Scottsdale, AZ is the premier resort golf destination in the continental United States — a market where TPC Scottsdale charges $310 for a peak winter round and municipal courses down the road charge $28. The 75+ public and semi-private courses break cleanly into three tiers, and understanding which tier fits your goals determines whether Scottsdale is a great trip or an expensive disappointment. Here's the complete 2026 breakdown.
Scottsdale Green Fees by Tier (2026)
| Course | Peak Weekday | Summer Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise Valley Golf Course | $28 | $20 | City-operated, walkable |
| Palo Verde Golf Course | $32 | $22 | Executive, city of Phoenix |
| Papago Golf Course | $38 | $26 | Best muni, 4.2 ★ |
| Kierland Golf Club | $110 | $55 | Mid-tier, 4.2 ★, great conditions |
| Grayhawk Golf Club (Talon) | $130 | $65 | David Graham design, 4.4 ★ |
| We-Ko-Pa (Cholla) | $155 | $75 | Top-10 in Arizona, 4.6 ★ |
| Troon North (Monument) | $200 | $90 | Tom Weiskopf, 4.5 ★ |
| TPC Scottsdale (Champions) | $155 | $65 | 4.3 ★, more accessible |
| TPC Scottsdale (Stadium) | $275 | $110 | WM Phoenix Open venue, 4.5 ★ |
| We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro) | $195 | $90 | Scott Miller design, 4.7 ★ |
Peak rates are November–April. Summer rates June–September. Verify before booking.
Tier 1: Municipal Courses ($28–50)
Scottsdale and the surrounding City of Phoenix operate several municipal courses that offer solid playing conditions at a fraction of resort pricing. Paradise Valley Golf Course ($28 weekday) and Papago Golf Course ($38 weekday, 4.2 stars) are the standouts — both allow unrestricted walking and are genuinely well-maintained by municipal standards. These are where local golfers play most of their rounds.
Tier 2: Mid-Range Resort Courses ($80–150)
Kierland Golf Club ($110 peak) is the best value at this tier — a Scott Miller design attached to the Kierland Commons development with consistently strong conditions and a 4.2 rating. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor and Talon courses, $110–150 peak) has hosted collegiate and professional events and remains one of the most popular public facilities in the Scottsdale market. Both courses drop to $55–75 in summer — among the best value plays in Arizona golf.
Tier 3: Premium Resort Courses ($150–310)
This is what Scottsdale is known for globally. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Cholla and Saguaro courses) consistently earns the highest ratings in the market — the Saguaro course at 4.7 stars is among the best-rated public golf courses in Arizona. At $155–195 peak weekday, it delivers genuinely premium desert course design.
TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course— home of the WM Phoenix Open, the most-attended professional golf tournament in the world — runs $275 on peak weekdays. The 16th hole"stadium" setting is one of the iconic golf experiences in the sport. Summer rates drop to $110.
Troon North (Monument and Pinnacle courses by Tom Weiskopf) at $175–200 peak is the architectural standout — two desert courses carved through natural Sonoran Desert terrain without significant earthmoving. The best pure golf design in Scottsdale at a price below the TPC.
Summer in Scottsdale: When the Math Changes
Peak-season Scottsdale golf is expensive. Summer Scottsdale golf is a different calculation entirely. We-Ko-Pa drops from $195 to $90. Troon North drops from $200 to $90. TPC Scottsdale Stadium drops from $275 to $110. These are legitimate resort courses at semi-private prices. The requirement: tee off by 7 AM to finish before temperatures hit 110°F. For golfers willing to set a 5:30 AM alarm, June–August is when Scottsdale delivers its best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TPC Scottsdale green fee?
TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course (WM Phoenix Open venue) runs $175–310 weekday during peak season (December–April). The Champions Course runs $95–155. Summer rates (June–September): Stadium $80–120, Champions $45–70. Book directly at tpc.com.
What is the best golf course in Scottsdale?
We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Course (4.7 stars, Scott Miller design) consistently earns the highest ratings of any public-access course in Scottsdale. Troon North Monument Course (Tom Weiskopf, 4.5 stars) is the best pure architectural experience. TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course is the most famous. For value, Kierland Golf Club and Grayhawk Talon deliver the best quality-to-price ratio.
When is Scottsdale golf cheapest?
Summer (June–September) drops premium courses 40–60% from peak pricing. We-Ko-Pa, Troon North, and Grayhawk all become genuinely affordable. Early morning tee times (before 7 AM) are required to finish before extreme heat. Book 1–2 weeks in advance even in summer for the best courses.
Is Scottsdale golf worth the price?
For destination golfers who prioritize course quality, yes — Scottsdale's premium tier ($150–300) offers some of the best-conditioned and best-designed resort golf in the world. For budget-conscious players, Phoenix municipal courses (Papago, Encanto) offer solid value nearby. Summer pricing makes the premium courses accessible at roughly half the peak-season rate.