Nothing Short About The Short Course At Mountain Shadows in Scottsdale
Located in luxurious Paradise Valley and nestled below the majestic Camelback and Mummy Mountains is the aptly named Mountain Shadows Resort. This iconic Paradise Valley resort opened in 1961 as a remote desert travel destination for international travelers, Hollywood stars and socialites, and families alike. It shuttered in 2004 and reopened in 2017, offering private residences, guest rooms, dining, and an 18-hole short course to rival any short course.
The 3-par short course forced us to finesse our 9 iron skills, though we were arguably more focused on the views. The challenging and rugged greens snake through the resort grounds, close to homes that are snuggled along the course.
The Short Course features 18 holes, all par 3. Holes range from 75 to 200 yards, creating a unique golf experience.
We golfed as a foursome on a foursome cart—an efficient and fun way to navigate the course. The course is equally challenging and fun and perfect for anyone desiring a quick and casual round of golf, complete with stunning mountain views.
Of particular notability: The "Punchbowl" (hole No. 10) is a secluded, pocketed green with stunning views of Camelback Mountain’s Camel’s Head.
Another memorable hole is #13 (Mummy) named for Mummy Mountain, which sits opposite of Camelback Mountain. Take a seat in the lounge chairs offered at each hole, breathe in the scenery and plan your next move. The dual green at holes No. 13 and No. 14, "Mummy" and "Dell," challenge you with a bunker smack in the middle of the green in homage to the pot bunker built into the famous 6th hole at the Riviera Country Club in southern California.
The beloved No. 7 "Jutty" hole is an ultra-short hole where you pop the ball across the water to a peninsula green that juts out into the Mountain Shadows pond. Ladies: the checkerboard golf skort in photo below is by Jaye Bird Golf - offering golf apparel designs that are fashionable and functional by Arizona native, Katie Byrnes.
In addition to the golf, it was equally as fun spotting the unique luxury homes nestled into the base of the mountains and wrapping around the golf course. There’s so much character on this truly unique in-city course.
If you love the golf so much that you need to hide away for a few days, The Mountain Shadows Resort hotel is a fantastic place to stay. The unique structure of the resort offers modern architecture and sleek, bold design throughout, including the well-appointed guest rooms. Visitors may choose from single guest rooms as well as residences, for a more private and secluded experience. And if you stay and decide you don’t want to ever leave (it happens!), check out the Mountain Shadow Resort Condominiums, perfect for full-time residency or as a vacation home.
