Cheap Golf in Scottsdale: 10 Affordable Courses Under $100

Scottsdale's reputation as a premier golf destination often comes with premium price tags, but affordable golf in Scottsdale is more accessible than you might think. With strategic timing and insider knowledge, you can experience world-class desert golf without draining your bank account.

Whether you're a local looking to stretch your golf budget or a visitor seeking value, this guide reveals the best cheap golf courses in Scottsdale where green fees stay under $100—and often well below that threshold during peak savings seasons.

How to Find the Best Deals on Scottsdale Golf

Before diving into specific courses, understanding when and how to book can save you hundreds of dollars per round.

Play Twilight and Super Twilight Rates

Twilight golf in Scottsdale offers dramatic savings, typically 30-50% off morning rates. Super twilight (starting around 3-4 PM in summer, 1-2 PM in winter) can slash prices even further. You'll likely finish 9-18 holes depending on the season, and the late afternoon desert light creates stunning playing conditions.

Leverage Summer's Scorching Savings

The secret weapon for cheap golf in Scottsdale is summer. From June through September, when temperatures soar above 105°F, green fees plummet by 60-80%. A $200 winter round often drops to $40-$60 in summer. Early morning tee times (6-7 AM) let you finish before peak heat while enjoying rock-bottom pricing.

Book Through Discount Tee Time Sites

GolfNow, TeeOff, and Supreme Golf routinely offer additional 10-30% discounts on already-reduced rates. Many Scottsdale courses use these platforms to fill tee sheets, creating last-minute deals that can bring premium courses into budget range. Set up alerts for your target courses to catch flash sales.

Weekday vs. Weekend Strategy

Weekday rounds in Scottsdale typically cost 20-40% less than weekend play. If your schedule allows, Tuesday through Thursday offers the sweet spot: lower prices, faster pace of play, and better course conditions than Monday (which sees weekend wear).

Resident Cards and Loyalty Programs

Many municipal and semi-private courses offer resident discount cards (not just for Scottsdale—often Phoenix-area residents qualify). Annual fees of $20-$50 can yield $5-$15 savings per round, paying for themselves in 3-5 rounds.

Top 10 Affordable Golf Courses in Scottsdale Under $100

1. Papago Golf Club

Price Range: $28-$79 (summer twilight to winter peak)

Consistently ranked among Phoenix's best municipal courses, Papago delivers championship-level golf at municipal prices. The redesigned William F. Bell layout features dramatic elevation changes, stunning red rock buttes, and conditions that rival private clubs. Winter weekday morning rates hover around $60-$70, while summer twilight can dip to $28.

Best Value Strategy: Play summer mornings (6:30 AM tee times) for $35-$45, or winter twilight at $45-$50.

2. Continental Golf Club

Price Range: $25-$75

This hidden gem offers surprising sophistication for the price point. The well-maintained Arthur Jack Snyder design features mature landscaping, strategic bunkering, and true desert golf character. Summer rates drop as low as $25 for twilight play, making it one of Scottsdale's best value propositions.

Best Value Strategy: Summer weekday mornings ($30-$35) provide excellent conditions before afternoon heat, while winter twilight ($40-$50) offers sunset golf at half the morning price.

3. Coronado Golf Course

Price Range: $24-$65

A classic municipal track with a lighted driving range, Coronado punches above its weight class in conditioning and playability. The straightforward layout suits golfers of all skill levels, and the facility's practice amenities add value. Peak winter rates stay comfortably under $65, while summer twilight drops to $24.

Best Value Strategy: Use the lighted driving range for evening practice, then book summer super twilight rounds at $24-$28.

4. Starfire Golf Club

Price Range: $35-$85

Designed by Arnold Palmer and PGA Tour player Billy Casper, Starfire offers pedigree that typically commands higher prices. The Hawks and Eagles nines provide varied challenges with water features, strategic bunkering, and well-protected greens. Summer rates ($35-$45) make this a standout value.

Best Value Strategy: Summer weekday play ($35-$40) delivers championship golf at fraction of winter's $80+ rates.

5. McCormick Ranch Golf Club

Price Range: $45-$95

Two distinct 18-hole courses—Pine and Palm—sit in Scottsdale's upscale McCormick Ranch community. Despite the prestigious address, rates remain reasonable, especially during summer and shoulder seasons. The lake-studded layouts provide lush, parkland-style golf rare in the desert.

Best Value Strategy: Spring and fall shoulder seasons ($50-$65) offer ideal weather and pricing, while summer twilight ($45) provides access to resort-quality golf.

6. Paradise Valley Golf Course

Price Range: $30-$75

Don't confuse this municipal gem with expensive Paradise Valley resorts. This well-conditioned track offers mountain views, desert landscaping, and reliable year-round conditions. Winter peak rates top out at $75, with summer rates dropping to $30-$35.

Best Value Strategy: Fall and spring weekday mornings ($40-$50) combine comfortable temperatures with off-peak pricing.

7. Gainey Ranch Golf Club

Price Range: $50-$100

At the upper end of our budget range, Gainey Ranch delivers country club atmosphere and tournament-caliber conditions. The three nine-hole layouts (Arroyo, Dunes, Lakes) offer variety, while the practice facility ranks among Scottsdale's best. Summer brings this premium experience into affordable range at $50-$60.

Best Value Strategy: Summer early mornings ($50-$55) provide the course at half-price, while winter twilight occasionally sneaks under $100.

8. Scottsdale Silverado Golf Club

Price Range: $28-$80

A solid neighborhood course with better-than-expected conditioning and a user-friendly layout. Silverado won't make top-10 Arizona lists, but it delivers consistent, enjoyable golf at prices that keep locals returning. Summer rates ($28-$35) make it a go-to option for budget-conscious players.

Best Value Strategy: Year-round twilight rates ($28-$45 depending on season) offer the best bang for your buck.

9. Orange Tree Golf Resort

Price Range: $40-$95

Recently renovated with improved conditioning and modern amenities, Orange Tree bridges the gap between municipal and resort golf. The Arnold Palmer-designed course features mature trees (rare in desert golf), water hazards, and strategic challenges. Summer rates ($40-$50) represent exceptional value.

Best Value Strategy: Book summer stay-and-play packages combining lodging and golf for additional savings, or play summer twilight at $40.

10. Talking Stick Golf Club (North Course)

Price Range: $55-$99

While technically in Scottsdale's neighbor Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Talking Stick North deserves inclusion for its exceptional value. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, it offers minimalist, strategic golf that rewards thinking over power. Summer rates ($55-$65) bring this nationally-ranked course within budget.

Best Value Strategy: Summer weekday play ($55-$60) delivers one of Arizona's best designs at fraction of winter's rate, while winter twilight occasionally reaches $99.

Scottsdale Affordable Golf Courses: Price Comparison

| Course | Summer Low | Winter Twilight | Winter Peak | Best Deal Season | |--------|-----------|----------------|-------------|------------------| | Papago Golf Club | $28 | $45 | $79 | Summer AM | | Continental Golf Club | $25 | $40 | $75 | Summer Any | | Coronado Golf Course | $24 | $35 | $65 | Summer Twilight | | Starfire Golf Club | $35 | $50 | $85 | Summer Weekday | | McCormick Ranch | $45 | $65 | $95 | Spring/Fall | | Paradise Valley GC | $30 | $45 | $75 | Fall Weekday | | Gainey Ranch | $50 | $85 | $100 | Summer AM | | Scottsdale Silverado | $28 | $40 | $80 | Year-Round Twilight | | Orange Tree Resort | $40 | $60 | $95 | Summer Twilight | | Talking Stick North | $55 | $85 | $99 | Summer Weekday |

Prices based on 2025 published rates; subject to change. Twilight typically 30-50% off peak rates.

Hidden Gems vs. Tourist Traps

Hidden Gems for Value Seekers

Continental Golf Club flies under the radar despite offering conditioning and design quality comparable to courses charging twice as much. Locals know it as a consistent performer that never disappoints.

Papago Golf Club gets plenty of play but remains undervalued considering its quality. Many visitors overlook municipal courses in favor of resort tracks, missing out on one of Phoenix metro's best layouts.

Paradise Valley Golf Course benefits from name confusion—visitors book expensive resort courses while this municipal gem offers mountain views and solid golf at fraction the cost.

What to Avoid

Premium Resort Courses During Peak Season: While tempting, courses like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and We-Ko-Pa rarely drop below $200 in winter. Unless you have unlimited budget, you'll get more golf for your money at the courses listed above.

Last-Minute Weekend Winter Bookings: Peak season weekend rates at even affordable courses can jump 50-100%. Book well in advance (2-4 weeks) to secure better rates and preferred tee times.

Hot Deals That Seem Too Good: Be wary of deeply discounted rates that don't specify tee times. "Hot deals" sometimes mean 11 AM summer tee times when it's 110°F—technically a deal, but practically unplayable.

Monthly Budget Golf Strategy

Peak Season (January-March)

Focus on weekday twilight at municipal courses. Target: Papago, Continental, Paradise Valley for $40-$55 rounds.

Shoulder Season (April-May, October-November)

Sweet spot for cheap golf in Scottsdale. Temperatures moderate while prices drop. Target: McCormick Ranch, Starfire, Orange Tree for $50-$70 rounds.

Summer (June-September)

All courses become affordable. Early morning (6-7:30 AM) tee times at any course on our list stay under $60, often under $40. This is when you can play higher-end tracks like Gainey Ranch and Talking Stick North for budget prices.

Off-Peak Winter (December)

Rates begin climbing but haven't hit peak. Book twilight rounds at premium courses in our list before holiday visitors arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest golf course in Scottsdale?

Coronado Golf Course offers the lowest rates, with summer twilight dropping to $24. Continental Golf Club and Papago Golf Club frequently offer rates in the $25-$30 range during summer months.

Can you golf in Scottsdale for under $50?

Absolutely. Summer rates at most municipal and semi-private courses range from $24-$45. Even during winter, twilight rates at courses like Papago, Continental, and Paradise Valley stay under $50.

When is the cheapest time to golf in Scottsdale?

Summer (June-September) offers the lowest rates, with prices 60-80% below winter peak. Within summer, super twilight times (3-5 PM depending on month) provide the deepest discounts, though you may not finish 18 holes before dark.

Are Scottsdale municipal golf courses any good?

Yes. Papago Golf Club ranks among Arizona's best public courses regardless of price, while Continental, Paradise Valley, and Coronado all offer well-maintained conditions and enjoyable layouts that rival many higher-priced options.

Do you need to be a Scottsdale resident to get cheap rates?

No. While resident cards offer additional discounts, the rates listed above are available to all players. Some courses offer Phoenix metro area resident cards (Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, etc.) for small additional savings.

What's the best way to book affordable tee times?

Use GolfNow, TeeOff, or Supreme Golf to compare rates across multiple courses. Book 1-2 weeks in advance for best selection, or check for last-minute hot deals 24-48 hours before your desired play date.

Plan Your Affordable Scottsdale Golf Trip

Cheap golf in Scottsdale isn't about sacrificing quality—it's about strategic timing and smart course selection. The courses listed above prove you can experience excellent desert golf, well-maintained conditions, and memorable rounds without spending $150+ per 18 holes.

Summer visitors willing to brave early morning heat unlock the best values, with championship-quality courses dropping to $30-$60. Winter golfers can still find affordable options through twilight times, weekday play, and focusing on undervalued municipal gems.

Start with Papago and Continental to experience Scottsdale golf at its best value, then explore the other eight courses based on your schedule and budget. With rates under $100 year-round and frequently under $50 in summer, affordable golf in Scottsdale is easier to find than most visitors realize.

Ready to book? Check current rates and availability at Papago Golf Club, Continental Golf Club, and Coronado Golf Course to start planning your budget-friendly Scottsdale golf adventure.