Golf is played year-round in the West Valley. Peak season runs from January through April when weather is ideal (65-85°F) and courses are in prime condition. Summer golf (June-August) is very hot (100-115°F) but offers significant discounts. Many golfers prefer early morning tee times or twilight rounds during summer months. Fall (September-November) and late spring (May) are shoulder seasons with moderate temperatures and good value.

Green fees vary dramatically by season and course type. Municipal courses (Estrella Mountain, Falcon Dunes, Coyote Lakes) range from $25-65 depending on season. Public daily-fee courses run $40-120. Resort courses like The Wigwam charge $100-250+ during peak season. Summer rates (June-August) can be 50-70% lower. Twilight rates offer additional savings. Municipal courses offer resident discounts of 30-50%.

Desert courses feature target-style golf with defined landing areas surrounded by natural desert terrain (rocks, cacti, scrub brush). Shots into the desert are often playable but may require penalty drops. Fairways tend to be firm and fast, providing extra roll. Greens are typically fast with subtle breaks. Wildlife is common – watch for snakes, coyotes, and javelina. Always bring extra golf balls as desert areas can swallow errant shots. The scenery is spectacular with mountain views and unique Sonoran Desert landscaping.

Most West Valley courses include carts in green fees and strongly encourage riding due to heat and distance between holes. Walking may be permitted during cooler months (November-March) at some courses, typically during non-peak hours. Always check the course's walking policy when booking. Summer walking is not recommended due to extreme heat. Electric push carts are available at some facilities.

Beginner-friendly courses include Coyote Lakes Golf Club (Surprise), Falcon Dunes (Goodyear), and The Wigwam Red Course (Litchfield Park). These offer shorter distances, wider fairways, and more forgiving layouts. Sundance Golf Club in Buckeye is an executive course perfect for learning. Municipal courses typically welcome all skill levels and offer lessons through their pro shops. Consider taking a few lessons before tackling championship layouts.

The Wigwam is Arizona's premier golf resort, located in Litchfield Park. Established in 1929, it features 54 holes of championship golf including the iconic Gold Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., which hosted PGA Tour events. The resort offers luxury accommodations, multiple dining options, a spa, and a full-service golf academy. The Wigwam combines historic elegance with modern amenities and is consistently ranked among the top golf resorts in the Southwest. It's a bucket-list destination for serious golfers visiting the Phoenix area.

Most courses accept tee time bookings 7-30 days in advance through their websites or by phone. Third-party booking platforms like GolfNow, TeeOff, and Supreme Golf offer additional inventory and often discounted rates. For peak season (January-April), book as early as possible – popular weekend mornings fill up weeks ahead. Municipal courses may offer resident priority booking. Last-minute deals are common during summer and shoulder seasons. Some private clubs require member sponsorship for guest play.