Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for Winter Trips
Winter is prime golf season in Scottsdale. These public courses combine perfect weather, top conditions, and peak-season energy for unforgettable winter golf trips.
September 2, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
Scottsdale in winter is as good as it gets. While the rest of the country is layering up or packing the clubs away, you're teeing off under blue skies, surrounded by saguaros and 70-degree sunshine. But not all courses shine equally in peak season. If you're booking a Scottsdale golf trip between November and March, these public courses stand out for winter-ready conditions, scenery, and group-friendly vibes.
Jump to Section
Quick Answer: Best Scottsdale Courses for Winter Trips
The best public golf courses in Scottsdale for winter trips are Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, Talking Stick, Camelback Ambiente, Papago, Grayhawk, and Eagle Mountain. Each delivers peak-season conditions, cool desert mornings, and unforgettable scenery from November through March.
1. Troon North Golf Club
Widely considered one of the best winter golf experiences in Scottsdale, Troon North’s Pinnacle and Monument courses offer top-tier maintenance, lush rye overseed, and dramatic desert landscapes.
Why in Winter:
- Premier conditioning during peak season
- Rye grass pops against the granite boulders
- Feels luxurious without needing a private club badge
Booking Tip: Book 60–90 days in advance for prime times.
2. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
Both Saguaro and Cholla at We-Ko-Pa stay in pristine condition through the winter months, with no homes or roads to interrupt the views, just pure Sonoran desert golf.
Why in Winter:
- Saguaro is walking-friendly in cooler temps
- Unobstructed views of the Four Peaks
- Consistently ranked among Arizona’s best public courses
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife for the perfect 3-day getaway.
3. Talking Stick Golf Club
With its central location and expansive layout, Talking Stick’s O’odham and Piipaash courses are winter favorites, especially for larger groups or those staying near Old Town.
Why in Winter:
- Fast, firm play thanks to overseeded fairways
- Easy logistics for resort groups
- Affordable compared to other premium courses
4. Camelback Golf Club (Ambiente Course)
Ambiente's layout is visually striking in winter, with rye fairways flanked by rolling desert hills and views of Camelback Mountain.
Why in Winter:
- Unique desert-modern design
- Convenient for Paradise Valley stays
- Cool mornings turn into perfect mid-day rounds
5. Papago Golf Club
Just minutes from the airport and still delivering a scenic desert experience, Papago shines with strong winter conditions, a great range, and an upgraded clubhouse.
Why in Winter:
- Excellent pace of play
- Dramatic views of Papago Buttes
- Great for arrival or departure day golf
Want this exact Scottsdale weekend? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, courses, bookings, nightlife, and more.
6. Grayhawk Golf Club
Raptor and Talon are tournament-ready in winter and offer strong group options, plus the chance of spotting PGA or LIV pros getting in offseason reps.
Why in Winter:
- Always in top shape during peak season
- Great clubhouse and food scene
- A lively atmosphere in January and February
7. Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Nestled in the McDowell foothills, Eagle Mountain stays quiet compared to the big resorts but offers excellent winter value and eye-popping views.
Why in Winter:
- Crisp, dry mornings and scenic elevation changes
- Less crowded than the Scottsdale core courses
- Ideal for sunrise rounds with Instagram-worthy vistas
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
- Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
- Where to Eat After Golf in Scottsdale
- What to Pack for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
- Best Scottsdale Golf Trip Itinerary for Groups
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.
Whether you’re chasing sunshine in January or planning a peak-season getaway, these Scottsdale public courses guarantee world-class winter golf, perfect conditions, desert beauty, and memories your group will be talking about long after the trip.
Other Destinations:
Unlock the ultimate 3-day itinerary that blends championship golf, dayclub debauchery, and iconic Vegas nightlife.
Discover a 3-day itinerary that combines iconic Lowcountry golf, beach bar crawls, and a nightlife scene that punches way above its weight.
This 3-day itinerary blends legendary championship courses with oceanfront views, fresh coastal cuisine, and California wine country vibes.
This 3-day itinerary delivers legendary Donald Ross designs, longleaf pines, rolling fairways, and an atmosphere that is historic and laid-back.
This 3-day itinerary blends iconic desert courses with stylish eats, vintage-chic nightlife, and enough sunshine for everyone.
