Independent Golf Guide · Paradise Valley, Arizona
Independent Guide to Mountain Shadows Golf Club & The Short Course
Planning a round at one of Paradise Valley’s most distinctive short-course golf experiences? Start here with course context, visitor tips, history, FAQs, and nearby Scottsdale golf resources.
Desert short-course golf, Arizona · photo: Unsplash
Independent resource: MountainShadowsGolfClub.com is an independent informational guide for golfers researching Mountain Shadows Golf Club, The Short Course, and golf experiences around Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, Arizona. We are not the official course or resort.
At a glance
Mountain Shadows / The Short Course — quick facts
A snapshot for trip planning. Always confirm current details with the official course or resort before you go.
Location
Paradise Valley, AZ
5445 E. Lincoln Dr, adjacent to Scottsdale and backdropped by Camelback Mountain.
Course type
18-hole par-3
A modern short course where every hole is a par 3 — ideal for a fun, fast round.
Best for
All skill levels
Beginners, resort guests, families, and experienced players wanting a quicker round or short-game work.
Pace
Under ~3 hours
Most golfers finish 18 holes in well under three hours; nine in roughly 90 minutes.
Visitor note
Verify before you go
Tee times, pricing, and policies change. Confirm everything directly with the official course.
Why this guide exists
An independent place to research the course before you book
If you searched for “Mountain Shadows Golf Club,” you probably want straight answers: What is this course? Is it worth playing? How do I plan a visit? This site exists to answer those questions in plain language, from a golfer’s point of view, without trying to sell you anything.
We are an independent editorial guide — not the resort, not a booking company, and not affiliated with the course in any way. That independence is the point. We can describe what the experience is generally like, who tends to enjoy it, and how it fits into a wider Scottsdale and Paradise Valley golf trip, then send you to the official source for the things that actually need to be accurate on the day you play: tee times, rates, and policies.
Course overview
What makes a short course different
A short course keeps every hole a par 3, so a full 18 plays in a fraction of the time and distance of a championship layout. At Mountain Shadows, holes range from roughly 75 to 200 yards, with a total of about 2,300 yards from the back tees — meaning club selection, touch, and putting matter far more than raw power.
The result is golf that’s genuinely approachable for beginners while still posing real puzzles for low-handicap players. Designed by Forrest Richardson and reopened in 2017, the course is known for distinctive, individually named holes set against the Camelback Mountain backdrop. It’s the kind of round you can squeeze between a morning meeting and an afternoon by the pool.
Figures compiled from public sources for planning context — confirm current details with the official course.
Short-game touch matters more than distance on a par-3 layout. Photo: Unsplash (free license).
Planning your round
What to sort out before you tee off
The Short Course is walkable and refreshingly low-fuss, but a little planning goes a long way — especially in the Arizona heat. Here’s a general checklist; verify the current specifics officially.
- Tee times: book ahead in peak season (roughly late October–April), when Scottsdale fills up.
- Rentals: rental clubs are typically available for a fee; check current pricing and guest policies.
- Attire: standard resort-golf attire is a safe bet — confirm the dress code in advance.
- Pace: 18 holes usually runs under three hours; nine in about 90 minutes.
- Food & drink: there’s an on-site patio and lounge for a bite or a drink after your round.
- Walking & carts: walking is common here; push carts and golf carts are generally available for a fee.
- Weather: in summer, play early — mornings are far more comfortable than midday.
A brief history
From a 1961 celebrity favorite to a modern par-3 reinvention
Golf at Mountain Shadows has a longer story than the current course suggests.
The original course opens
Architect Arthur Jack Snyder lays out a short, par-56 “executive” resort course that becomes a Paradise Valley favorite among celebrities and socialites.
A quieter chapter
The original resort and course eventually fade as the property changes over the decades.
The Short Course is reborn
Forrest Richardson — a longtime protege of Snyder — completely redesigns the layout as a true 18-hole par-3 course, reopening alongside the rebuilt resort.
Explore the area
Nearby golf & trip planning
Mountain Shadows is one stop in one of America’s great golf regions. Use these guides to build the rest of your trip.
Scottsdale & Paradise Valley Golf
An overview of golf in the area and how Mountain Shadows fits in.
Read the guide →Nearby Golf Courses
Alternatives and complements near Paradise Valley and Scottsdale.
See nearby courses →The Short Course Explained
Why par-3 golf is fun, fast, and worth a place on your itinerary.
Learn more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official Mountain Shadows website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. For official tee times, pricing, and policies, visit the official course or resort website.
Is Mountain Shadows a real, playable course?
Yes. The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is an active 18-hole par-3 course in Paradise Valley, Arizona, open to the public. Always confirm current hours and availability officially.
Is it good for beginners?
It’s well suited to beginners thanks to the shorter par-3 format, while still offering enough variety to challenge experienced players. See our beginners article.
How long does a round take?
Most golfers play all 18 holes in under three hours, and nine holes in roughly 90 minutes.
When is the best time of year to play?
Roughly late October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures. Summer is hotter but quieter and often cheaper — play early in the day. See our seasonal guide.
How do I book a tee time?
Book directly through the official course or resort. We don’t take bookings and aren’t affiliated with the course.