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Kim Peiffer, Forbes Staff

Forbes Vetted

Back in my college days, I spent summers working at a golf course in the Midwest, serving up cocktails to members and driving around the course while simultaneously working on my tan. As much as I loved that gig, I somehow never managed to swing a club—not once. For decades, I dreamt about taking up the game of golf, and I finally got the opportunity to learn—at one of the swankiest private country clubs in the country.

Spanning a whopping 700 acres in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and just a quick drive from the Phoenix airport, Scottsdale National Golf Club is a golfer’s dream-come-true. Bob and Renee Parsons acquired Scottsdale National Golf Club (at the time of purchase, The Golf Club Scottsdale) in 2013 and transformed it into a true paradise, which now includes two 18-hole golf courses, a nine hole, par-3 golf course, two luxurious clubhouses, 15 expertly-appointed private villas, a private chef’s table, and only 152 members, making it ultra exclusive for those who are lucky enough to be a member.

Speaking of joining, there is only one way in, and that’s through an application and invitation, followed by an immersive luxurious experience aptly titled The Xperience. What is it? An elite three-day escape from reality including world-class accommodations on the property, expertly-curated meals, and some of the most exquisite golf in the country (think zero tee times, wide open fairways sans any surrounding homes, and custom fit, built-by-hand PXG clubs that are hand delivered to your villa just in time for your first round). Here is everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind experience, which is worth it whether you’re an extreme golf connoisseur or a bourgeoning golf addict like me.

Scottsdale National Golf Club

Reserve At SNGC.com

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

Who Will Love It: Any golf fanatic who craves a one-of-a-kind exceptional golf experience just as much as the luxuries of a 5-star resort

All-Star Amenities: Two luxurious clubhouses; 15 luxury villas re-designed by Renee Parsons; epicurean tasting menu dinners; on-site PXG store

What Not To Miss: Dinner at the Private Chef’s Table helmed by Executive Chef Mel Mecinas; a custom PXG club fitting experience; a deep tissue massage at the spa; a drink in the wine bar

The Location

Scottsdale National Gold Club is a members only club nestled in the Sonoran Desert and under an hour drive from the Phoenix International Airport, making it super easy to get there no matter where you are based. They are home to wide open fairways across forty-five holes, featuring a unique backdrop of the mountains surrounding Scottsdale. One of the best parts? There are no homes lining the course, so stunning views from every angle abound. The property includes two clubhouses, 15 oversized villas re-designed by Renee Parsons, a fitness center and an abundance of challenging courses and landscape helmed by Bob Parsons. “I like to say that anything that you see here under a roof is Renee’s; anything that you see under the stars is mine,” says Mr. Parsons.

All Star Amenities

Start your day with a custom chef-prepared breakfast and a strong coffee at the National Grill to fuel you up, with the McDowell Mountains as your backdrop. [If you’re embarking on The Xperience, arrival day includes a personalized full bag fitting with our PXG Fitting Specialist, so on day two you’re ready to hit the course.] Golf here looks unlike most private clubs in the country, in the best way possible—no tee times, wide open fairways and as much golf as you could possibly ever want, spanning across forty-five exquisitely manicured holes. New to golf? They’ve got you covered with their expert in-house instructor, who will take you from an absolute novice to somewhat presentable on the course in a matter of no time.

After golf, unwind with a much-needed massage to sooth those overworked shoulders before relaxing in your private villa. Don’t miss dinner at Mustang Grill, a drink by the roaring fireplace at Mustang Bar, and a shopping trip to PXG Golf Shop. Leave plenty of time to enjoy some downtime in your gorgeous villa.

What Not To Miss:

Scottsdale National Golf Club arranges every step of the itinerary curation for you, including planning a customized itinerary before you arrive that takes into account your golf ability and interest, providing all the needed equipment (most importantly PXG’s outstanding clubs during the custom fitting), so for those interested in joining the club, a three-day immersion with The Xperience is an absolute delight (and the only way to join the club, if you’re lucky enough to score an invite).

In addition to the golf, the villas (pictured above) are worth hanging out in and enjoying—you won’t want to leave.

But don’t stay in your villa long enough to miss a meal—another absolute must during your stay is dinner at the property’s private Chef’s table located inside PXG House, the newest clubhouse on property. During what can only be described as a mouth-watering, multi-sensory epicurean experience, Executive Chef Mel Mecinas and Sommelier Shaun Adams will wine and dine you ‘till your heart’s content.

The bottom line? I’m dying to come back stat (if I score that coveted invite again, that is). It’s an experience you’ll never forget.