It is indeed primetime and the prices are going to reflect it. Las Sendas, Rancho Manana, and Sun Ridge Canyon are short drives from the Scottsdale area that tend to be some of the better values. Southern Dunes is another high end course that is usually discounted because its a good 30-45 minutes south of the valley.

Check Papago as they usually have decent rates. And I've seen Legacy running random tee times at $60 even on the weekends.

I was out there a few years ago and we played Quintero. The course was amazing and in great shape. I don’t recall how far it would be from Phoenix though but definitely worth playing. Enjoy the trip!

My recommendation is to double your budget!!!
There a a lot of good courses within a 20 mile radius. Depends on what you are looking for. If you're going, you want to play some of the signature courses but it will cost you. If you just want to play golf, there are a ton of options around Phoenix/Chandler/Mesa area or up towards Glendale. Scottsdale has a lot of great courses but pretty pricey this time of year.

You're not kidding about prices. I've been looking into a trip down there for a week now and the prices definitely jolted me. I'll probably wait the summer when the prices come down. It'll be hot, but I'm okay with heat if there's a little bit of breeze.

My little bit of research has turned up a ton of nice courses down there. Wickenburg Ranch, Southern Dunes, Troon North, Grayhawk. Right now the courses at Grayhawk are over $350. Too much for me.

If you want to include a "value" course, Poston Butte is one I have my eye on. Twilight is as low as $62. It has an island green as well.

When you are done with your trip, I'd appreciate a report. :)

I’m going to be out there hopefully in a month and gonna try and play Longbow, Whirlwind and The Boulders.

Boulders South is amazing!! play Quintero if you get a chance it is in Peoria about 45 minutes from Scottsdale... amazing course but club house and "diner" are in a tent

Have not been yet, but planned and researched a bit....time of year will greatly impact cost.
We-Ko-Pa consistently comes up as a great spot. Saguro course appears to be preferred
Eagle Mountain
Desert Canyon
Ambiente /Eagle Mountain

Scottsdale =
Grayhawk / Talon
Raptor

Quintero / Peoria - a bit far away
Verrado / Founders
The Raven, Phoenix

I just read that Wickenburg Ranch is planning on going private sometime this year. I hope they hold out until the fall.

Sounds like you’re on a tight budget for a month of golf! It’s prime time right now but if you’re looking for a good value, some fun and decent kept courses. Try Legacy, Aguila (muni), Wigwam, Starfire, Cave Creek (muni)… This will be all over the Valley but at anytime all decent values and pretty close to everything exciting Phoenix has to offer. Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale for anything in between or after the rounds.

Sun City West rec courses in the west valley.
4 regular courses.
3 executive.
Rates after 1:30 are twilight rates.
After 3:00 super twilight.
There is also Hillcrest. Not a great track, but very affordable.

I’m a big fan of the Short Course at Mountain Shadows. Fun 18 hole par 3 course, expertly manicured to test your game. Play it every time I’m in the Valley!

I have never been to AZ but this fall we have made reservations to stay at The Boulders Resort. Plan to play that course as well as Troon. I doubt I will get more than 2 rounds in on a family trip.

I visit AZ 5-6 times a year from Denver. Have a brother in Paradise Valley that spoils me at all the areas courses and I've played most the quality courses around Tucson, such great golf out there! The Boulders is one course I intend to visit soon. Please reply with your review once you have returned.

You will enjoy the Boulders, it’s one of my favorites.

Youre going to love The Boulders, nice rooms and food.. And the spa is top notch... And the 36 holes dont disappoint!

So JV how was the trip or are you still there?
Where did you play? Any place we should avoid or put on the bucketlist?

Was just in Scottsdale last week for work. Played Camelback (Ambiente) and Troon North (Monument). Camelback was more residential, but well maintained and a good track. Troon was more expensive, but the course was exactly what I imagined desert golf would be. Had a phenomenal experience and would definitely play again. Well worth the money.

come down to Tucson, we have some great courses at good prices.
you need to play at Sewailo when you can, and Omni is always a win.

Allot good recommendations already posted but my favorite AZ courses I've played are The Boulders North and South. Troon North was a very nice track, but when I played in February it was peak season and conditions showed it. Resort courses near Scottsdale such as Westin Kierland and The Phoenician are other options that are reasonable and are usually available.

just came back from playing TPC Scottsdale Champions course, which is separate from the stadium course.
Best experience I had for being my 1st time playing in Scottsdale. Champions course is a lot cheaper and just as scenic. carpet fairways plush greens, def a must play.

My first trip to Phoenix/Scottsdale was a complete success. I played Wickenburg Ranch, Wekopa-Saguaro, Quintero, Grayhawk-Raptor and Troon North-Monument. All of the courses were terrific with Wickenburg Ranch being my favorite.

I was there from August 23 to August 29. All of my rounds stared before 7 AM except for Wickenburg Ranch. It’s cooler up there so heat wasn’t an issue despite a 11 AM tee time. The prices were substantially cheaper than any other time of the year. My hotel rate was cheaper as well. Hyatt House Scottsdale/Old town was $119/night. That has since changed as the same room is $269 now.

I had planned on doing the trip once, but I loved it so much I’ll definitely return. If you have any thoughts of playing golf in Arizona, do it. I went by myself and had a blast. The only time the heat got to me was when I was leaving my hotel at 4:30 AM and it was still 95*.