Is January a good time to golf in Scottsdale?

Yes. January is peak season for Scottsdale golf, with sunny weather, average highs in the mid-60s to 70s, and courses in excellent condition after fall overseed.

How much are tee times in Scottsdale in January?

Expect to pay $180–$350 at premium courses like Troon North or TPC Scottsdale, $120–$180 at mid-tier courses, and $50–$100 at budget-friendly or twilight rounds.

What should I pack for a January golf trip to Scottsdale?

Bring layers. Mornings can be in the 40s, so pack a pullover or light jacket, plus a beanie or hat. By midday, short sleeves are usually comfortable in the 60–70°F range.

Do I need to book tee times early for January golf in Scottsdale?

Yes. January is peak season, so it’s best to book 30–60 days in advance for premium public courses. Afternoon and twilight rounds are easier to find last-minute.

Scottsdale

Is Scottsdale Good for Golf in January? What to Expect

Wondering if Scottsdale is worth visiting for golf in January? Here's everything you need to know about course conditions, tee time prices, weather, and travel tips.

September 7, 2025 · 6 min read

If you’re thinking about planning a golf trip to Scottsdale in January, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most popular months to visit, and also one of the most misunderstood.

Here’s a complete guide to what golf in Scottsdale is actually like in January, including course conditions, pricing, weather, crowds, and smart planning tips.

Quick Answer: Is January a Good Month for Golf in Scottsdale?

Yes, January is one of the best months to golf in Scottsdale. Expect sunshine, highs in the mid-60s to 70s, and public courses in peak condition thanks to fall overseed.

The tradeoff? Higher tee time prices and bigger crowds. Book 30–60 days ahead, layer up for cool mornings, and mix premium courses (like Troon North or We-Ko-Pa) with budget-friendly tracks to balance costs.

January Is Peak Season for a Reason

Scottsdale’s desert climate makes January a perfect escape from cold-weather states. While the rest of the country is stuck indoors or layering up, Scottsdale serves up sunshine, cool temps, and 200+ public golf courses.

Average highs: 65–70°F
Sunshine: Nearly every day
Humidity: Very low
Wind: Light breezes, rarely a factor

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Course Conditions in January

Many Scottsdale courses overseed their rye grass in October and November, which means by January:

Greens and fairways are lush and vibrant
Pace of play improves after the holidays
Bunkers and rough are usually in top shape

Premium public courses like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and We-Ko-Pa are in peak condition this month.

You’ll also love: Scottsdale Golf Courses with the Best Greens

Tee Time Prices in January

This is where January comes with a tradeoff; it's one of the most expensive months to golf in Scottsdale.

Expect to pay:

$180–$350+ at premium courses
$120–$180 at mid-tier desert layouts
$50–$100 at budget or twilight rounds

Plan and consider mixing in a few Best Budget-Friendly Golf Courses in Scottsdale to balance the cost.

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Crowds and Advance Booking

Book 30–60 days in advance for top-tier courses
Afternoon rounds are easier to snag and often cheaper
Consider twilight deals, but remember sunset is around 5:30 PM

Tips from: Last-Minute Tee Times in Scottsdale

Travel Tips for January Golf Trips

Layer up in the mornings — it’s often 40–50°F early, then warms up quickly
Bring a beanie or pullover for sunrise rounds
Stay near Old Town or North Scottsdale for easy access to both nightlife and courses
Flights and hotels fill up fast, so book accommodations early

Lodging help: Best Places to Stay for a Scottsdale Golf Trip

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Best Types of Courses to Play in January

If you're playing in January, prioritize these:

Desert-style layouts with lush rye grass (Troon North, Grayhawk, Boulders)
Courses with excellent practice facilities for warm-up in the cold
Shorter or walkable courses, in case you want to stretch your legs in the sun

Consider:

January Golf Trip Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival round at Silverado or Continental
Day 2: Full round at We-Ko-Pa or Troon North, dinner in Old Town
Day 3: Morning tee time at Grayhawk or Talking Stick before checkout

Build your trip with:

Final Thoughts: Is January a Good Time for Scottsdale Golf?

If you’re looking for warm, dry weather, stunning conditions, and a true winter golf escape, January is about as good as it gets; just be ready for the premium price tag.

With smart planning, you can mix high-end rounds with affordable gems and enjoy Scottsdale at its seasonal best.

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January brings sunshine, elite course conditions, and unforgettable winter golf; just be sure to lock in those tee times early.

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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