Great — here’s a ready-to-use 3-day Scottsdale golf itinerary with tee-time suggestions, course choices for different skill/interest levels, logistics and dining options. I’ve focused on top public and resort courses within easy drives of central Scottsdale and included practical tips (tee times, what to expect, driving times). Sources for course recommendations and local dining are cited.
Day 1 — Iconic Scottsdale golf + Old Town evening
- Morning (7:30–12:30): TPC Scottsdale — Stadium Course (play the Stadium if you want the Waste Management Phoenix Open atmosphere and the famous par‑3 16th “stadium” hole). Book an early tee time to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the course in prime condition. (blog.LoopGolf.co)
- Lunch: On‑site clubhouse or head back toward Old Town Scottsdale for a quick bite.
- Afternoon (2:00–5:00): Short game/practice at a nearby practice facility (many clubs and resorts offer range/short-game areas) or play a relaxed 9 at a municipal option like Papago if you want more golf. Papago is a good value and convenient for practice/refresher. (clubandcoastgolf.com)
- Evening: Dinner in Old Town Scottsdale — try a standout local option (e.g., The Frybread Lounge for a modern Indigenous menu or a popular steak/Italian spot in Old Town). The Frybread Lounge has been noted as a new Old Town option (opened recently). (Axios.com)
- Logistics/tips: TPC is in north Scottsdale — expect roughly 15–30 minutes drive from most central Scottsdale hotels depending on location and traffic. Reserve TPC tee times early (popular course).
Day 2 — Desert scenery & championship golf (north Scottsdale)
- Morning (7:30–12:30): Troon North Golf Club — Monument Course (or Pinnacle if you prefer a different challenge). Troon North’s courses are classic Sonoran Desert golf with large granite features and outstanding vistas — worth an early tee time to enjoy cooler temperatures and light. (scottsdale.com)
- Lunch: Troon North clubhouse or nearby Scottsdale dining (many resorts and golf clubs nearby).
- Afternoon (1:30–5:30): If your group wants a second round, consider another Troon layout (Monument + Pinnacle) or head to Grayhawk (Raptor or Talon) for variety — Grayhawk is known for conditioning and two very playable championship courses. (scottsdale.com)
- Evening: Dinner in Scottsdale — consider a steakhouse or modern American in the Kierland/Old Town area. Many hotels in this area offer good on‑site dining if you prefer to keep logistics simple.
- Logistics/tips: Troon North is in the foothills near Pinnacle Peak (expect ~20–35 minute drives from central Scottsdale). Troon North and Grayhawk both have practice facilities and pro shops — plan club cleaning and any rental needs ahead of time.
Day 3 — Pure desert golf and relaxed finish (east of Scottsdale)
- Morning (8:00–12:30): We‑Ko‑Pa Golf Club — Saguaro or Cholla Course. We‑Ko‑Pa offers unspoiled desert layouts with no houses, excellent views and a more natural Sonoran‑desert feel — great way to finish the trip. The Saguaro (Coore & Crenshaw) is especially highly rated for public access. (scottsdaleprincess.com)
- Lunch: We‑Ko‑Pa clubhouse or on‑site dining; otherwise head back toward Scottsdale for an early lunch.
- Afternoon (1:30–4:30): Optional relaxed round at Talking Stick (O’odham or Piipaash) if you want a closer course for the afternoon — Talking Stick gives a strategic course option and is often more affordable. Alternatively, schedule a spa treatment at your resort or a short scenic hike (Desert Botanical Garden or Pinnacle Peak trail) if you want a non‑golf afternoon. (clubandcoastgolf.com)
- Evening: Wrap‑up dinner — celebrate with a nice meal in Old Town/Scottsdale Quarter/Kierland Commons.
- Logistics/tips: We‑Ko‑Pa is east of Scottsdale (Fort McDowell area) — factor in a 25–40 minute drive from central Scottsdale depending on traffic. Tee times and carts tend to fill, so book in advance; We‑Ko‑Pa is a top public pick so plan accordingly. (scottsdaleprincess.com)
General planning & practical tips
- Best season: Scottsdale peak golf season is roughly November–April (cooler, dry weather) — tee times and rates are busiest then. If you’re visiting outside peak season, mornings are still best to avoid heat. (clubandcoastgolf.com)
- Booking: Reserve tee times as early as the course allows (many public courses and resorts open online booking 60–120 days out). For highly desired tee times (TPC, Troon North, We‑Ko‑Pa), book as soon as you can. (scottsdale.com)
- Pairings & pace: Scottsdale courses often manage pace well but expect 4–4.5 hour rounds for 18. If you’re in a group, confirm cart policies (some courses are walking‑friendly but carts are common). (scottsdale.com)
- Gear & rentals: Most major clubs have rental sets and quality pro shops. If you plan to rent, call ahead to confirm availability and sizes.
- Transportation: Renting a car is easiest for moving between courses and restaurants; many resorts will also coordinate transportation or have shuttles for packaged tee times.
- Budget: Green fees vary widely — expect roughly $100–$400+ depending on the course and season. Twilight rates can be good deals later in the day. (clubandcoastgolf.com)
If you want, I can:
- Fill this into specific calendar dates (e.g., pick three dates and find available tee times).
- Build a version optimized for budget (more municipal/public courses) or for “bucket list” (focus only on the most highly ranked courses).
- Reserve recommended restaurants or suggest lodging near Kierland/Old Town for shortest drives between courses.
Would you like me to check real‑time tee time availability for specific dates or tailor this to your desired pace (two rounds per day vs. one round + leisure)?