How to Plan a Golf Vacation in Arizona

Arizona provides some of the most spectacular vistas for a golf vacation. Deserts, mountains, boulders and cliffs make Arizona golf courses both challenging and breathtaking. Whether you are a novice or experienced golfer, you can find courses suitable to your skill level. Take time to do a little research and planning and you can enjoy the golf vacation of a lifetime in Arizona.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Vacation budget
• Internet access

1. Decide on a budget for your golf vacation. Your costs may include: airfare, rental car, lodging, meals, green fees, cart rentals and non-golfing entertainment. Resort or golf vacation package deals that include lodging and green fees often will save you money.
2. Gather information on the resorts and courses in the area of Arizona you want to visit. Scottsdale is the most popular golf destination, but don't rule out areas such as Tucson and Mesa. The Arizona Office of Tourism and the Arizona Golf Association can provide information on golf courses and resorts in the state.
3. Take note of any tournaments or special events in the area at the same time as your vacation. Plan your travel dates accordingly since these activities may prevent you from being able to stay at your preferred hotel or play your chosen courses.
4. Consider Arizona's weather. Arizona is known for its hot and dry summers, so winter and early spring are prime seasons for a golf vacation. However, the more northern portions of the state have milder weather and are suitable for a summertime golf vacation.
5. Evaluate the needs of your group. Family trips with children need to be near attractions other than the golf courses. Skill levels of the golfers should be taken into consideration to ensure that everyone can have a good time on the courses that are chosen.
6. Contact each resort and golf course you are interested in or use a travel agent to get more information and make reservations. Some package deals will have restrictions on dates and tee times. You will have more flexibility booking lodging and tee times yourself, but you will save money by purchasing a package deal.
7. Make all reservations, including tee times, well in advance of your vacation dates. You will want to review all reservations and any restrictions or conditions prior to your trip.
   

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be spending a week on a golf vacation, try to arrange tee times at courses that are in a fairly tight geographic area. This will give you more time on the course and less time traveling to the course.
• Be sure to note if prices of golf vacation packages are per person or per twosome and whether or not cart rental is included in the price. Sometimes your quote is for lodging and green fees and the cart rental (which is often required) is a separate fee.
• Golf vacations are big business and, unfortunately, there are scam artists looking to take advantage of unsuspecting golfers. Be sure you use a reputable travel agent or golf vacation provider. Always verify flight, rental car, hotel and tee times yourself prior to leaving for your vacation.