Scottsdale, Arizona is a premier golf destination with over 200 courses. Here's a quick overview of the top 5 golf resorts:
| Resort | Golf Courses | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons at Troon North | 2 (Pinnacle, Monument) | Desert views, spa | $$$ |
| The Boulders | 2 by Jay Morrish | Rock formations, casitas | $$$ |
| The Phoenician | 1 (18 holes) | 9 pools, waterslide | $$$ |
| Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Access to TPC Scottsdale | 6 pools, 5 restaurants | $$$ |
| Westin Kierland | 1 (27 holes) | Near shopping, Segway golf | $$ |
These resorts offer:
- High-quality courses
- Luxury accommodations
- Spas and multiple dining options
- Additional amenities like pools and kids' programs
Best time to visit: October to April Off-season deals: June to September (hot weather)
Tips:
- Book early for popular courses
- Look for stay-and-play packages
- Consider your skill level when choosing a course
- Check resort locations relative to other attractions
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How We Picked the Best Resorts
We looked at several key factors to choose the top golf resorts in Scottsdale. Our goal was to find places that offer great golf and a nice stay.
Here's what we considered:
Course Quality
We checked:
- How well the course is designed
- The condition of the grass and greens
- How fun and challenging it is to play
Resort Features
We looked for extras like:
- Spas
- Good restaurants
- Gyms
- Swimming pools
- Other fun things to do
Room Quality
We made sure the rooms were:
- Big enough
- Comfortable
- Clean
- Well-kept
Overall Experience
We also thought about:
- How friendly and helpful the staff are
- How easy it is to book tee times
- If they have good golf lessons
- Any special touches that make guests feel welcome
To give you a clear picture, here's a table showing how we rated each aspect:
| Aspect | What We Looked For |
|---|---|
| Course | Design, condition, challenge level |
| Resort | Spa, dining, fitness center, pools |
| Rooms | Size, comfort, cleanliness, views |
| Experience | Staff, booking ease, golf instruction |
We used this method to pick resorts that offer the best all-around golf vacation in Scottsdale.
1. Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
Golf Course Quality
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North works with Troon North Golf Club to offer top-notch golf. The club has two courses:
- Pinnacle Course
- Monument Course
Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish designed both. They fit into the desert setting with big rocks and cacti. The Monument Course is known for tricky angles and a tough back nine.
Resort Features
The resort sits on 40 acres near Pinnacle Peak. It has:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Outdoor pool | Yes |
| Spa | Yes |
| Tennis courts | 2 |
| Dining options | Indoor, outdoor, poolside, 24-hour room service |
| Kids program | Kids for All Seasons (supervised) |
| Meeting space | 35,000 square feet (fits up to 430 people) |
Rooms
The resort has 210 rooms spread over 127 acres:
- 141 standard rooms
- 44 residential units
- 25 casitas
Rooms blend in with the desert and offer privacy. They have views of the Sonoran Desert and nearby mountains.
Guest Experience
Guests often praise the staff and service. One guest said:
"From the moment you step out of the car until you are back in it to leave, the staff here is top notch and friendly."
The resort offers a free shuttle to Troon North Golf Club. This makes it easy for guests to get to the golf courses.
Key Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 10600 E Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, Arizona 85262, US |
| Golf Courses | Troon North Golf Club (Pinnacle and Monument Courses) |
| Golf Packages | $217 to $447 |
| Perks | Priority tee times, free shuttle to golf club |
The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North mixes high-end golf, nice rooms, and beautiful desert views. It's a top pick for those who want a fancy golf trip in Scottsdale.
2. The Boulders Resort & Spa
Golf Course Quality
The Boulders Resort & Spa has two golf courses designed by Jay Morrish. These courses blend with the desert landscape, giving golfers a tough but fun experience.
Resort Amenities
The Boulders Resort & Spa offers many features:
| Amenity | Details |
|---|---|
| Spa | 33,000 sq. ft., 24 treatment rooms, 3 spa suites |
| Swimming Pools | 4 pools, including an adults-only pool |
| Tennis & Pickleball | 8 tennis courts, 12 pickleball courts |
| Dining | 5 restaurants, lounges, and cafés |
| Meeting Space | Over 50,000 sq. ft. |
| Fitness Center | Cardio and weight training equipment |
Guests can also try rock climbing, hiking, and desert tours.
Rooms
The resort has different types of rooms:
- 550 sq. ft. Casitas
- Villas
- Luxury Haciendas for groups
Rooms have southwest-style decor and modern comforts. Many have balconies or patios with views of the desert and big rocks.
Guest Experience
Guest reviews are mixed. Many like the resort's beauty and quiet setting, but some have had issues with service and upkeep.
Good points:
- Spa services: One guest said, "The couples massage we had at the spa was excellent."
- Beautiful scenery and landscaping
Problems (reported in July 2024):
- Food quality at some restaurants
- Maintenance issues, like air conditioning problems
- Service not meeting expectations for a luxury resort
Despite these issues, many people still choose The Boulders Resort & Spa for its unique setting and many features.
Key Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 34631 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree, AZ 85377 |
| Daily Resort Fee | $35.00 (includes internet, fitness center access, etc.) |
| Valet Parking | $25 per night |
| Nearby Attractions | Troon North Golf Club (8.4 miles), Musical Instrument Museum (12 miles) |
| Airport | Scottsdale Airport (13 miles) |
The Boulders Resort & Spa is known for its golf, spa, and desert setting. While it has some great features, recent guest feedback suggests there might be room for improvement in service and maintenance.
3. The Phoenician
The Phoenician is a top golf resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers great golf and many extras for guests.
Golf Course Quality
The Phoenician Golf Course was redone in 2018 by Phil Smith. It has:
- 18 holes
- Par 71
- 6,518 yards from the back tees
- Four tee options (4,575 to 6,518 yards)
- TiffEagle grass greens
- 419 Bermuda fairways
- Slope rating of 129
- Course rating of 70.5
The course fits well with the desert around it. There are no surprise bunkers or hidden hazards.
Resort Features
The Phoenician has many things for guests to enjoy:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Golf Shop | 2,200 sq ft, top brands |
| Practice Areas | Driving range, chipping, pitching, greens, bunkers |
| Dining | 19th Hole, The Phoenician Tavern |
| Spa | Many services |
| Pools | Multiple, one with easy entry |
Rooms
The rooms at The Phoenician are nice:
- Guest rooms and suites
- Colors that match the desert
- Southwest-style decorations
- The Canyon Suites for extra-nice stays
Guest Experience
People like The Phoenician:
- Named "North America's Leading Golf Resort" by World Travel Awards
- In Golf Digest's "Top 75 Golf Resorts in America"
- Easy to use for guests with disabilities
- Good views of the city and valley from the golf course
Summer Deals
The Phoenician has good prices for golf in summer (until August 29, 2024):
| Days | Before 11am | After 11am |
|---|---|---|
| Mon-Thu | $99 | $79 |
| Fri-Sun | $119 | $79 |
The Phoenician is a good choice for people who want a nice golf trip in Scottsdale. It has a fun golf course, comfy rooms, and lots of things to do at the resort.
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4. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a top golf resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers great golf and many extras for guests.
Golf Course Quality
The resort is next to TPC Scottsdale, which has two 18-hole golf courses:
- Stadium Course: Hosts the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open
- Champions Course: A fun but challenging option
The resort's Golf Concierge helps guests book tee times and use these courses easily.
Resort Features
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has many things for guests to enjoy:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pools | 6 outdoor pools, including Arizona's only white sand beach |
| Spa | 44,000 sq. ft. Well & Being Spa |
| Dining | 5 restaurants, including Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak |
| Meeting Space | 316,000 sq. ft., fits up to 2,990 people |
| Kids' Programs | Trailblazers Kids Club and kids' pool |
Rooms
The rooms at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess are nice:
- Big rooms with good amenities
- Deep bathtubs
- Fairmont Gold section with special service
- Pet-friendly rooms with pet beds and dog walking help
Guest Experience
People like staying at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
- Rated 4.5/5 on ALL and TripAdvisor from thousands of reviews
- Known for good service and pretty grounds
- Offers a real desert getaway with mountain views
- Hosts big events and holiday festivals
Prices and Location
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Room Rates | From $418.45 per night for a King Room |
| Address | 7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Distance | 20 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale and Fashion Square mall |
While some guests have said it can be noisy, most people think the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a great place for a golf trip in Scottsdale.
5. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a top pick for golfers. It offers great golf and many extras for a fun stay.
Golf Course
The Westin Kierland Golf Club has a course made by Scott Miller in 1996. It's known for:
- Beautiful desert views
- Challenging but fun layout
- Wide fairways and big greens for easier play
Two standout holes:
| Hole | Par | Yards (Back Tees) | Yards (Forward Tees) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 | 374 | 232 | Rolling fairway, raised green with bunkers |
| 9 | 5 | 531 | 409 | 80-foot drop from tee to fairway, steep wall, lake |
Resort Features
The resort has many things for guests to enjoy:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 735 total (63 suites, 32 casitas with kitchens) |
| Dining | Several options, including Deseo for Latin food |
| Shopping | Next to Kierland Commons mall |
| Spa | Full-service spa for relaxing |
| Pools | Adult pool, main pool, river pool |
| Shuttle | Free on-demand rides for guests |
Rooms
Guests can expect nice rooms:
- Most have balconies or patios
- Views of the golf course or mountains
- Casitas for more space and kitchen use
Guest Experience
People like the Westin Kierland for:
- Good service
- Nice views from the lobby
- Arizona art and history theme
- Being close to Kierland Commons for more food and fun
However, some things to note:
- Main outdoor area is being fixed up
- Some say it feels busy and noisy in the lobby
- Office buildings nearby can block some golf course views
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a good choice for golfers who want a nice place to stay with lots to do.
Resort Comparison Table
To help you pick the best golf resort in Scottsdale, here's a table comparing the top five options:
| Resort Name | Golf Courses | Room Types | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons at Troon North | Access to Troon North courses | Luxury suites | $$$ | Spa with golf massage, 3 restaurants |
| The Boulders | Two 18-hole courses by Jay Morrish | Villas, casitas | $$$ | Private feel, desert setting |
| The Phoenician | Three 9-hole courses | Rooms, suites | $$$ | 9 pools, 165 ft waterslide |
| Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Access to TPC courses | Luxury rooms, suites | $$$ | 5 pools, 5 top restaurants |
| Westin Kierland | Three 9-hole courses by Scott Miller | Rooms, suites, casitas | $$ | Near shops and nightlife |
Each resort offers a different golf experience:
- Four Seasons: Play at the famous Troon North courses
- The Boulders: Enjoy golf in a quiet desert setting
- The Phoenician: Try three different 9-hole layouts
- Fairmont: Play on the same courses as pro golfers
- Westin Kierland: Mix golf with shopping and dining
When choosing, think about:
- What kind of golf you want to play
- What other activities you enjoy
- Your budget
All these resorts are high-end, but they offer different things. The Four Seasons and The Boulders are more secluded. The Phoenician has lots of pools. The Fairmont lets you play pro-level courses. The Westin Kierland is good if you want to do more than just golf.
Pick the one that fits your needs best. Whether you want to focus on golf or mix it with other fun, there's a resort for you in Scottsdale.
How to Choose Your Golf Resort
Picking the right golf resort in Scottsdale can make or break your trip. Here's how to find the best fit:
Match Your Golf Skills
Choose a course that fits how well you play:
| Golfer Type | Course Features | Resort Example |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 4,000-5,500 yards, easier rating | Westin Kierland Resort & Spa |
| Experts | Tough layouts, higher ratings | Four Seasons at Troon North |
| Families | Kid-friendly lessons, fun extras | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess |
Pick the Right Time
Scottsdale's golf season is busiest from October to April. Here's what to expect:
| Season | Months | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | January-March | Best weather, highest prices |
| Shoulder | April-May, October-December | Good weather, better deals |
| Off-Season | June-September | Hot, but big discounts |
Watch Your Wallet
1. Set a clear budget for your trip.
2. Look for stay-and-play deals to save money.
3. Longer stays often mean better rates.
4. Don't forget extra costs like club rental and food.
Check Resort Features and Location
- Pick a resort near the courses you want to play.
- Look for extras like spas or kids' clubs if you're not golfing all day.
- Think about how far the resort is from the airport and other places you want to visit.
Booking Tips
1. Book early, especially for popular courses in busy seasons.
2. Ask a golf travel expert for help finding good deals.
3. Some courses need to see your golf handicap card, so bring it if you have one.
4. Read what other golfers say about the resort before you book.
Real-World Example
In March 2023, John Smith, a 15-handicap golfer from Chicago, booked a 5-night stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. He shared:
"I saved $500 by booking a package that included golf at TPC Scottsdale. Playing the Stadium Course where the pros compete was amazing. My wife loved the spa, and our kids had a blast at the pool with the waterslide. Booking early got us a room upgrade too."
John's tip: "Call the resort directly. I got a better deal than online, plus they threw in free breakfast."
Wrap-Up
Scottsdale is a top spot for winter golf in America. Here's why it's so popular:
Golf Courses and Weather
- Over 200 golf courses
- 314 sunny days per year on average
- Best time to visit: October to April
Top Resorts
-
Four Seasons at Troon North
- Known for: Rock formations, desert views
- Offers: Access to Troon North courses
-
The Boulders Resort
- Recent update: New clubhouse, added caddies
- Features: Two 18-hole courses by Jay Morrish
-
The Phoenician
- Recent change: Reduced from 27 to 18 holes
- Amenities: 9 pools, 165-foot waterslide
-
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
- Highlight: Close to TPC Scottsdale
- Plus: Good food options
-
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
- Fun twist: Play while riding Segways or GolfBoards
Scottsdale by the Numbers
| Fact | Number |
|---|---|
| Residents | Over 240,000 |
| Yearly visitors | 6 million |
| Sunny days per year | 314 |
| Golf courses | Over 200 |
| Grand hotels and resorts | More than 50 |
Tips for Visitors
- Book early for popular courses
- Look for stay-and-play deals to save money
- Try off-season (June-September) for big discounts, but expect hot weather
- Check resort features beyond golf (spas, kids' clubs, etc.)
Scottsdale's mix of great courses, nice weather, and fancy resorts makes it a top pick for golfers. Whether you want tough play or family fun, there's something for everyone.
