Great — here’s a practical, couple-focused plan to make a Scottsdale golf vacation relaxed, romantic, and fun for both partners whether you both play or one prefers non-golf activities.

Quick overview — what makes Scottsdale great for couples

• World-class, walkable (mostly short drives) collection of courses ranging from resort-friendly and scenic to championship layouts.
• Excellent resorts with spas, pools, and romantic dining for non-golf downtime.
• Warm, dry weather most of the year (peak season in winter/spring), abundant outdoor activities (hiking, hot air ballooning, desert tours), and superb food and wine scenes.

Step-by-step planning

1. Pick the right time to travel

• Best weather: late fall through spring (roughly November–April) — mild temps, ideal for golf and outdoor dining. Peak months (Dec–Mar) are busiest and most expensive.
• Shoulder season (Oct or Apr–May) can give good weather and better value.
• Summer (June–Sept) is hot (Arizona heat) and can be inexpensive if you don’t mind early tee times and resort pool time.

2. Decide trip length and pace

• 3–4 nights is common: includes 2–3 rounds of golf plus one day for relaxing or non-golf activities. For a more relaxed couple trip, 4–5 nights lets you split days (one golf day for each partner, one together, one spa/pool day).

3. Choose a base / resort Look for resorts that combine easy tee-time access with great non-golf amenities. Consider:

• Luxury: resorts with golf on-site or partnerships, full-service spa, pools, romantic dining (e.g., resorts near Troon/Scottsdale area).
• Mid-range: boutique hotels near Old Town Scottsdale or Scottsdale’s Indian Bend corridor for restaurants and nightlife. Priorities for couples:
• Shuttle or concierge tee-time service.
• On-site spa, heated pools, private cabanas.
• Romantic dining options and easy access to shopping and nightlife.

4. Select courses with couples in mind Pick a mix of: a scenic/desert course, a resort course where non-golfers can relax, and 1 signature/championship course if you want a “bucket-list” day. Popular types to consider:

• Resort courses with short walks or cart options so one partner can relax between holes.
• Courses with scenic views (desert vistas, saguaro-filled holes) for photo ops.
• Shorter/walkable courses or executive courses if one partner is brand-new or you want a low-pressure round.

5. Booking tee times & packages

• Book tee times as far ahead as possible for peak season. Resort packages that combine lodging + rounds + cart often save money and simplify logistics.
• Ask the resort concierge about twilight rates, couples’ packages, or “stay-and-play” promotions.
• Reserve tee times for both partners if you plan to play together — request preferred tee times (early morning is cooler and less windy).

6. Plan non-golf activities for the partner who’s not playing (or for both) Options include:

• Spa treatments and couples’ massages.
• Pool and cabana days (many resorts have luxurious pool areas).
• Old Town Scottsdale — galleries, boutiques, wine bars and restaurants.
• Desert activities — hiking (Camelback or Pinnacle Peak), guided desert jeep tours, hot-air balloon rides, horseback riding, or scenic drives.
• Cultural outings — art museums and local events.
• Wine tasting or culinary tours.

7. Dining & romance

• Make at least one reservation for a romantic dinner (steakhouse, farm-to-table, rooftop dining).
• Plan a relaxed brunch on a non-golf morning.
• Look for restaurants with patio seating to enjoy desert sunsets.

8. Logistics & packing

• Transportation: Rent a car for flexibility or rely on resort shuttles and rideshares. Parking is usually easy at resorts.
• Golf equipment: Bring your own clubs if you prefer; otherwise use resort rental clubs. Check airline/baggage policies and consider a hard travel case for clubs.
• Clothing: pack layers — mornings can be cool, afternoons warm. Include sun protection: wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and golf gloves.
• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing + golf shoes (soft spikes) if you’ll play multiple rounds.
• Health/safety: carry reusable water bottle, electrolytes for warm days, and basic first-aid items.

9. Budget (rough guidelines per person for a 3–4 night trip)

• Lodging: varies widely — budget to luxury. Expect mid-range resorts $150–400+/night; luxury $400–1000+.
• Golf rounds: $75–$350+ per round depending on course and season (resort vs private/championship).
• Food & drinks: $60–150/day per person (varies with dining choices).
• Extras (spa, activities, rentals): $100–500+ depending on choices. Tip: booking packages and midweek travel reduces costs.

10. A sample 4-day itinerary for couples (balanced golf + relaxation) Day 1 — Arrival & unwind

• Arrive, check-in, explore resort.
• Sunset cocktails and early dinner (reserve a romantic spot).

Day 2 — Golf + spa

• Early tee time for a scenic resort course (couples play together).
• Afternoon couples’ massage or spa treatments.
• Casual dinner and stroll in Old Town Scottsdale.

Day 3 — Signature round + evening out

• Morning round at a signature/championship course (one partner plays if desired; non-golf partner can enjoy pool/spa or a guided shopping/walking tour).
• Late afternoon pool time and happy hour.
• Dinner at a popular restaurant or rooftop bar.

Day 4 — Easy day & departure

• Leisurely breakfast/brunch.
• Short morning activity: desert hike, gallery visit, or hot-air balloon if time allows.
• Check-out and head home.

11. Tips to keep it romantic and low-stress

• Alternate activities so both partners get “their” time: one morning golf while the other has spa time; next day, swap.
• Book at least one private or semi-private experience (couples massage, sunset drive, private tasting).
• Keep travel bags organized so golf gear and evening wear are separated — less packing stress.
• Communicate expectations for pace (competitive vs relaxed round) before teeing off to avoid tension.

12. Booking checklist (what to reserve ahead)

• Hotel/resort room (especially for winter/spring).
• Tee times and any lessons you want.
• Spa appointments and romantic dinner reservations.
• Rental car or airport transfers.
• Any guided activities (balloon rides, jeep tours) that have limited capacity.

If you’d like, I can:

• Suggest specific resort and course pairings based on your travel dates and budget.
• Build a customized 3- or 4-day itinerary with tee-time suggestions and dining recommendations. Tell me your travel dates, budget level (economy / mid / luxury), and whether you both play or just one — and I’ll create a tailored plan.