Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for Practice Facilities
Where to warm up in Scottsdale? These public courses have the best practice ranges, short game areas, and putting greens.
July 24, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
If your crew wants to dial in before teeing off or just hit the range to loosen up, not all Scottsdale courses are built equally. Some have full warm-up zones with dedicated short game areas. Others? Just a small hitting net and a prayer.
Here’s a breakdown of the best public golf courses in Scottsdale for practice facilities, so you can warm up like the pros and start your round sharp.
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Quick Answer: Best Practice Facilities in Scottsdale
TPC Scottsdale, Grayhawk, and Talking Stick offer the most complete public-access practice experiences in Scottsdale, including full-length ranges, bunker zones, and large putting greens.
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What Makes a Great Practice Facility?
Here’s what we looked for:
- Full-length driving range (with real grass preferred)
- Short game area with bunkers and chipping space
- Large putting greens that reflect course speeds
- Availability before your round, not just for members
These public courses stand out for getting your game ready, especially on golf-heavy weekends.
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Top Scottsdale Public Courses with Great Practice Facilities
1. TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course
North Scottsdale | $$$
As a PGA Tour host, TPC has elite-level practice space open to the public when you book a round. The range is massive and pristine, and the putting complex matches course conditions.
Why it’s great:
- Multiple short game areas with bunkers
- Huge putting green mimics tournament speeds
- Grass range with pyramids of balls
Pro tip: Book a tee time with warm-up access and feel like a pro before you walk onto 16.
2. Grayhawk Golf Club – Raptor & Talon
North Scottsdale | $$$
Grayhawk’s practice complex is a standout, spacious, and designed for serious warm-ups. Their short game area includes a massive chipping green with bunkers.
Why it’s great:
- Dual-ended driving range with grass
- Huge putting green between both courses
- Practice space used by college teams and touring players
Pro tip: A smart pick for high-handicappers and low-handicappers alike looking to prep right.
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3. Talking Stick Golf Club
East Scottsdale | $$
Home to one of the largest driving ranges in the area, Talking Stick also offers affordable tee times and space to work on your whole game.
Why it’s great:
- Wide open range, often uncrowded
- Ample space for chipping and pitching
- Budget-friendly with high-end features
Pro tip: Ideal for groups who want to swing before rounds or practice between days.
4. McDowell Mountain Golf Club
North Scottsdale | $$
Often overlooked, McDowell Mountain has a great public range, short game zone, and putting green. Plus, the vibe is relaxed, and you won’t feel rushed.
Why it’s great:
- Realistic green speeds
- A short game area is never too packed
- Sunset range sessions are gorgeous
Pro tip: Pairs perfectly with a warm-up day or your arrival afternoon.
5. Papago Golf Club
Phoenix (near Tempe) | $
The longtime ASU practice facility has legit short game space and plenty of room to stretch out. Great for a budget round that doesn’t skimp on pre-round reps.
Why it’s great:
- Large short game green
- Near Old Town for easy access
- Budget pricing without sacrificing range quality
Pro tip: Best value if you want to hit balls before a round under $100.
More Ways to Warm Up
- Book an early range session even if you’re not playing that day
- Use a twilight tee time and show up 60–90 minutes early
- Mix in a lesson at spots like Talking Stick or TPC Scottsdale if you're rusty
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
- Best Places to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
- Scottsdale Golf Courses with the Best Greens
- Hidden Gem Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
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Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
Planning on a budget doesn’t mean settling for second-rate courses; this guide helps you play smart and save big.
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