The Mine Shaft’s 13-Foot-Deep Bunker
Behind the 15th green on the Mine Shaft course lurks a legendary 13-foot-deep bunker—so treacherous and unique it inspired the course's name. Survive the sand, and you’ve got a tale for life.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Scottsdale National Golf Club
Scottsdale, Arizona
Hidden GemExceptional golf hiding below the radar.
Established
2003
Architect
Jay Morrish & Dick Bailey (original, Mine Shaft); Jackson Kahn Design (The Other Course, Bad Little Nine); club development by Bob Parsons
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,846 – 7,579 yds
The verdict
Elite private desert golf retreat
Scottsdale National is a lavish, modern 45-hole private club that fuses drama, design, and Sonoran Desert scenery into a singular experience. While it holds no major championships or national rankings, it’s one of the region’s most inventive, impressive and exclusive destinations—built to thrill golf architecture fans and insiders alike.
Course DNA
Difficulty
85
Scenery91
Conditioning96
Shot Variety93
Walkability65
Green Complexity89
Wow Factor87
Design Quality91
Don't miss
Play the Bad Little Nine on a Challenge Friday — Bob Parsons puts up $1,000 in bar credit if you break par from the nastiest hole locations.
At a glance
Quick facts
Total Holes
45 (two 18s, one 9-hole par-3)
Signature Bunker Depth
13 feet (Mine Shaft, behind 15th green)
No Consecutive Same-Par Holes
On The Other Course (unique in the region)
Owner
Bob Parsons (PXG founder)
Gender Policy
Inclusive guest/member play, all amenities
Notable Feature
The Bad Little Nine (devilish short course)
Elevation
Approx. 2,500 feet above sea level
The design
The architecture
Scottsdale National’s design is a masterwork of modern desert golf, fusing risk-reward drama with Sonoran flair across 45 holes. The Mine Shaft course leverages native canyons, arroyos, and a bold bunker palette—including the infamous 13-foot-deep hazard—while The Other Course ditches standard templates for a never-boring, par-mixed routing. Across the property, inventive hazards, strategic angles, and impeccable greens conspire to challenge both the mind and the short game. With private-club conditioning and a design ethos that celebrates fun as much as toughness, Scottsdale National stands apart as a visionary take on exclusive Arizona golf.
The original Mine Shaft course was crafted by Jay Morrish & Dick Bailey; The Other Course and Bad Little Nine showcase the creative modern work of Jackson Kahn Design, all unified by Bob Parsons' ambitious vision.
Defining features
- Spectacular 13-foot-deep bunker (Mine Shaft 15th)
- Desert-landscape routing with native vegetation and arroyos
- 'No consecutive same-par' design on The Other Course
- Tiered and undulating green complexes
- Bad Little Nine: fiendish, compact short course
- Expansive vistas and bold use of elevation
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 15
Mine Shaft
PAR
5
YARDAGE
548 yds
This long par 5 tempts big hitters with a reachable green in two—but lurking behind is the legendary 13-foot-deep bunker for which the course is named. Positioning on all three shots matters, with native desert lining the approach and the gaping Mine Shaft lying in wait.
Play it smart
Lay up short and right for the best angle; aggressive play brings deep sand into play.
Where it bites
Miss long and you risk one of golf’s most intimidating recoveries from the Mine Shaft bunker.
Course management
Shots to think about
Second shot into Mine Shaft 15th
Unless you’re confident, lay up to wedge range; the deep bunker behind screams caution.
Approach to 18th green
Take enough club and favor the middle; greenside trouble is punishing around all edges.
Tee shot on The Other Course’s par 3s
Club selection matters—par 3s range from 134–215 yards and wind can be a factor. Don’t just grab the same iron twice all day.
Handling risk-reward par 5s
Desert borders many fairways—pick clear targets and resist over-reaching in two unless you’re dialed in.
Recovery from native desert areas
Punch out clean and smart; trying a hero shot often turns one mistake into two or three.
Navigating the Bad Little Nine
Play for the safe middle of the green; pins often lurk near wild slopes that punish even small misses.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Impeccably maintained, firm and true surfaces year-round
Pace
Comfortably brisk, with minimal member congestion
Vibe
Elite, high-service, and private—no distractions, no crowds
Dress code
Traditional private-club attire: collared shirts, tailored golf wear
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Your Full Shot Arsenal
You’ll need every club in the bag; par sequence and hazards demand variety.
02
Hydration Is Vital
Desert heat, low humidity—carry plenty of water and sun protection at all times.
03
Short Game Practice Pays Off
Tight approaches, gnarly bunkers and undulating greens put a premium on touch and nerve from 100 yards in.
04
Consider a Caddie or Forecaddie
Course knowledge—especially hazard placement and desert lines—pays big dividends if offered.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2003
The Golf Club Scottsdale opens (Morrish & Bailey course)
- 2013
Bob Parsons acquires club, rebrands as Scottsdale National
- 2016
The Other Course and Bad Little Nine debut (Jackson Kahn Design)
- 2017
Mine Shaft course gains attention for its deep signature bunker
- 2022
Hosts Commander-in-Chief's Cup after weather cancels original venue
Stories & legends
What makes it special
No Repeat Pars: The Other Course Quirk
On The Other Course, you’ll never play back-to-back holes of the same par. This unique par sequence keeps you guessing and turns every stretch into a fresh strategic puzzle.
PXG’s Playground
Scottsdale National is the crown jewel of PXG founder Bob Parsons' golf empire, blending luxury service and cutting-edge design into the club’s DNA. It’s more than a golf club—it’s a living showcase for innovation.
The Bad Little Nine: Short but Spicy
Don’t underestimate the nine-hole short course. The Bad Little Nine is fiendishly difficult and devilishly fun, with wild contours and tightly defended pins designed to toy with even the best players.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The Other Course has no back-to-back holes of the same par—one-of-a-kind in Arizona.
2
Mine Shaft’s 13-foot-deep bunker is a legendary test and social-media star.
3
The Bad Little Nine is billed as one of the world’s toughest par-3 courses despite its short length.
4
Founder Bob Parsons integrates PXG product launches, making it a living golf tech laboratory.
5
Par 3 distances on The Other Course range from 134 to 215 yards.
Build the trip
If you're building a Scottsdale golf trip around it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course
Public/Resort
PGA Tour host, raucous tournament vibe and famous 16th hole
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club – Saguaro
Public/Resort
Top public course, classic Weiskopf strategic design
Troon North – Pinnacle
Public/Resort
Photogenic elevation changes and widely ranked desert routing
Grayhawk – Raptor
Public/Resort
Tour-tested, plush conditions and a contrast to pure private feel
Estancia Club
Private
Elite private club with architectural pedigree for those with access
North Scottsdale for quickest access to most venues, luxury lodging, and central launching point for the best public and private plays.
Course DNA
If You Like Scottsdale National Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.3
Firestone Country Club (North Course)
Akron, OhioConditioning
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Firestone Country Club (North Course) offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Scottsdale National Golf Club.
Strong DNA Match8.7
Sea Island Seaside Course
St. Simons Island, GeorgiaConditioning
Why it matches: If Scottsdale National Golf Club is your kind of course, Sea Island Seaside Course is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match8.9
The Alotian Club
Roland, ArkansasConditioning
Why it matches: If Scottsdale National Golf Club is your kind of course, The Alotian Club is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?