How to Plan A Golf Trip to Remember

There is just something about golf. Equal parts intense competition and ultimate relaxation, a trip to the links can make the hours fly by like nothing else. It’s hard to explain.

If you know, you know. 

As such, an epic golf trip is atop most golfers’ wish lists of dream vacations. 

From Pebble Beach to Hilton Head, there are plenty of attractive destinations from which to choose. However, there is one name that takes the cake for most golf enthusiasts: Phoenix/Scottsdale. With its stunning desert backdrop and near-zero chance of weather-related challenges, it is the ideal venue for any golf getaway.

While the game itself provides the ideal focal point, there are plenty of moving parts between tee times that need to be accounted for. Keep reading as we provide some pro tips on how to plan an unforgettable Arizona golf trip.

Be Strategic with Travel

If there is any minor drawback to Arizona as a golf destination, it’s that it is not necessarily the most centrally located state in the country. Nestled in the American Southwest, it is a several hour plane ride for most golfers looking for an escape from colder climes.

Therefore, it is crucial to get the timing of your travel right. The peak season in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area runs from November to April. This is when airfare and tee times will likely be the most expensive, as demand will be at its highest. However, if you are traveling with a bunch of extroverts, it may be worth going during peak season to be at the heart of the action. There is also a higher likelihood that you may catch a glimpse of a past or present PGA legend at the clubhouse.

To eliminate the cost of checking your golf bag and not having to tote it through the airport--or, heaven forbid, wait for the airline to retrieve your “misplaced” golf bag--it is worthwhile to consider a golf club rental at your destination. Not only does this add convenience to your trip, but it gives you the chance to experiment with your dream sticks and decide which are worth a purchase when you get home. 

Book Luxury Accommodations

Photo Courtesy of HÓZHÓ Estate on the River

There is no shortage of accommodation options when visiting the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. From boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts, there is something for everyone. However, when it comes to a golf trip, a luxury vacation rental is the way to go.

With spacious dimensions, even the largest golf parties will fit comfortably under one roof. This adds convenience for making tee times, meal planning, and any other communal events. The best luxury home rental Scottsdale has to offer comes with endless amenities. Resort-style backyards and private indoor theaters provide the perfect venue to relax in between rounds. Some properties, such as those found at HÓZHÓ Scottsdale, are situated proximate to golf courses, providing the ideal setup for those wanting to golf from sunup to sundown. Luxury concierge partners offer everything from custom refrigerator stocking to chauffeured transportation for next-level convenience. 

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Indulge in Some Self Care

Whether your group is full of aspiring pros or just looking to get on the green and have a good time, no one can maximize their golf trip if they are not feeling their best. Fortunately, Arizona is one of the world’s leading wellness hubs. From rooftop yoga to sport-specific massage, there is an option for every golfer looking to boost their game. Increasingly common to golfers’ wellness routine is mobile IV therapy. It helps provide an instant dose of fluids and nutrients for energy enhancement and recovery between rounds. Best of all, it is brought directly to your accommodation for unmatched convenience. 

"A great golf trip isn’t just about the game—it’s about feeling your best so you can play your best," says Vanessa Cabrera, owner of Phoenix Mobile IV Therapy. "That’s why so many golfers add IV therapy to their itinerary—it keeps them energized and ready for every round."

Leave Time for Down Time

There are some things that you need to be particular about getting on the itinerary.

Tee times, for example. 

Most courses will allow reservations 14 to 30 days ahead of your play date. However, if you are going to a particularly renowned course, such as TPC Scottsdale or Troon North Golf Club, you may want to call ahead and see about getting your party on the books as soon as possible.

Other no-brainers to include on the schedule are travel, reserved dining, and any ticketed special events.

With that said, overplanning can be the bane of any golf trip. Not only will scheduling every waking hour exhaust you as the planner, but other members of your party don’t want to feel like they have to ask permission to go to the restroom.

Therefore, plan the big stuff and leave plenty of time to relax and just go with the flow. Whether it’s the urge to play an extra 9 or go grab a cocktail with some acquaintances you bump into on the course, you want to have the flexibility to indulge in the unexpected adventures that will inevitably arise.

Plan the Perfect Arizona Golf Getaway and Make Unforgettable Memories

Although tee shots and bunkers will provide much of the attraction, there are some important details away from the course that will make or break a golf getaway. From strategic travel to flexible scheduling, consider any of the ideas listed above for an Arizona golf vacation to remember. For more of the latest trends in everything golf-related, explore the options at Phoenix Putter Co for the leading resources in the game!

Author Bio:
I'm Greg Harris, a retired writer based in Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout my career, I had the pleasure of writing about lifestyle, travel, and the little things that make life interesting. These days, I spend my time fishing or golfing, discovering new places, and enjoying the slower pace of retirement. I still enjoy sharing my perspective and experiences through writing whenever I get the chance.