Where Locals Play: Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale According to Residents
These public golf courses are where Scottsdale locals actually golf, budget-friendly, low-key, and perfect for golfers who want to skip the touristy spots.
August 2, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
Planning a golf trip to Scottsdale? Most visitors head straight for the big-name courses, but if you want to play where locals golf, this guide’s for you. We’re skipping the overpriced resort courses and digging into the public tracks that residents play weekly, rain or shine.
These courses are popular with locals for three key reasons: value, pace of play, and no-frills solid conditions. Let’s break down where Scottsdale residents tee it up, and why these spots deserve a spot on your itinerary.
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Quick Answer: Where Do Locals Golf in Scottsdale?
Locals play public courses that offer great value, fast pace, and consistent conditions — not the overpriced resorts. Top local favorites include Coronado (social 9-hole), Silverado (full 18 at a great price), Papago (challenging but fair), Camelback Ambiente (with resident discounts), and Rolling Hills (for cheap, quick reps). If you want to play like a Scottsdale resident, start with these picks.
1. Coronado Golf Course (Best Social 9-Hole Spot)
Locals love Coronado for its casual vibe, walkability, and twilight accessibility. It’s a favorite for beginner golfers, date nights, or a quick tune-up session. Plus, it’s right near Old Town, perfect for a golf + lunch combo.
Why locals love it:
- No tee time stress
- Affordable replays
- Laid-back pace with views of Camelback
Related reading: Check out our picks for the Best 9-Hole and Executive Golf Courses in Scottsdale
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.
2. Silverado Golf Club (Best All-Around Value)
Silverado is the go-to course for locals who want a full 18-hole round without breaking the bank. Good pace, friendly layout, and proximity to central Scottsdale make it a default choice for last-minute tee times.
Why locals love it:
- Reliable tee time availability
- Friendly staff and well-kept greens
- Great walking course near hotels and Airbnbs
Planning a casual trip? You might also like our guide on the Most Underrated Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale
Planning a Scottsdale golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.
3. Papago Golf Club (Technically Phoenix, but a Local Favorite)
Just 15 minutes from Old Town, Papago is a regular part of the rotation for Scottsdale locals, especially those looking for more challenge without resort pricing. It's the home course of ASU's golf teams, but very playable for mid-handicappers.
Why locals love it:
- Wide fairways and solid desert feel
- Great practice area and clubhouse
- Sneaky-scenic views of Papago Buttes
4. Camelback Golf Club – Ambiente Course (Local Loyalty Rates Available)
While technically a resort course, Camelback’s Ambiente layout offers great conditions, and locals can often score discounts. It’s a more open design than it looks and offers a solid challenge without beating you up.
Why locals love it:
- Marriott and resident deals are available
- Consistent conditions
- Great winter spot with walkability
5. Rolling Hills Golf Course (Quick + Cheap Looper)
Want 18 holes for the price of a movie ticket? Rolling Hills in nearby Tempe is a bare-bones, hilly muni that locals use for midweek reps, practice, or casual rounds. It’s not flashy — but it delivers.
Why locals love it:
- Under-the-radar muni
- Playable in under 3 hours
- Great for beginners or low-stress golf
Local Tip: Locals Use These Booking Hacks
- TeeOff and GolfNow discounts: Locals often score same-day or next-day tee times at a major discount by checking those apps first.
- Join Troon Rewards or Arcis Prime: These programs offer frequent player deals and points, and many residents use them year-round.
- Twilight golf is huge here: From May to September, locals shift to 2 PM and later tee times to save 50–70% on green fees.
More Scottsdale Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Scottsdale for Groups
- Best Budget-Friendly Golf Courses in Scottsdale
- Best Summer Golf Deals in Scottsdale
- Best Twilight Golf in Scottsdale
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.
Plan smarter tee times and enjoy better Scottsdale rounds, no matter when you visit.
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