How to Split Costs on a Scottsdale Golf Trip
Here’s how to split up golf, lodging, and extras for your Scottsdale trip so no one gets stuck footing the bill.
By Ryan at 18Away • July 10, 2025 • 7 min read
Want to avoid awkward Venmo requests or splitting hairs at the bar? Here’s a simple, stress-free breakdown of how to divide expenses on a Scottsdale golf weekend, whether you're planning for four or twelve.
Quick Answer: How to Split Costs on a Golf Trip
Split everything into four categories: golf, lodging, transportation, and extras, and have one person handle the front charges where possible. Use a shared Google Sheet or an expense app like Splitwise. Avoid trying to settle up after every hole or drink.
Why Splitting Golf Trip Costs Gets Messy (and How to Avoid It)
Even if you’re with your closest friends, nothing kills the vibe like one guy getting stuck with the full bar tab or another scrambling to book every tee time. Planning ahead can prevent:
- Resentment over uneven payments
- Confusion about who paid what
- Unpaid balances or awkward reminders
This guide keeps it clean, simple, and fair, especially for groups heading to Scottsdale, where costs can vary wildly depending on your trip style.
What Should You Budget For on a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
There are four major categories to account for:
1. Golf
Rounds can range from $70 at budget-friendly options like Papago to $400+ for showpieces like TPC Scottsdale during peak season.
Pro Tip: Agree upfront on how many rounds you’re playing and your price range.
Use the 18Away golf quiz or unlock the 3-Day Scottsdale Template to see full cost breakdowns.
2. Lodging
Whether you’re booking an Old Town Airbnb or staying at resorts like the W Scottsdale or Hyatt Gainey Ranch, your lodging strategy sets the tone for the weekend.
Best Practice: Price the full stay and split evenly by number of heads, not by bed, especially for shared rooms or bunk-style setups.
Related: Best Places to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
3. Transportation
Rental vans, Uber rides, airport transfers, they add up. If someone drives or rents, have them tally costs upfront and divide later.
Scottsdale Tip: If you’re staying near Old Town, you can walk or Uber most places, which saves big on van rentals.
4. Meals, Drinks, and Nightlife
Scottsdale is full of group-friendly restaurants and high-energy nightlife spots. Dinner at Maple & Ash or bottle service at Maya Day + Nightclub will hit the bill hard if not accounted for.
Approach: Decide on how meals are handled, rotate who pays, split evenly each time, or Venmo one person after group meals.
Best Tools to Split Trip Costs
Here’s what we’ve seen work for dozens of trips:
Splitwise
Free and intuitive. Create a group, add expenses, and track who owes what.
Google Sheets (18Away Membership)
Track golf, food, hotel, and group expenses across days. Explore the 18Away Membership to find out more.
One-Person Front Strategy
One organizer pays for tee times, house, etc., and everyone Venmo's their share. Easiest if you trust each other.
Budget Breakdown by Group Size
For 4 Players:
• Budget: $700 to $950 per person
• Mid-Range: $1,250 to $1,600 per person
• Luxury: $2,000 to $2,500 per person
For 8 Players:
• Budget: $650 to $900 per person
• Mid-Range: $1,200 to $1,500 per person
• Luxury: $1,900 to $2,400 per person
For 12 Players:
• Budget: $600 to $850 per person
• Mid-Range: $1,150 to $1,450 per person
• Luxury: $1,850 to $2,300 per person
Mistakes to Avoid When Splitting Costs
- Don’t split by room. It’s rarely fair. Divide the total rent evenly.
- Avoid last-minute paybacks. Track costs during the trip, not after.
- Don’t forget taxes and tips. Add a buffer to meal or service expenses.
Real-Trip Tip
Most groups that use our 3-Day Scottsdale Template appreciate that we include a full cost splitter and tee-time planner built into the download. If you’re handling this all manually, at least set expectations before arrival.
Related: Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
- Best Places to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip
- How to Plan a Scottsdale Bachelor Golf Trip
- Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale
Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
- Take the Golf Trip Quiz
- Unlock the 3-Day Scottsdale Template
- View Scottsdale Content Hub
- Start a Custom Golf Trip Plan
Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
I've helped over 100 groups pull off legendary golf weekends, and a clear cost plan makes a big difference.
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