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TOC 16
04.23.21

The Other Course – No. 16, Yellow Jacket

For all the detailed planning that went into designing The Other Course at Scottsdale National Golf Club, one of its most memorable holes was the result of a very happy accident. That would be the 16th, the last of six par 3s. 

Location, Location, Location

While early plans called for the 16th green to be set down in a wash, the par 3 13th green was already in such a location. To avoid hole duplication, a high priority for Bob Parsons, another location for the 16th green would need to be found.

Stumbling on Breathtaking Views

As the Jackson Kahn Design team worked on the 15th green, they decided to hit some golf balls at a flagstick placed on a tall stockpile of dirt sitting unused nearby. After hitting about 100 balls to that spot, the team walked up to the flagstick, took one look around at the breathtaking 360-degree view, and realized immediately that it would be the perfect spot for the 16th green. 

After that pile of dirt was shaved down by about 10 feet, thereby opening up an unforgettable horizon line view all the way out to the Superstition Mountains, the final par 3 on The Other Course was a reality.

Known as “Yellow Jacket,” the stunning hole usually requires a tee shot that lands on the middle or right side of the green since shots landing on the left side have a tendency to run off the back. Because the carry over a large waste area is longer to the right side of the green, make sure you take an extra half club. 

Xperience this Happy Accident at SNGC

Of all the holes on The Other Course at Scottsdale National Golf Club, this happy accident is one not to be missed for the view or the play.

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