The Short Course at Mountain Shadows: a golfer’s course guide

What it is

The Short Course at Mountain Shadows is an 18-hole, par-3 golf course in Paradise Valley, Arizona, sitting in the shadow of Camelback Mountain and just minutes from Scottsdale. Every hole is a par 3, so the full eighteen plays to a par of 54 over roughly 2,300 yards from the back tees — a fraction of the distance of a championship course, but with plenty of variety packed into a compact footprint.

The current layout was designed by golf course architect Forrest Richardson and reopened in 2017 alongside the rebuilt Mountain Shadows resort. It’s a modern reinterpretation of an older course that first opened in 1961, and it has been recognized within the golf-design community for the quality of its renovation.

What to expect on the course

Don’t let “short” fool you. Holes range from roughly 75 to 200 yards, and several play tougher than the number on the card thanks to elevation changes, wind, and green contours. The greens are the heart of the experience: firm, well-conditioned, and full of subtle breaks that reward careful reading. Many visitors find they need a club or two more than they expected.

The course is known for a set of distinctive, individually named holes — including a Biarritz-style hole with a pronounced swale, a short hole that plays across water to a peninsula green, and a secluded “punchbowl” green with mountain views. There’s even a novelty betting hole built purely for fun and settling matches. The throughline is the design philosophy that golf should be enjoyable: a series of approachable puzzles rather than a punishing test.

Who enjoys it most

• Beginners and improvers — the shorter holes make the game less intimidating while still teaching real shot-making.
• Resort guests and travelers — a complete round fits neatly into a half-day, leaving time for the pool, spa, or dinner.
• Experienced golfers — the greens and wind reward touch, making it a genuine short-game test, not a pushover.
• Groups and families — the relaxed pace and fun design suit mixed-ability groups.

How to plan a round

The basics are simple: it’s a walkable course, rounds move quickly, and there’s an on-site patio for food and drinks afterward. Book ahead in the cooler peak months, play early in summer to beat the heat, and bring sun protection year-round. For the full practical rundown — rentals, attire, parking, weather — see our Visitor Information page.

The fun is in the puzzle: short holes that still ask real questions of every golfer.

Keep reading

The Short Course format explained · History of Mountain Shadows golf · Is it good for beginners? · Scottsdale & Paradise Valley golf