Golf Courses in Central Scottsdale: Old Town to Kierland (2026 Guide)

Central Scottsdale is where most visitors to the Scottsdale golf scene actually stay, eat, and spend their evenings. The stretch from Old Town Scottsdale north through the McCormick Ranch corridor to the Kierland area packs more golf courses per square mile than almost anywhere else in the Valley of the Sun. Championship public courses, luxury resort layouts, executive tracks, simulator bars, and entertainment venues all sit within a 15-minute drive of each other.

The real advantage? Location. Most Scottsdale hotels cluster in this central corridor, which means you can wake up, walk to breakfast at a Scottsdale Road restaurant, and be on the first tee at a championship course in 10 minutes. After your round, Old Town's bar and restaurant scene is a short rideshare away. No other area in metro Phoenix offers that combination of quality golf and walkable nightlife.

Quick Reference

Prices reflect 2025-2026 published rates. Dynamic pricing at some courses means rates change daily.

Championship Public Courses

These are the courses that put Central Scottsdale on the national golf map. Championship designs from elite architects, tournament-quality conditioning, and green fees that -- while not cheap -- deliver experiences worth every dollar.

-- The Crown Jewel

Green Fees: $65-$230 | Holes: 36 (North & O'odham) | Designer: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw

Talking Stick is the best public golf in Central Scottsdale, and it's not particularly close. Both courses sit on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community just east of the Scottsdale border, and the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw pedigree speaks for itself. These are the same designers behind We-Ko-Pa's Cholla Course, Bandon Trails, and Sand Valley -- courses that routinely appear on America's top-100 lists.

The North Course plays as a links-style layout unusual for the Arizona desert. Wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and minimal forced carries make it approachable for higher-handicap players while the subtle green complexes reward precision from better players. Wind frequently crosses the exposed terrain and adds a strategic dimension you won't find on most desert courses.

The O'odham Course (formerly the South Course) offers a slightly different challenge with tighter driving corridors and more traditional desert features. Both courses maintain strong conditioning year-round, with greens that putt true and fairways that provide excellent lies.

Insider Tip: The Talking Stick Card is worth it if you're playing multiple rounds during a trip. Available for the 2025-2026 season (October through September), it provides preferred rates and a 20% food and beverage discount. Tee times can be booked up to 3 days in advance -- call (480) 860-2221 or book online.

Best Value Play: Summer weekday mornings at $65-$80 deliver one of Arizona's best designs at a fraction of winter rates.

-- The Palm-Lined Classic

Green Fees: $59-$189 | Holes: 36 (Pine & Palm) | Designer: Desmond Muirhead

McCormick Ranch has been a Central Scottsdale anchor since the 1970s, and both courses age gracefully. The Pine Course and Palm Course wind through the affluent McCormick Ranch residential community, featuring mature trees, multiple lake features, and lush parkland-style fairways that feel transplanted from Florida rather than Arizona.

This is one of the rare desert-area courses where water comes into play on a majority of holes. Both courses feature lakes that serve as both hazards and scenic backdrops, giving McCormick Ranch a character distinct from the rocky desert courses that dominate the Scottsdale landscape.

The conditioning is consistently solid and the staff runs a tight operation. The 2025-2026 Ranch Pass includes two $39 rounds and guaranteed best public rates, making it a smart purchase for repeat visitors.

Insider Tip: McCormick Ranch sits in the heart of Scottsdale's hotel corridor. If you're staying at one of the resorts along Scottsdale Road between Indian Bend and Shea, you're likely within a 5-minute drive. The Pine Course plays slightly longer and tighter; the Palm Course is more forgiving off the tee but demands precision on approach shots to its well-protected greens.

Best Value Play: The Ranch Pass pays for itself in two rounds. Summer twilight rates drop into the $59-$70 range.

Resort Courses

Central Scottsdale is resort territory, and several of the area's best hotels operate championship courses that welcome outside play. Expect higher green fees but polished service, excellent practice facilities, and courses maintained to resort standards.

-- Dynamic Pricing Done Right

Green Fees: $69-$230 (dynamic pricing) | Holes: 27 | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,017 | Designer: Scott Miller

Kierland uses dynamic pricing, which means the green fee changes based on demand -- similar to airline tickets. This actually works in your favor if you're flexible with timing. Off-peak tee times during shoulder season can dip into the $69-$95 range, while peak winter Saturday mornings push toward $230. The rate includes range balls, which is a nice touch.

The 27-hole layout gives you three distinct nines (Acacia, Ironwood, Mesquite) that you can mix and match. Managed by Troon Golf, the conditioning is consistently excellent. The Kierland resort corridor around the course includes excellent restaurants, shopping at Kierland Commons, and the resort itself, making it an easy choice for visitors who want everything within walking distance.

Resort guests receive a 10% discount on green fees, making stay-and-play a smart strategy.

Insider Tip: Weekday afternoons during shoulder season (late November, early December) often drop to the lowest dynamic prices. Book directly through the Kierland website to see real-time rates. Public tee times can be booked up to 90 days in advance.

Best Value Play: Monitor dynamic pricing for weekday afternoon times during shoulder season. You might catch a sub-$100 rate at a $200+ course.

-- Pure Luxury

Green Fees: $179-$350 | Par: 71 | Yardage: 6,518 | Manager: Troon Golf

If you want the premium resort golf experience in Central Scottsdale, The Phoenician is it. The course sits at the base of Camelback Mountain with views that look like they were arranged by a set designer. The 18-hole layout plays shorter than most championship courses at 6,518 yards from the tips, but the green complexes and bunkering keep the challenge high.

The Phoenician uses dynamic pricing with rates changing daily, so the published range of $179-$350 fluctuates based on demand. Peak winter weekend mornings command the highest premiums, while summer rates and weekday afternoons offer significant savings.

The resort itself is one of Scottsdale's most prestigious, and the golf experience matches -- from the bag drop to the post-round lunch on the terrace. This is a treat-yourself round, not an everyday play.

Insider Tip: The Phoenician sits right on the Scottsdale/Phoenix border at Camelback Road, making it one of the most accessible resort courses from both sides. The driving range and short-game area are excellent -- arrive 30 minutes early to take advantage. Call (480) 423-2450 for current rates.

Best Value Play: Summer mornings. Even The Phoenician drops to reasonable rates when temperatures climb.

-- The Hyatt Guest Advantage

Green Fees: $50-$100 | Holes: 27 (Arroyo, Dunes, Lakes) | Designer: Benz & Poellot

Here's something most visitors don't realize: Gainey Ranch is exclusively available to members and guests of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. If you're staying at the Hyatt, you unlock access to 27 holes of well-conditioned golf at prices significantly below comparable resort courses.

The three nine-hole layouts -- Arroyo, Dunes, and Lakes -- offer distinct characters. The Arroyo nine features desert wash crossings, the Dunes plays with more open terrain and bunker-heavy fairways, and the Lakes nine lives up to its name with water on most holes. Mixing and matching nines keeps repeat rounds feeling fresh.

Insider Tip: If Gainey Ranch is on your must-play list, book the Hyatt Regency specifically. The preferred rates and guaranteed tee times make the resort worth choosing over competitors. Practice facilities are excellent and included.

Best Value Play: Summer rates for Hyatt guests drop to the $50-$60 range -- strong value for resort golf.

-- The Budget Resort Option

Green Fees: $40-$130 | Par: 72 | Designer: Johnny Bulla (renovated)

Orange Tree is the affordable resort course in Central Scottsdale. The tree-lined layout (yes, actual trees -- orange trees, pines, and palms) creates a parkland feel that stands apart from typical desert courses. Water features come into play on several holes, and the mature landscaping provides welcome shade.

The on-site resort offers rooms at prices well below Scottsdale's luxury properties, making Orange Tree the best budget stay-and-play option in the central corridor. The course recently underwent renovations that improved conditioning and modernized some design elements.

Insider Tip: Orange Tree sits just north of the Shea Boulevard corridor in a quieter residential area. You lose the walkability to Old Town nightlife but gain lower prices and a more relaxed pace. The driving range is solid for warming up before your round.

Best Value Play: Stay-and-play packages that bundle lodging and golf offer the best overall value. Summer twilight dips to around $40.

Budget & Value Courses

Not every round needs to cost $150+. Central Scottsdale has several options for golfers watching their wallets, from executive-length courses to well-maintained neighborhood tracks.

-- Arnold Palmer's 27-Hole Legacy

Green Fees: $50-$160 | Holes: 27 | Designer: Arnold Palmer & Ed Seay

Starfire offers three nines -- King, Hawk, and Eagle -- designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. The flexibility to mix and match nines makes it ideal for 9-hole rounds, twilight play, or customizing your 18-hole experience based on mood and skill level.

The King nine plays as the most challenging with strategic water features and tighter fairways. The Hawk nine opens up a bit with wider landing areas, and the Eagle nine is the most relaxed of the three. Weekday rates starting at $50 put Starfire firmly in value territory for the caliber of design and conditioning you receive.

Insider Tip: Starfire sits adjacent to Scottsdale Country Club near Hayden and Shea. The King-Hawk combination plays as the most complete 18-hole experience, but the Hawk-Eagle combo is better for higher handicaps.

Best Value Play: Summer weekday play at $50-$60. Twilight rates year-round at $50-$75.

-- The Honest Neighborhood Track

Green Fees: $70-$100 | Par: 70 | Yardage: 6,570

Silverado won't win any design awards, but it delivers consistent, no-surprises golf at fair prices. The layout runs through a residential neighborhood near Indian Bend Road with well-maintained fairways, true-rolling greens, and enough variety to keep 18 holes interesting without ever feeling punishing.

This is the course locals play when they want a quick, reliable round without the production of a resort experience. Tee times are usually available with minimal advance booking, pace of play is reasonable, and the clubhouse serves cold beer and decent burgers.

Insider Tip: Silverado is walkable and flat, making it a good option for golfers who prefer to carry their bag. The course sits right off Indian Bend Road between Scottsdale Road and Hayden -- easy to find and easy to access from anywhere in central Scottsdale.

Best Value Play: Call (480) 778-0100 for current rates. Online booking sometimes offers better deals than walk-up pricing.

-- The $10 Round

Green Fees: $10-$34 | Par: 60 | Yardage: 3,820

Continental is the cheapest golf you'll find in Scottsdale, and it's honestly not bad for the price. The par-60 executive layout on Osborn Road plays to 3,820 yards with short par-4s and approachable par-3s. Weekday green fees start at $10. That's not a misprint.

The course won't challenge a scratch golfer, but that's not the point. Continental is where you go to work on your short game with real on-course situations, where beginners can learn without the pressure of holding up groups on a championship course, and where budget-conscious golfers can play 18 holes for less than the price of lunch.

The conditions are respectable for the price point. Greens roll reasonably well, fairways are maintained, and the staff keeps things moving. For the money, Continental is a genuinely good deal.

Insider Tip: Continental sits in Old Town Scottsdale, making it walkable from several hotels and restaurants. Play a quick round in the morning, walk to Old Town for lunch, and you've spent under $50 for a full morning of entertainment.

Best Value Play: Weekday mornings at $10-$15. Bring your own water and walk for the absolute minimum spend.

-- The Lighted Range Bonus

Green Fees: $18-$47 | Par: 31 | Yardage: 1,850

Coronado is a 9-hole executive course that pairs with one of the best lighted driving ranges in Scottsdale. The course itself is short and straightforward at 1,850 yards, ideal for beginners, seniors, and anyone looking to squeeze in a quick 9 holes.

The real draw is the lighted driving range, which stays open into the evening. After a long day of sightseeing or a late arrival from the airport, you can head to Coronado and hit balls under the lights. It's a great way to shake off travel stiffness before tackling a championship course the next morning.

Insider Tip: The range is popular with locals who practice after work, so it can get busy between 5:00-7:00 PM on weekdays. The course is less crowded and you can often walk on for a quick 9 without a tee time, especially in summer.

Best Value Play: The range itself offers better value per dollar than most practice facilities in Scottsdale. Pay for a bucket and practice your wedge game before your big round tomorrow.

Entertainment & Indoor Golf

Central Scottsdale has embraced golf entertainment beyond traditional courses. These venues work for non-golfer companions, rainy days (rare but they happen during monsoon season), and anyone who wants to combine golf with food, drinks, and socializing.

Price: $25-$55/hr per bay | Location: 9500 E Talking Stick Way

The Scottsdale Topgolf sits on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Talking Stick Resort, making it easy to combine a Topgolf session with a round at Talking Stick Golf Club or an evening at the casino. Three levels of hitting bays, a full restaurant and bar, and the usual Topgolf target games make this the go-to group activity for bachelor parties, corporate outings, and mixed groups where not everyone golfs.

Weekday rates before 4:00 PM run 50% off peak pricing. Budget $150+ per group when you factor in food and drinks.

Price: ~$20-$39 | Location: 16259 N Scottsdale Rd

Putting World is a 25,000-square-foot facility with an 18-hole indoor putting course, golf simulators, and Bar19 -- a full-service restaurant and sports bar. No tee time needed; walk in and play. The putting course is genuinely fun (not just mini-golf kitsch) and the bar atmosphere makes it a solid evening activity. Kitchen open until 9 PM daily.

Price: $25/hr per person | Location: 15090 N Northsight Blvd

Two TrackMan 4 simulators paired with a BBQ restaurant that takes the food seriously -- the brisket and smoked sliders get consistently excellent reviews. Choose from over 350 virtual courses and play a full 18 in a climate-controlled environment. The vibe is relaxed and social, not try-hard. Good option for summer afternoons when outdoor golf is brutal.

Location: 7320 E Indian Plaza

An indoor golf and entertainment venue near Old Town Scottsdale. The name is a nod to TPC Scottsdale's famous 16th hole -- the loudest par-3 in golf. Convenient for visitors staying in the Old Town area who want to hit some balls without driving to a course.

Why Central Scottsdale for Golf

Central Scottsdale works as a golf base camp better than any other area in the Valley for three reasons:

Proximity to everything. Talking Stick, McCormick Ranch, Kierland, Starfire, and Continental are all within a 15-minute drive of each other. You can play a different course every day without spending more than 20 minutes in the car. Old Town restaurants, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and the Scottsdale Road resort corridor are all walkable or a short rideshare from most hotels.

Course variety. From Talking Stick's Coore-Crenshaw championship design to Continental's $10 executive layout, this area covers every price point and skill level. Add in resort courses, simulator bars, and Topgolf, and you have options for every member of your travel group -- including the ones who'd rather drink than play.

Hotel density. The highest concentration of Scottsdale hotels sits along the Scottsdale Road corridor between Camelback and the 101 freeway. Marriott, Hyatt, Westin, and boutique properties all cluster here, making morning tee times convenient and after-golf logistics simple.

Seasonal Pricing Tips

Peak Season (January-April): Expect top-dollar at championship courses. Talking Stick pushes $230, Kierland hits $200+, and even Starfire climbs to $160. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for prime weekend times. Budget players should focus on Continental, Coronado, and Silverado during these months.

Shoulder Season (May, November-December): The value sweet spot. Championship courses drop 30-40% while weather stays comfortable. May can hit the 100s by late month, but November and December deliver the best price-to-weather ratio of the year.

Summer (June-September): All bets are off on pricing -- everything drops 50-70%. Talking Stick at $65? McCormick Ranch at $59? These are real summer rates. The tradeoff is 110-degree heat, which means 6:00 AM tee times or nothing. Bring extra water and sunscreen. Most courses are in excellent condition since Bermuda grass loves summer heat.

WM Phoenix Open week (early February): Rates spike across the board and availability tightens at every course. Kierland specifically warns that tee times booked during the Open (February 1-15) may not be guaranteed until final confirmation. Plan around it or embrace the chaos.

Getting Around Central Scottsdale

Central Scottsdale is flat and relatively compact. Here's what works:

• Rideshare/Uber: The most practical option. A ride from Old Town to Talking Stick runs about $10-$15. Kierland to McCormick Ranch is similar.
• Rental Car: Useful if you're playing courses outside central Scottsdale (North Scottsdale, Phoenix, Fountain Hills). Parking is free at all courses.
• Hotel Shuttle: Some resorts offer complimentary shuttle service to their affiliated courses. Ask at check-in.
• Walking: Continental and Coronado are walkable from Old Town hotels. Everything else requires wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best golf courses near Old Town Scottsdale?

and are walkable from Old Town. and are both under 15 minutes by car. For the best overall experience, play Talking Stick -- it's the highest-rated public course in the area.

Can you play golf in Scottsdale without a car?

In Central Scottsdale, yes. Continental and Coronado are walkable from Old Town, and rideshare to Talking Stick or McCormick Ranch costs $10-$15. Most resort courses are within a short Uber ride. However, if you're planning to play courses in North Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, or Phoenix, you'll want a rental car.

What's the cheapest golf course in Scottsdale?

starts at $10 for weekday green fees. starts at $18. Neither is a championship experience, but both are maintained well enough for an enjoyable round at budget prices. For more options, see our guide to .

Are Scottsdale golf courses open to the public?

Most courses in Central Scottsdale accept public play, including resort courses like The Phoenician and Westin Kierland. requires a stay at the Hyatt Regency. and are private and require membership or a member invitation.

When is the best time to play golf in Central Scottsdale?

October through November and March through April offer the best combination of comfortable weather and reasonable pricing. January and February have perfect weather but peak prices. Summer (June-September) has the lowest prices but extreme heat -- stick to early morning tee times.

What should I book for a Scottsdale golf bachelor party?

Start at for the group activity, play a real round at or , then head to or for evening simulator sessions with food and drinks. Old Town nightlife is a short rideshare from all of these.

Plan Your Central Scottsdale Golf Trip

Central Scottsdale gives you everything within arm's reach: championship public courses, luxury resort golf, budget options, entertainment venues, great restaurants, and a hotel on every corner. For most visitors, this is the right home base for a Scottsdale golf trip.

Play for your best round, for classic Scottsdale parkland golf, and when you want to play without thinking about the bill. Add a night at for the group, and you've covered all the bases.

Want to venture beyond Central Scottsdale? Check out our guides to the for championship desert golf, or for budget-friendly alternatives minutes from Sky Harbor Airport.

Ready to book? Check current rates at , , and .