Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona, September 23, 2025
News Summary
As winter approaches, Scottsdale and Tucson emerge as premier destinations for golf enthusiasts seeking ideal playing conditions. With a high concentration of exceptional golf courses, Scottsdale boasts over 200 options, including notable courses like We-Ko-Pa and TPC Scottsdale. Tucson, while featuring fewer courses, offers high-quality play and is renowned for its unique culinary scene. Both cities provide a range of accommodations catering to all budgets and are equipped with amenities for a luxurious winter getaway, making Arizona a leading choice for golf travelers.
Scottsdale and Tucson: Arizona’s Premier Winter Golf Destinations
As winter approaches, golf courses across much of America will start closing their doors, but Arizona stands out as a premier destination for winter golf getaways, with Scottsdale and Tucson leading the charge. The region’s reliable weather, combined with a dense collection of high-quality golf courses and resorts, makes it an undeniable choice for golf lovers seeking ideal winter playing conditions.
Golf travelers often inquire about winter vacation spots, and Arizona consistently emerges as a top choice. Unlike other popular warm-weather destinations, Arizona boasts a high concentration of top-notch golf courses within a compact area, allowing for greater flexibility in vacation options. While Florida is known for its large number of golf courses, many of them do not meet quality expectations and come with steep price tags. In contrast, Arizona offers stunning desert golf, which is recognized worldwide for its beauty.
Scottsdale leads the way with over 200 golf courses, making it the city with the highest concentration of public golf courses in the United States. Golfers can enjoy multiple exceptional 36-hole facilities, many of which offer on-site accommodations. Noteworthy courses include We-Ko-Pa, Boulders, and TPC Scottsdale, the latter of which hosts the Waste Management Open, the most attended golf tournament globally. In addition to golf, Scottsdale provides a rich assortment of restaurants, spas, and other attractions, catering to both golfers and their families.
Tucson, while featuring fewer golf courses than Scottsdale, still offers high-quality options such as Ventana Canyon, Omni Tucson National, and Westin La Paloma. Furthermore, Tucson is recognized as one of only two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy in the United States. This designation highlights the city’s unique culinary scene, which includes authentic Mexican dishes that receive praise even from those with familiarity to the cuisine in Mexico.
For first-time visitors to Tucson, the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is a must-visit attraction, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning desert landscape. Both Scottsdale and Tucson showcase a broad range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to more affordable options, catering to various budgets. Recent renovations at several Arizona golf resorts further enhance the attractiveness of these destinations for returning visitors.
Innovative golfing facilities, including night golfing options and advanced Toptracer technology, amplify the experience in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Additionally, new luxury developments such as Villas II at Desert Mountain are emerging to cater to affluent golf enthusiasts, ensuring that Arizona remains at the forefront of winter golf tourism.
Summary
In conclusion, Scottsdale and Tucson represent Arizona’s premier winter golf destinations, offering unparalleled golfing experiences combined with luxurious accommodations and vibrant cultural offerings. As the winter golf season approaches, these cities are prepared to welcome travelers looking for an exceptional getaway.
FAQ
Why are Scottsdale and Tucson considered premier winter golf destinations?
Scottsdale and Tucson offer ideal conditions for winter golf getaways with reliable weather, a comprehensive choice of golf courses and resorts, and a high concentration of quality golf options.
How many golf courses are in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has more than 200 golf courses, making it the city with the highest concentration of public golf courses in the U.S.
What notable golf courses can be found in Scottsdale?
Notable courses in Scottsdale include We-Ko-Pa, Boulders, and TPC Scottsdale, which hosts the most attended golf tournament globally, the Waste Management Open.
What can visitors enjoy in Tucson apart from golfing?
Tucson is designated as one of only two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S. and features unique culinary offerings including authentic Mexican dishes. The Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum is also highlighted as a must-visit for first-time visitors.
What accommodations are available in Scottsdale and Tucson?
Both Scottsdale and Tucson offer a broad range of accommodations from luxury hotels to more affordable options, catering to different budgets.
Key Features of Scottsdale and Tucson for Winter Golf Getaways
| Feature | Scottsdale | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Golf Courses | More than 200 | Fewer than Scottsdale |
| Notable Courses | We-Ko-Pa, Boulders, TPC Scottsdale | Ventana Canyon, Omni Tucson National, Westin La Paloma |
| Culinary Recognition | – | UNESCO City of Gastronomy |
| Unique Attractions | Rich array of restaurants, spas, and attractions | Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum |
| Accommodation Options | Luxury to affordable | Luxury to affordable |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Scottsdale Named Premier Golf Destination in the U.S.
Additional Resources
- Axios: Grass League Golf in Phoenix/Scottsdale
- AZ Central: Score Golf Course at Cottonfields
- KTAR: Scottsdale Golf Community
- Global Golf Post: Phoenix Open Seeks to Keep Party in Control
- ABC15: New Golf With Us Program for Kids in Arizona
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Arizona golf destinations
- Google Scholar: Arizona golf tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Arizona golf news
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
