What are the best Scottsdale golf courses for a 2-hour round?

Mountain Shadows Short Course, Continental Golf Club, and Papago's practice loop are among the best options for a fast, 2-hour round in Scottsdale. They offer quick pace of play without sacrificing scenery or fun.

Can I play 18 holes in under 2 hours in Scottsdale?

Yes, Mountain Shadows' par-3 Short Course is designed to be played in under 2 hours, especially for groups of two or solo golfers.

Is there a good golf course near Old Town Scottsdale for a quick round?

Continental Golf Club is located near Old Town Scottsdale and offers a flat, walkable layout ideal for fast play — perfect for fitting in a round before or after group activities.

Are there twilight golf options for quick 9-hole play in Scottsdale?

Yes, Orange Tree Golf Club offers twilight front-nine access, allowing you to play 9 holes quickly late in the day. It’s a great option for a short but satisfying round.

Where should I play golf on a travel day in Scottsdale?

For travel days with limited time, Mountain Shadows, Continental Golf Club, and Papago's 3-hole loop are all great picks for squeezing in a fast round before or after your flight.

Scottsdale

Quick But Quality: Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for a 2-Hour Round

These Scottsdale golf courses are perfect when time is tight; get in, play fast, and still enjoy a memorable desert golf experience.

August 6, 2025 · 4 min read

By Ryan at 18Away

Sometimes you don’t have time for 18. Sometimes even 9 feels like a stretch. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip the course altogether.

Whether you're in town for a bachelor party, flying out in the afternoon, or just need a quick fix, Scottsdale has a handful of public-access courses that deliver fast, fun golf in 2 hours or less, without sacrificing scenery or vibe.

Here’s where to tee it up when the clock is ticking.

Quick Answer: Best Fast Golf Rounds in Scottsdale

If you only have two hours, head to Mountain Shadows Short Course or Continental Golf Club. Both offer fun, fast-paced layouts that can be played in under 90–120 minutes.

For even quicker loops, try Papago’s 3-hole practice loop or Orange Tree’s twilight front nine. These are the best public-access options for squeezing in golf without sacrificing Scottsdale vibes.

1. Mountain Shadows (Short Course)

This is the king of quick Scottsdale rounds. A full 18-hole par-3 layout, Mountain Shadows can be played in 90–120 minutes and still feels like a high-end experience thanks to manicured conditions and Camelback views.

Highlights:

18 par-3 holes
Drinks-to-go welcome
Often takes 90 minutes to walk

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2. Continental Golf Club

Located right near Old Town, Continental is flat, playable, and fast. It’s a popular walking course that offers twilight and super-twilight rates, making it even more accessible for last-minute play.

What makes it ideal:

Flat layout, very walkable
Short par 4s and reachable par 5s
Under-the-radar, rarely slow pace

Also featured in: Best Budget-Friendly Golf Courses in Scottsdale

3. The Short Course at Mountain Shadows

Yes, it deserves a second mention. If you're playing as a twosome or solo, it’s not unusual to complete this course in 75 minutes flat. With pushcarts and music encouraged, it's a great vibe.

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4. Papago Golf Course (Practice Loop)

Just outside Scottsdale proper, Papago offers a 3-hole practice loop that’s ideal for squeezing in swings on a busy day. It’s meant for working on your game, but you can treat it like a mini course with buddies.

Why it works:

Can be played in 30–45 minutes
Cheap, accessible, fun
Bonus if you're already nearby for airport travel

5. Orange Tree Golf Club (Front Nine Twilight)

Orange Tree’s front nine is open for twilight-only play, which makes it a great option if you want to get in a quick 9 late in the day. It’s a traditional parkland layout with wide fairways and fast play.

Bonus: Mini Itineraries for Fast Rounds

Here’s how to build a fast-paced Scottsdale golf itinerary:

Arrival Day (Afternoon Flight): Play Continental or Papago
Departure Day (Morning Round): Mountain Shadows Short Course
Double Dip: Play 9 at Orange Tree, then sunset drinks in Old Town

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Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.

Short on time? These fast Scottsdale rounds make sure no hour goes to waste, even on your busiest trip day.