Why is Scottsdale considered the golf capital of the Southwest?

Scottsdale offers more than 200 public golf courses, world-class resorts, year-round weather, and top-tier group trip experiences — making it unmatched in the Southwest.

Is Scottsdale good for group golf trips?

Yes, Scottsdale is perfect for groups — with replay deals, flexible lodging, tons of dining options, and group-friendly courses.

When’s the best season to golf in Scottsdale?

November through April is peak season thanks to cool desert mornings and prime overseed conditions.

Scottsdale

What Makes Scottsdale the Golf Capital of the Southwest?

Why Scottsdale dominates as the golf capital of the Southwest, from course density to elite resorts and year-round sunshine.

a river running through a city next to tall buildings

August 21, 2025 · 6 min read

There’s a reason every bachelor party, guys' trip, and serious golf crew puts Scottsdale at the top of their bucket list. With more than 200 courses, sunshine 330 days a year, and a resort scene that rivals Vegas, it’s earned its title as the Golf Capital of the Southwest.

Let’s break down why this desert golf paradise outshines every other city in the region, and what makes it the #1 pick for group trips, competitive rounds, and unforgettable weekends.

Quick Answer: Why Is Scottsdale the Golf Capital?

Scottsdale is the Golf Capital of the Southwest because it combines 200+ public-access courses, top-tier golf resorts, elite winter conditions, and vibrant post-round nightlife, all within a 30-minute drive radius. It’s the most golf-saturated, group-friendly city west of Pinehurst.

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Unmatched Course Density and Variety

Scottsdale has over 200 public-accessible golf courses in the greater metro, many within 20–30 minutes of Old Town.

Desert layouts: Think Troon North, We-Ko-Pa, and Eagle Mountain
Parkland-style escapes: Like Papago or Arizona Grand
Quick 9s & execs: For casual crews and arrival-day warmups

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No matter your handicap or group size, there’s a mix of courses at every price point, all in one place.

Year-Round Golf Weather

Golf in shorts while your buddies back home shovel snow.

Scottsdale thrives with 330+ sunny days per year, cool desert mornings in winter, and late-season deals in summer.

Seasonal highlights:

Winter (Nov–Feb): Peak overseed season and perfect temps
Spring (Mar–May): Mild mornings, desert blooms, and packed tee sheets
Fall (Sept–Oct): Great rates and golden hour rounds
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot deals and early tee times

Explore:

Best Time of Year to Golf in Scottsdale

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World-Class Golf Resorts

Stay-and-play is the next level in Scottsdale. The resorts here cater directly to golf travelers, with on-site courses, spa setups, and built-in trip flexibility.

Top picks:

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess + TPC Scottsdale
Boulders Resort
Talking Stick Resort

These spots anchor trips for guys' groups, mixed couples weekends, or corporate golf retreats.

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It is Built for Groups

From 8-man match play crews to full-blown 24-person tournaments, Scottsdale delivers:

Dozens of courses with group replay discounts
Plenty of walkable nightlife in Old Town
Restaurants with group-friendly setups
Tee times that run like clockwork, even during peak season

Planning a large crew? Check out:

Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for Big Groups

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

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Nightlife and Non-Golf Perks

You’re not stuck in the course.

Scottsdale’s unmatched off-course appeal includes:

Old Town clubs and bars
Pool parties, speakeasies, and rooftops
World-class spas and resort pools
Hiking, UTV tours, and desert adventure

It’s why Scottsdale is the #1 golf trip destination for bachelor parties and group getaways nationwide.

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Scottsdale’s course density, year-round golf weather, and resort flexibility make it the Golf Capital of the Southwest, no contest.

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.

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