Scottsdale - Cheap, "Non-Golfer", Par 3 Courses?

[EagleThr33]

I will be traveling to Scottsdale early/mid March with my family and some extended family. Since it looks like MLB spring training is unlikely to get going by then, we are looking at other things to do while we're down there. For the most part, it's at a non golf group outside of myself and 1 other guy. We'll have a couple other guys who don't get out to the course much anymore, and a few boys ages 6-13 who have mostly just done TopGolf/driving range. We'll certainly hit up TopGolf as we have in the past, but we're thinking it might be fun if there was an on course option perhaps also. I was thinking a par 3/short course, or at least an easier/cheaper/less busy course, would be nice for the non golfing bunch who aren't likely to want to spend $100+ on a round. This would just be for the fun of being out there together, so if it's not in the best condition, none of us are going to care too much.

 

I've looked a little bit and saw a few potential options I wondered about, mainly Mountain Shadows Short Course and Starfire Golf Club Mulligan 9. Do these seem like good possibilities? Other suggestions for courses around the area that we should look in to? We don't want to be in the way too much at a place that's too fancy for non golfers 🤣 

 

Bonus points for a "desert golf" feel since that would be a bit different than we get to experience around home, but not a requirement. Definitely priority on easier, cheaper, less busy, etc.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Edited February 18, 2022 by EagleThr33

[DrSchteeve]

The 500 Club has an executive course that definitely has a desert golf feel. The Starfire 9 would work, but won't be desert golf. They are both cheap, relatively easy, and less busy. 

 

Mountain Shadows is another level, and much more expensive, and attracts more "real golfers" than 500 Club and Starfire. You might save that for your last (or otherwise special) round, but in general it won't meet the easier, cheaper, and less busy criteria.

[Bonneville85308]

With the way things are now, you probably aren't going to find a cheap par 3/executive course that's empty in early March, so just play in the afternoon when the pace will already be slow because it's packed. 

 

Mountain Shadows is a beautiful, fun short course in my opinion, but it's very expensive for what it is due to the location, and I think it is not really geared towards someone who is not much of a golfer.

 

Roughly where in Scottsdale are you staying? It's a big area geographically and depending on where you are staying and how far you are willing to drive my recommendations might differ.

 

Short answer is there isn't much in actual Scottsdale limits for par 3/exec length courses besides Starfire 9 and Continental, so you would be driving to some part of Phoenix most likely.

Edited February 18, 2022 by Bonneville85308

[azgolfer44]

A great option would be Rolling Hills.  18 holes with a desert feel very close to the airport, Zoo, Papago Park. Owned by City of Tempe so not expensive. Coronado is very cheap and has some okay holes in south Scottsdale.  Paradise Valley Golf Course is right off the 101 and is playable for all levels. Shalimar is a fun, cheap par 3 course too.

 

As others have mentioned, Mountain Shadows is fun, but can get expensive and actually has some difficult holes.

[ChaosTheory]

I’d say Continental.

[puttnforthe8]

Yup - Shalimar and Continental are options for you.  Both generally do some sort of something as well - night golf, beer specials, etc.

[EagleThr33]

Appreciate the replies so far! Will give some of these others a look! Mountain Shadow sounds like maybe a better option if a couple of us that have golfed more find a couple hours to sneak away.  

[puttnforthe8]

On 2/18/2022 at 7:32 PM, EagleThr33 said:

Appreciate the replies so far! Will give some of these others a look! Mountain Shadow sounds like maybe a better option if a couple of us that have golfed more find a couple hours to sneak away.  

This is a great option - and after you can go to Elements just up the road - they have a great patio for HH, drinks or dinner...and sometimes have music.

[EagleThr33]

To change it up just a little bit, anyone have any good mini golf courses in the area?

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, EagleThr33 said:

To change it up just a little bit, anyone have any good mini golf courses in the area?

Imagine 3d Mini has 2 locations; and Glowputt - both indoor and decent options.

 

Cracker Jax is older - but has 2 courses and other stuff; Caseys is a little further out.