Scottsdale National profile is posted under Courses by Country

[Ran Morrissett]

'History has remembered the kings and warriors, because they destroyed; art has remembered the people, because they created.'

That is a quote from William Morris (1834-96) that I just stumbled across while reading Martin Wainwright's The English Village. I cite it because it instantly reminded me of the 27 holes that the architect firm Jackson Kahn designed at Scottsdale National for Bob Parsons.

You have The Bad Little Nine, which Steve Lapper (in a rare instance of being correct  ) advised me, ‘Don't dare go to Arizona without seeing it.' This par 3 course has already developed a fearsome reputation in its few short years for its pugnacious architecture that brings the fight to you. Its intention is to exasperate as you battle your instinct to be aggressive with wedge in hand on this sub 1,000 yard short course.

Then there is The Other Course (that's its name), which is something special created from nothing. It has every feature that I admire: width, strategy, uneven lies, central hazards, wild greens and variety. Plus, there is no water (other than in the foreground on 9) and you should never lose a ball. Short grass is supreme, especially given the superb bouncy, fast running playing conditions (the Bermuda is allowed to go dormant, which informs you straightaway that proper golf is played here). It nudges past C&C's We-Ko-Pa as my favorite course in Arizona. Others might pick Estancia for the beauty of its setting or Desert Forest for its heritage but this course ticks all the boxes of design elements that I applaud.

That’s a lot of words to describe a course. There is a shorter way too and it’s a phrase that my friend Adam Messix used to describe Royal Melbourne last week when we were together: ‘the world’s narrowest wide course.’ I told him on the spot that I was going to steal it because it sums up my ideal design (the first five entries under 147 Custodians are testimony to that). That expression neatly and accurately applies to The Other Course at Scottsdale National.

Heading back to the hotel after playing Jackson Kahn’s 27 holes, I had never felt more fortunate to be a golfer. In consecutive months, I had played Old Minchinhampton, Somerset Hills and Scottsdale National. How is that for variety?!  At Old Minch, man-made hazards can't be constructed on the common ground but the land is so luscious that knowledgeable people built a slew of fascinating holes over a period of decades. Thimbles of dirt were moved. Those same people would have been out of luck at Scottsdale National as the flat property was void of redeeming natural qualities. Nonetheless, Jackson Kahn had the backing of Parsons and the wherewithal that entails.

From a non-descript desert floor, 27 holes emerged over a 15 month period. Unlike Old Minch and Somerset Hills which were about uncovering golf in natural settings, this profile is about creating an environment for good golf. As such, it is at the other end of the design spectrum. GolfClubAtlas takes great pride in profiling the full gamut in architecture as long as the end result possesses the game’s joie de vivre, which this place emphatically does.

This was my first exposure to Jackson Kahn's work. I am keener than ever to see their redesign of the Dunes Course at Monterey Peninsula. Every review has been glowing, starting with noted curmudgeon  Joe Andriole. Having spent time with them, I can see why. As we played at Scottsdale National, I was enamored with the environment they created but all they wanted to talk about was strategy. That is the ultimate killer combo for me - finding architects that match composition and strategy. Most architects are better at one than the other but not these guys. Maybe that is too bold a statement having seen only 27 holes of their work but I make it anyway in part because they built six outstanding par 5 holes. A monkey can create interesting one shotters but show me a man that builds great par 5s and I will show you talent.

There are all kinds of reasons to pull for Tim Jackson, David Kahn and their friend/colleague Scott Hoffman, including their lack of interest in playing it safe. We don't need more of what we already have - we need people who can create, as per Mr. Morris's words above. Only in that manner does architecture progress in a meaningful manner and I forecast Jackson Kahn cutting a trail like few others. I don't know if they will ever beat what they created at Scottsdale National but it will be fun to find out.

Happy New Year's Eve to all and here is the link:

http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/usa/scottsdale-national-golf-club

Best,

[Jeff Schley]

Wow I had no idea they moved this much earth for "The Other Course". I have spoken to a friend who played it Feb. 2018 I believe and his highlight was the Bad Little 9.  Of course they were all drunk it sounds like, but they played it twice just walking with 3 clubs each.

I don't know much about the renovations of the Mineshaft course and if anyone has played it post renovation please chime in.  I think hole 11 at The Other Course really look picturesque and enjoyed seeing the photo transformation as those boulders were moved into place then weathered. 

BTW anyone have any idea what Parson's is asking for membership?  I know it is heavy on national members, such the name. 

[Thomas Dai]

There’s some real ‘wow’ stuff here. The Bad Little 9 looks right up my street but how would an elderly low ball hitting senior of either gender or a young junior actually play it in a manner that makes them want to play it again?
Atb

[Jaeger Kovich]

The pictures of the bad little 9 that I have seen make me smile ! It is actually one of the courses I want to see most in the US because of the out of the box thinking. Kudos to them for trying something really different and seemingly creating an absolute hit! Hope I get to play it one day.

[Steve Lapper]

There’s some real ‘wow’ stuff here. The Bad Little 9 looks right up my street but how would an elderly low ball hitting senior of either gender or a young junior actually play it in a manner that makes them want to play it again?
Atb

It is not an club, or environment, for senior golfers. The Scottsdale-Phoenix market offers up plenty of opportunities for that demographic. It does, however, present a ton of fun for the junior golfer....they absolutely love it and think it's effectively an "outdoor video game"!


Randolph,


   I'm 2-for-3 in 2018! Big year!  A Healthy & Happy to all GCA'ers

[Jay Mickle]

Looks like great fun.

[Matthew Petersen]

Looks really great. Bad Little Nine is probably the place in Arizona I'd like to play most. Unique.

[John Mayhugh]

Fascinating, especially the evolutionary photos of the 11th.


That perfect Messix quote is a topic for an entire thread of its own.

[Trey Kemp]

Great review of Scottsdale National, I really enjoyed the background of how the project got off the ground.  It looks like Jackson/Kahn did an amazing job.

[Jeff Schley]

Was searching for price of SNGC and found this info on a realtors site...... check out the monthly assessment for IRRIGATION at Desert Highlands! That can't be for an irrigation system.... $1200 a year for 10 years which is $12k PER member (maybe $9k when discounting it back to NPV).  Is that for their water bill?  Seems like a big assessment for H2O.


Desert Highlands Golf Club
$75,000 membership fee with monthly dues of $1225 including HOA dues. Clubhouse Assessment $70/month thru 2019 and Irrigation Assessment $100/month 2019-2029. Jack Nicklaus golf course, 18 hole putting course, tennis (grass, clay and hard courts), pickleball, clubhouse, restaurant, fitness center, pool and guard gate.


http://www.topscottsdalehomes.com/cost-of-scottsdale-golf-memberships/

[Steve Lapper]

You won't find the price for membership at SNGC.


Nor is it a club that the ability to stroke a very large check necessarily yields a membership.

[Ran Morrissett]

 



It is easy to misconstrue this photo as being of a middle-age golfer barreling down the slippery slope toward irrelevance – the slumped shoulders, hands too low, stance mysteriously closed before hitting what was supposed to be a high cut, no width (other than in my mid-section). However, I look at it more as an athlete in prime form, gallantly fending back Father Time, ready to pounce.

In terms of the outcome of this particular shot, history need not be dredged up. Not even my technology laden PXG 9 iron could compensate for certain disruptive forces that occurred during the downward lurch. 

Nonetheless, the photograph does capture The Other Course’s magical environment in which to enjoy a game! 
 

[Jeff Schley]

You won't find the price for membership at SNGC.


Nor is it a club that the ability to stroke a very large check necessarily yields a membership.

No worries Steve, I don't have my checkbook open, I already live in a hotter than hell place.

[Steve Lapper]

Ran,


  Beside the obvious set-up flaws (and it is true that from there you do defy some measure of physics to produce a reasonable swing ), you left out the most obvious question:

  Why doesn't golf's most beloved have a better tailor? Do we need a GoFundMe page to raise the $$ to properly hem those putrid yellow pants?   .....and maybe get you a working belt?


Jeff,


  My information wasn't personal, I already have enough dues liability for a lifetime!

[Randy Thompson]

Love the photos and looks like a blast to play. The finishing and dressing up work is off the charts excellent! Congrats to all involved!

[Ted Sturges]

It is easy to misconstrue this photo as being of a middle-age golfer barreling down the slippery slope toward irrelevance – the slumped shoulders, hands too low, stance mysteriously closed before hitting what was supposed to be a high cut, no width (other than in my mid-section). However, I look at it more as an athlete in prime form, gallantly fending back Father Time, ready to pounce.

In terms of the outcome of this particular shot, history need not be dredged up. Not even my technology laden PXG 9 iron could compensate for certain disruptive forces that occurred during the downward lurch. 

Nonetheless, the photograph does capture The Other Course’s magical environment in which to enjoy a game! 

Wow...so much commentary to provide, yet so little time.


You are indeed a svelt thoroughbred in his prime Randolph, equipped with both power and finesse.  That closed stance and hunched over address position ingeniously disguises the mighty swing that is about to transpire.  Moments after this photo was taken, a massive shoulder turn produced a downward blow that both punished and compressed that Titleist in a way that clearly communicated who was in charge.  Ladies want you, and gentlemen want to be you.  You sir, are a legend...


(in your own mind). 

[Ted Sturges]

Ran,


  Beside the obvious set-up flaws (and it is true that from there you do defy some measure of physics to produce a reasonable swing ), you left out the most obvious question:

  Why doesn't golf's most beloved have a better tailor? Do we need a GoFundMe page to raise the $$ to properly hem those putrid yellow pants?   .....and maybe get you a working belt?

I can attest that Golf's Most Beloved Figure employs the services of Golf's Most Expensive Clothiers.  At issue here is not getting a proper hem on these "yellow" slacks, as I am certain that in 2009 when these slacks were custom fitted on Randolph, they fit well and were at the proper length.  The impressive development of Randolph's abdomen in the last decade has rendered a more southern location of what was once his waistline.  My suggestion to solve this fashion dilemma is to add suspenders to the outfit.  This will provide several benefits...the slacks will migrate north, Ran's shoes will then be visible (not to him, but to others), and the suspenders will serve as a governor to that massive and legendary shoulder turn. 


TS

[Steve Lapper]

Ran,


  Beside the obvious set-up flaws (and it is true that from there you do defy some measure of physics to produce a reasonable swing ), you left out the most obvious question:

  Why doesn't golf's most beloved have a better tailor? Do we need a GoFundMe page to raise the $$ to properly hem those putrid yellow pants?   .....and maybe get you a working belt?

I can attest that Golf's Most Beloved Figure employs the services of Golf's Most Expensive Clothiers.  At issue here is not getting a proper hem on these "yellow" slacks, as I am certain that in 2009 when these slacks were custom fitted on Randolph, they fit well and were at the proper length.  The impressive development of Randolph's abdomen in the last decade has rendered a more southern location of what was once his waistline.  My suggestion to solve this fashion dilemma is to add suspenders to the outfit.  This will provide several benefits...the slacks will migrate north, Ran's shoes will then be visible (not to him, but to others), and the suspenders will serve as a governor to that massive and legendary shoulder turn. 


TS

Ted,


  You so eloquently and ably addressed Ran's "growing" sartorial issues, I know I'll have little to add. Gravity has not been kind to this Southern Gentlemen. The only question outstanding is whether or not to implore him to add a few sets of Depends?

[Ran Morrissett]

People like seeing something different so no wonder that The Bad Little Nine stirred a lot of emails. Here are a couple of more pictures:


The 4th green on The Other Course isn't the only green with Punchbowl features; the 3rd green on TBLN (seen above) is even more of a pronounced Punchbowl. The Challenge Day hole location on top of the knob is Machiavellian.



Looking from behind the 6th green. Could you get the ball up quickly from an uneven lie in the pit?! I bet not. Given how easy it has become to recover from perfect lies in a bunker, I wish more hazards like this existed.

Ted and Steve, You schlumps seem alone in criticizing my (slightly) rumpled appearance; elsewhere, amongst proper gentlemen, I hear that the conversation centers around the benefits that LeBron and I share from our ketogenic diets and Ghee butter in our morning coffees!