Arizona is one of the great winter golf destinations. Between January and April, while much of North America is under snow, golfers flock to the Sonoran Desert for blue skies, warm days and emerald fairways laid out between saguaro cactus, rocky foothills and dramatic mountain views. Desert golf is a unique experience: target golf, where the fairways are green islands surrounded by sand, rock and cactus. Here is how to plan a trip and play well when you get there.
Why golf in Arizona?
- Reliable sunshine. Phoenix is one of the sunniest cities in the USA.
- Choice. Hundreds of courses, from luxury desert resorts to affordable public layouts.
- Distinctive golf. Desert target golf feels completely different from parkland or links courses.
- More to do. Hiking, spas, national parks, red-rock scenery and spring baseball training in the Phoenix area.
The main golf regions
Phoenix and Scottsdale (the Valley of the Sun)
The Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and the West Valley, has the largest concentration of courses in the state. Scottsdale in particular is known for upscale desert resorts, while the wider valley has plenty of good-value public and municipal courses.
- Best for: choice, luxury resorts and lively evenings.
- Good to know: peak-season prices are high, and the area hosts a hugely popular professional tournament each February, when accommodation prices soar.
Tucson
About two hours south of Phoenix, Tucson is a little higher, a little cooler and generally quieter. Its courses run up into the foothills of the surrounding mountains, with wonderful views over the city and desert.
- Best for: a quieter desert trip with good value.
Sedona and the high country
Sedona's red-rock scenery makes it one of the most beautiful places to play golf in the USA. Further north, Flagstaff and Prescott sit much higher, with cool pine-forest golf in summer.
| Location | Approximate elevation |
|---|---|
| Phoenix | 1,100 ft (340 m) |
| Tucson | 2,400 ft (730 m) |
| Sedona | 4,300 ft (1,300 m) |
| Prescott | 5,400 ft (1,650 m) |
| Flagstaff | 7,000 ft (2,100 m) |
At higher elevations the ball flies further and the weather is cooler, so high-country golf is a summer option when the low desert is too hot.
The Colorado River and the west
Towns along the Colorado River, such as Lake Havasu City and Yuma, offer winter sunshine and affordable golf, often combined with boating and water sports.
When to go
| Months | Low desert (Phoenix, Tucson) | High country (Sedona, Prescott, Flagstaff) |
|---|---|---|
| January to April | Peak season: warm days, cool nights, highest prices | Cool, some courses closed or limited in winter |
| May | Hot but playable, good value | Pleasant |
| June to September | Very hot, often above 100 °F (38 °C); lowest prices; summer storms from July | Best time for high-country golf |
| October to December | Warm; overseeding closures in early autumn; prices rising | Pleasant early, colder later |
Overseeding
Most desert courses grow Bermuda grass, which goes dormant and brown in winter. To keep the course green, many courses overseed with ryegrass each autumn, usually in September or October. During this period, a course may be closed for a few weeks, or have temporary greens, restrictions and cart-path-only rules. Always check before booking an autumn trip.
Playing desert golf
Target golf
Fairways are green landing areas, often with desert between the tee and the fairway and between the fairway and the green. Accuracy matters more than distance: play to the widest part of each fairway and take an extra club to make sure you carry the desert. Read golf course management.
The desert and the rules
On many courses, the desert is marked as a penalty area, so you can take a penalty drop rather than play from sand, rock and cactus. On others, the desert is part of the general area and you may play the ball as it lies. Check the scorecard for local rules. Read golf rules every golfer should know.
Distance and altitude
The ball flies further in warm, dry air, and further again at elevation. In Phoenix, the difference is small, but in Sedona and the high country you may hit each club noticeably further. Use a few rounds to recalibrate your yardages; our club distance chart can help you track them.
Firm turf and fast greens
Desert courses are often firm and fast. Expect plenty of roll on the fairways, and allow for greens that run quickly and break towards lower ground, often towards the valley or away from the mountains. Read how to read greens.
Elevation changes
Foothill courses have many uphill and downhill shots. As a rough guide, play one club less for steep downhill shots and one more for uphill shots. A rangefinder with slope can help; read rangefinder vs GPS. For sloping lies, read how to play uneven lies.
Heat safety
- Start early. In summer, tee off at first light and finish before the hottest part of the day.
- Drink regularly. Carry plenty of water and drink before you feel thirsty. Add electrolytes on hot days. See what to eat and drink on the golf course.
- Cover up. Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, breathable long sleeves and plenty of sunscreen.
- Know the warning signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea and cramps. Stop, find shade and cool down.
- Watch for summer storms. From July to September, storms can bring lightning, wind and dust. Leave the course if lightning is near.
Costs and how to save
- Summer rates can be a fraction of peak-season prices, if you can handle the heat at dawn.
- Shoulder seasons (late autumn and May) offer good weather and lower prices.
- Twilight rates in winter offer cheaper golf with beautiful desert sunsets.
- Municipal courses in the Phoenix and Tucson areas are excellent value.
- Stay-and-play packages are common at resorts.
Read how to play golf on a budget.
Practical tips
- Rent a car. Courses are spread across a large area.
- Carts are standard at most courses, and often include GPS screens.
- Pack layers. Desert mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cold in winter.
- Arizona time. Most of Arizona does not use daylight saving time, so check tee times carefully if you are travelling from another state.
- Practise first. Many Arizona resorts have excellent practice facilities and golf schools; read golf schools and golf camps.
Sample trip ideas
- Scottsdale winter break (five days): four desert resort rounds, a spa afternoon and a hike in the desert.
- Phoenix and Sedona (seven days): four rounds in the valley, then two days of golf and red-rock scenery in Sedona.
- Summer high-country trip: cool mornings and pine forests around Prescott and Flagstaff, with a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to play golf in Arizona?
January to April in the low desert, for perfect weather but high prices. Late autumn and May offer good value. In summer, play early or head for the high country.
What is overseeding?
It is the autumn process of planting winter ryegrass into dormant Bermuda grass so the course stays green through the winter. Courses may close or restrict play for several weeks while it takes hold.
Is desert golf hard?
It rewards accuracy rather than distance. Play to the middle of fairways, take enough club to carry the desert, and use the penalty area rules to avoid playing from dangerous lies.
Does the ball go further in Arizona?
Yes, slightly in Phoenix and Tucson because of warm, dry air, and noticeably further at higher elevations such as Sedona and Flagstaff.
Can I play golf in Arizona in summer?
Yes, and it is very cheap, but temperatures are extreme. Tee off at first light, drink plenty of water and finish before midday, or head to the cooler high country.
The bottom line
Arizona offers spectacular desert golf, reliable sunshine and courses for every budget. Plan your trip for late winter or spring for the best weather, check for overseeding in autumn, play to the fairways rather than the desert, respect the heat and wildlife, and enjoy the extra distance in the dry air. For more destination ideas, read our guide to warm-weather golf destinations in the USA and how to plan a golf trip.