Gaining access to Scottsdale National Golf Club is one of the most sought-after and difficult tee times to secure in the world of golf. Getting to walk these fairways is a special experience, and this guide is here to walk you through how you might get that chance and, more importantly, how to prepare your game to make the most of it. We’ll cover the necessary steps to get on the grounds and then provide a coach’s game plan for tackling the club’s incredibly unique and demanding courses.
Unlike a daily-fee course where you can book a tee time online, Scottsdale National is unapologetically private and fiercely exclusive. The club was founded by billionaire Bob Parsons, the founder of GoDaddy, with a clear vision: create an unadulterated, pure golf experience for serious golfers, without the stuffy rules of a traditional country club. Because of this, casually playing the course is not an option. Here are the only two paths to the first tee.
This is, to put it lightly, not a simple process. Membership is by invitation only and is reserved for a select, and discreet, group of individuals. There isn't an open application process or a waiting list you can join. It’s an ultra-exclusive circle, and gaining entry is the golf equivalent of being handed a golden ticket.
This is the most realistic path for the non-billionaire golfer. To play as a guest, you must be personally invited and hosted on-site by a current member of the club. The member must be with you for the entire duration of your visit. There are no loopholes here - you can’t call the pro shop and name-drop someone, nor can you book a tee time through a third party. The club is built around the experience of its members, and guest play is a privilege they extend personally.
So, the simple answer to “how do I play Scottsdale National?” is that you need to know a member. If you’re ever fortunate enough to receive that invitation, jump on it immediately, and then start preparing for a day of golf you’ll never forget.
If you've secured an invitation, the experience that awaits you is second to none. The club’s motto is reportedly, “No one will tell you what you can't do,” and the atmosphere reflects that. It's a relaxed, modern environment free of old-fashioned country club pretense. It’s built for golfers. Here's a little of on what to expect.
This is where the real fun begins. Scottsdale National is home to three courses, each with its own distinct and demanding personality. Bob Parsons didn't build these courses to be easy, he built them to be a supreme test. As a coach, this is my advice for navigating each one.
This is the monster. The one with jaw-dropping elevation changes that look impossible on TV. Built by Jackson Kahn Design, this 18-hole course is renowned for its difficulty. The views are spectacular, but the price of admission is facing some of the most demanding shots in golf.
What was previously known as the original Scottsdale National course is now “The Other Course.” This 18-hole layout designed by Jay Morrish and Dick Bailey provides a more classic, though still stern, Arizona desert golf test. The elevation changes aren't as extreme as The Mineshaft, but the course is full of teeth.
Don't let the name or the par of 27 fool you. This par-3 course is perhaps the most precise test of them all. Nicknamed the "BLN9," it is an absolute blast to play but will expose any weakness in your iron game. Every hole offers a different challenge, from short flips to long, demanding tee shots over water and sand.
Playing at Scottsdale National Golf Club is a privilege few golfers ever get to experience. Getting on requires an invitation from a member, but if that day comes, preparing your game for its unique challenges - specifically yardage control, smart strategy, and lag putting - will ensure you fully appreciate this one-of-a-kind venue. It's a place built for those who deeply love the game.
When you're faced with a round this special, the pressure can be high. This is where tools that provide objective, smart advice can be so helpful. I built Caddie AI to give every golfer access to tour-level strategy for any course, especially one as demanding as Scottsdale National. By describing the hole or even snapping a picture of a tough lie, you can get instant guidance on club selection and a smart target line, taking the guesswork out of the equation so you can play with confidence and focus on hitting great shots.
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