lined up.
What Makes a Course Great for Long Weekend Golf Trips?
For multi-day golf trips, you want:
- Courses that are fun to replay
- Proximity to one another for easy 36-hole combos
- Variety across rounds so each day feels fresh
- Good recovery holes and casual pace for back-to-back rounds
Best Scottsdale Public Courses for Long Golf Weekends
1. TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course
North Scottsdale | $$
Less expensive than the Stadium Course but still premium, Champions offers playability, great replay value, and a solid pace of play. Ideal for day one or day three of your trip.
- Walker-friendly design
- Great food and drink options nearby
- Strong replay potential if your group wants to stay local
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.
2. Talking Stick Golf Club (O’odham & Piipaash)
Salt River Reservation | $$
Two 18-hole layouts make Talking Stick a perfect choice for 36-hole days. You can rotate courses or replay your favorite, with a casino resort just down the road.
- O’odham = flatter, links-style
- Piipaash = tree-lined, traditional
- Great for day two of the trip
Related Post: Planning a full weekend? Don’t miss our Best Scottsdale Golf Trip Itinerary for Groups
3. McDowell Mountain Golf Club
North Scottsdale | $$
This course plays great on back-to-back rounds thanks to wide fairways, a forgiving layout, and a scenic yet chill atmosphere. It’s playable for all handicaps, making it a good early trip round.
- Low-stress design
- Beautiful views without punishing desert carries
- Works well paired with Eagle Mountain or Starfire
Want this exact Scottsdale weekend? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, courses, bookings, nightlife, and more.
4. Papago Golf Club
Phoenix – Near Old Town | $–$$
Papago’s municipal status makes it a sneaky value, but the conditions, views, and big-boy layout make it worthy of any trip. A great addition to break up North Scottsdale rounds.
- Home of ASU golf
- Giant views of Papago Buttes
- Close to Phoenix airport and Old Town nightlife
5. Grayhawk – Raptor Course (if budget allows)
North Scottsdale | $$$
Want to splurge one day? Raptor delivers big drama, PGA Tour pedigree, and excellent replay value. It pairs well with other North Scottsdale courses and adds polish to your trip.
- Premier public golf experience
- 19th hole vibe is strong
- Consider pairing with McDowell or Talking Stick
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Resources
- Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
- How to Plan a Last-Minute Golf Trip to Scottsdale
- Scottsdale’s Best 9-Hole and Executive Golf Courses
- Where to Eat After Golf in Scottsdale
Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.
Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
This guide makes it easy to plan the ultimate Scottsdale golf weekend with zero stress and all the right rounds.
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