How To Play Golf On A Weekend In Scottsdale

Once again we become victims to the "maximizing revenue" monster when golf courses in Scottsdale/Phoenix consider Friday as part of the weekend (my boss sure doesn't!) and the rates go up an average of 20% for play on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The golf courses are packed on the weekends in high season (January 10th to mid or late April) but then they scramble for business the rest of the year. I can see a weekend round sold at a higher premium in season but don't particularly agree that it should apply at any other time. Some courses do price their rates the same, whether you play on a weekday or weekend and I think they have the right idea. Some of those (not necessarily in Scottsdale) include: The Raven At South Mountain, The Phoenician, McCormick Ranch GC, WeKoPa GC on the Fort McDowell Reservation, Talking Stick and Camelback Golf Club. 

Unless you are a group of 12 players or more the golf courses here will not negotiate with you like a hotel will for rooms. While there are many sources here for advance tee times in Scottsdale you won't find much of a fluctuation in rates so that everyone operates on the same playing field. Discounted golf, of the next day variety, is available but the course selection is limited and you only get a three day window. The good news is that you can save up to 70% booking tee times through discount golf providers like GolfNow.com. It's last minute but its easy, affordable, secure and it works as advertised!

There is a shortage of actual golf resorts here in Scottsdale and Phoenix where a resort hotel and one or more courses are located on the same grounds and where you might get a better rate by staying at their property. Each of these resorts have golf on property: The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, The Boulders Resort & Golden Spa, The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch, The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, The Pointe at South Mountain Resort, The Wigwam, The Phoenician, The Legacy Resort and The Millennium Resort. Stay there or not - they all except outside play.

I apologize for getting off track, just expect higher prices for golf on the weekends at most courses in Scottsdale.