What are the best Scottsdale courses for early morning tee times?

Papago, Talking Stick (O’odham), and We-Ko-Pa are among the top public courses for early morning golf in Scottsdale.

Why is morning golf better in Scottsdale?

Cooler temperatures, freshly prepped greens, faster pace of play, and scenic sunrises make early morning rounds ideal in Scottsdale.

When should I book early tee times in Scottsdale?

During peak season, it's best to book 7–10 days in advance for early slots, especially at popular courses like We-Ko-Pa or Grayhawk.

Scottsdale

Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for Early Morning Tee Times

Start your round early with these Scottsdale golf courses known for smooth greens, quiet mornings, and perfect sunrise views.

July 25, 2025 · 6 min read

If you're the kind of player who loves crisp air, smooth greens, and finishing before lunch, early morning golf in Scottsdale is the move. You’ll beat the heat, dodge the crowds, and sometimes even grab a discount.

This guide breaks down the best public courses in Scottsdale for early morning rounds, perfect for sunrise tee shots and stress-free pacing.

Quick Answer: Best Early Morning Rounds in Scottsdale

Papago, Talking Stick (O'odham), and We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) are three of the top spots for early tee times in Scottsdale thanks to quiet starts, top conditions, and spectacular sunrises.

Why Morning Golf is Better in Scottsdale

Cooler temperatures: Essential during spring and summer
Freshly prepped greens: Cut and rolled before most players arrive
Faster pace of play: Fewer groups and distractions
Golden hour lighting: Ideal for both photos and visibility

Let’s dive into the best public-access courses that shine in the early hours.

See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.

Get the free sample itinerary

Top Public Golf Courses for Morning Tee Times

1. Papago Golf Club

Phoenix | $

One of the best budget-friendly morning rounds around. You’ll catch the sun rising over Papago Buttes, and it’s ideal if you're staying near Tempe or South Scottsdale.

Early tee times are plentiful
Fast, wide fairways make for quick play
Sunrise views of Camelback Mountain

Pro Tip: Grab a breakfast burrito from Lou’s Bar and Grill after the round.

2. Talking Stick Golf Club (O’odham Course)

Central Scottsdale | $$

Flat terrain, walkable layout, and minimal desert brush, a fantastic pace-of-play option in the morning.

Resort-style greens and great maintenance
Overlooks the mountains to the east at sunrise
Often one of the first tee sheets to open

Fun for groups who want to finish early and head to brunch or the pool.

Looking for a Scottsdale stay and play? Get matched with a curated course lineup plus the perfect hotel or golf house in seconds.

View Scottsdale Stay and Plays

Planning a Scottsdale golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.

Get Scottsdale Itinerary

3. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course)

Fort McDowell | $$$

If you want scenery plus pristine greens, We-Ko-Pa in the early AM is unbeatable.

Quiet, remote desert vibe at sunrise
No homes, no traffic, just golf
One of Arizona’s top-rated public courses

Pro tip: Book a sunrise slot here and thank us later.

4. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)

North Scottsdale | $$$

Known for top-tier service and greens that are immaculate first thing in the morning.

Tee boxes framed with desert blooms
Great for bachelor trips or upscale groups
Excellent breakfast options at the clubhouse

5. McDowell Mountain Golf Club

North Scottsdale | $$

One of the best city-owned courses with consistent maintenance and early tee time availability.

Overlooks the McDowell range
Affordable compared to nearby resorts
Often has same-day early slots available

A solid choice for a quick getaway morning round.

Not sure which destination fits your crew? Take our 30-second Golf Trip Quiz and get matched instantly.

Take Quiz Now

Best Times to Book for AM Tee Times

Summer: Book as early as 5:30–6:00 AM to beat the heat
Winter: Sunrise starts shift to 7:00–7:30 AM
Book 5–10 days ahead for top-tier courses in season

Want us to build your schedule? Try the Custom Golf Trip Plan for a tee-time-ready itinerary that handles everything for your group.

More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides

Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?

Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.

Want to beat the heat and still play epic Scottsdale golf? This guide helps you lock down morning tee times that hit the sweet spot.

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.

Top Scottsdale Hotels & Resorts Unlock 3-Day Scottsdale Itinerary Explore the Scottsdale Content Hub Get a Free 1-Day Sample Itinerary