What are the best Scottsdale golf courses for beginners?

Top beginner-friendly courses include Continental Golf Club, McDowell Mountain, and Talking Stick O’odham for their wide fairways and forgiving layouts.

Is Scottsdale a good place for high-handicap golfers?

Yes, Scottsdale offers several public courses that are ideal for high-handicappers, especially those with open layouts and minimal hazards.

Which Scottsdale course is best for a mixed-skill group?

McDowell Mountain Golf Club and Talking Stick O’odham are great for mixed-skill groups due to their balanced difficulty and playability.

Scottsdale

Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for High-Handicappers

New to the game or bringing beginners? These Scottsdale public courses are ideal for high-handicappers and casual rounds.

green grass field near lake under blue sky during daytime

July 20, 2025 · 6 min read

Scottsdale might be known for its championship tracks and Tour-level conditioning, but not every course needs to beat you up. If you're planning a golf trip that includes newer players, high-handicappers, or just want a more relaxed round, this guide is for you.

We've rounded up the most beginner-friendly public golf courses in Scottsdale, ones that are playable, scenic, and still deliver that Arizona golf vibe.

Quick Answer: Most Forgiving Courses in Scottsdale

Continental Golf Club, McDowell Mountain Golf Club, and Talking Stick O’odham are three of the best public courses for high-handicappers in Scottsdale. Each offers wide fairways, playable layouts, and a fun pace for newer golfers.

Seeking an itinerary that strikes the perfect balance between fun and challenge? Unlock our 3-Day Scottsdale Template, built for groups of all skill levels.

What Makes a Course Beginner-Friendly?

High-handicap and beginner golfers thrive on layouts with these features:

Wide fairways that reduce penalty shots
Shorter overall length or multiple tee options
Minimal forced carries over desert, water, or canyons
Generous landing zones off the tee
Less penal, rough, and fewer hazards

These courses won’t eliminate the challenge, but they allow more room to enjoy the round instead of hunting for golf balls.

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Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for High-Handicappers

1. Continental Golf Club

Old Town Scottsdale | $ Budget-friendly

If you're staying near Old Town, Continental is your go-to warm-up course. It’s flat, walkable, and doesn’t overwhelm new players with tricky shots.

Why it’s great for high-handicappers:

Straightforward layout with few forced carries
Wide open fairways and short par 4s
Affordable green fees and casual atmosphere

Pro tip: Great for arrival day or the morning after a big night out in Old Town.

2. McDowell Mountain Golf Club

North Scottsdale | $$

This course was redesigned with player enjoyment in mind. It’s one of the most playable courses in the area, and it still features beautiful desert backdrops.

Why it’s great for high-handicappers:

Wide, inviting fairways with a low intimidation factor
Multiple tee options with smart yardage spacing
Excellent pace-of-play management for groups

Pro tip: If your crew includes both beginners and solid players, this is the course to satisfy both.

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3. Talking Stick Golf Club – O’odham Course

Salt River | $$

Talking Stick has two great public courses, and the O’odham Course (formerly North) is the flatter, more forgiving of the two.

Why it’s great for high-handicappers:

Open fairways and minimal desert carry
Easy to walk and intuitive routing
Resort-like feel without high prices

Pro tip: Add this one to your itinerary if you’re staying at Talking Stick Resort; the post-round pool and casino access are a bonus.

4. Silverado Golf Club

Central Scottsdale | $$

Silverado is fun, straightforward, and lively. The course is short by modern standards but offers an enjoyable day without crushing the scorecard.

Why it’s great for high-handicappers:

Fun layout with forgiving landing areas
Centrally located and easy to access
Affordable and playable for mixed-skill groups

Pro tip: Great first-round course to kick off a golf weekend.

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5. Orange Tree Golf Club

Paradise Valley | $$

A more traditional parkland-style layout tucked into Paradise Valley, Orange Tree skips the desert intimidation factor and replaces it with a relaxed, tree-lined setting.

Why it’s great for high-handicappers:

No desert carries or dramatic elevation changes
Flat terrain and straightforward design
Older course feels that it’s comfortable and familiar

When to Schedule These Courses

Arrival Day: Shake off the travel without stressing over the score
First Round: Build confidence before playing tougher layouts
Group Scramble Day: Let everyone contribute without pressure
Final Day: End the trip on a fun, lighthearted note

If you want the full experience built for your crew, our 3-Day Scottsdale Itinerary includes budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and bucket-list courses all in one plan.

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Bringing beginners on your next Scottsdale golf trip? These courses keep it fun, scenic, and low-pressure so everyone in your group enjoys the round.

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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