From January to May, Scottsdale, AZ., is among the world’s hottest golf destinations. “The Season,” as locals call it, kicks off with the famed Barrett-Jackson Car Show and Auction and hits its high points with the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open and MLB Cactus League Spring Training. The Season wraps up before the mercury climbs too far past the century mark in May. During this time the area’s golf courses are pristine, the sunshine is plentiful, and the fun vibe is on overdrive.
Unfortunately, thanks to social media, this cat is well out of the bag. Prices during The Season can be eye-popping and access to the best golf courses, resorts, and restaurants can be an epic challenge. Fortunately, Scottsdale has another trick up its sleeve for savvy golf travelers.
Try Scottsdale in the fall. Historically, golf travelers have shied away from Scottsdale in the fall due to overseeding. This is when golf courses switch from warm-season turf, such as Bermuda grass, to cool-season varieties, typically ryegrass. It’s a necessary process, but it causes some challenges. However, most are only skin deep, and if you can look past these blemishes, you’ll enjoy a fantastic visit at with outstanding availability, solid playing conditions, and often substantial savings.
Here’s a closer look:
Conditions
If you care more about playing golf than looking at golf courses, fall golf conditions in Scottsdale are surprisingly good. Heading into overseeding, superintendents are drying out the Bermuda to nudge it into dormancy. The courses may look a bit yellow, but they play firm and fast with lots of roll. If you love smashing monster drives, this is the time to do it. Coming out of overseeding, the golf courses look fantastic. They may be a bit damp for a couple of weeks while the ryegrass gets established, but the greens will hold the ball really well, and it will sit up nice on the fairways.
Conditions will likely dictate cart-path only or 90-degree rule with carts; so, plan accordingly. Bring a range finder and a couple of clubs. Simple as that. Of course, overseeding means course closures. Clubs such as TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, Boulders, Grayhawk and We-Ko-Pa, each with 36 holes, will always have one golf course available. You can also check status here to help plan accordingly.
Climate
Not gonna lie, September in Scottsdale can be toasty. Even October can be a bit on the warm side, but it really is a “dry heat.’’ The mornings and evenings that time of year are near perfect. For example, daytime highs in Scottsdale during September are in the mid-90s. Lows are in the mid 70s. October is even nicer with highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid 60s. If you book your tee times in the morning, you can spend the afternoons poolside before heading out for the evening. You’re more likely to get nice weather in the fall in Scottsdale than practically any other season. September and October are among the sunniest and driest months (83 percent of the days on average are sunny).
Costs
Now for the big question. How much can you save by visiting during the “Secret Season,” rather than The Season? The short answer is “a lot.’’ Actual numbers are more difficult to come by, with most area resorts and golf courses using dynamic pricing models that allow price adjustments on the fly based upon demand. However, resort prices in the fall are typically 30 to 50 percent less expensive than during peak occupancy in spring. Likewise, golf rates in the fall are typically half or less of what they are during WM Phoenix Open and MLB’s Cactus League Spring Training.
While prime tee times may always be in high demand, they definitely will be more available in fall. The same holds true for sought-after restaurant reservations, Uber rides and the rest.To get more insider tips for planning the perfect Scottsdale golf vacation, check out www.golfinscottsdale.com.
Photo Courtesy of Communication Links