Scottsdale National Golf Club is one of the most secretive private clubs in Arizona. Founded by billionaire Bob Parsons — the man behind PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) and GoDaddy — the club has built a reputation for doing things differently than the old-guard Scottsdale clubs. The events are louder, the culture is more casual, and the pricing is closely guarded.
Getting reliable membership cost information for Scottsdale National is harder than almost any other club in Scottsdale. The club doesn't publish pricing, isn't included on most realtor comparison sites, and maintains tight control over what members share publicly.
Scottsdale National Membership Fees
Important disclaimer: Scottsdale National is notoriously secretive about membership pricing. The figures below come from limited secondary sources and may not reflect current 2026 rates. Treat these as directional estimates, not confirmed pricing.
Initiation Fee
The most widely cited figure places Scottsdale National's initiation fee at approximately $300,000, with some reports suggesting it may have increased beyond that. One source from 2023 reports $300,000 initiation with $60,000 in annual dues, totaling $360,000 in the first year.
However, other reports have cited initiation fees significantly higher — potentially over $1,000,000. The discrepancy may reflect different membership tiers, price increases since 2023, or the difference between equity and non-equity options.
For context, here's how this compares to other top-tier Scottsdale clubs:
| Club | Golf Initiation Fee | Annual Dues |
|---|---|---|
| $400K-$500K | ~$33K-$47K/yr | |
| $295K-$350K | ~$28,500/yr | |
| ~$300K+ | ~$60,000/yr | |
| $250K-$275K | ~$23K-$24K/yr | |
| $225K-$250K | ~$28K-$30K/yr |
Annual Dues
Annual dues are reported at approximately $60,000 per year ($5,000/month). This is the highest annual dues figure among Scottsdale's private clubs, though the club's unique programming and events may justify the premium for members who take full advantage.
Property Requirement
Golf memberships at Scottsdale National are reportedly available only to property owners within the community. This adds significant cost beyond the membership itself, as real estate in the Scottsdale National community commands premium pricing.
What Makes Scottsdale National Different
The Bob Parsons Effect
Scottsdale National isn't your grandfather's country club. Bob Parsons built PXG into a premium golf brand by rejecting industry conventions, and he brought the same philosophy to his golf club. The result is a private club experience that feels more like an exclusive social club with a top-ranked golf course attached.
The Social Scene
What genuinely sets Scottsdale National apart is its event programming. The club hosts concerts, themed parties, Fight Night boxing events, and social gatherings that go well beyond the typical country club calendar. Members describe the atmosphere as energetic and community-driven, attracting a younger and more socially active demographic than traditional Scottsdale clubs.
Walking-Only Policy
The Raptor Course — a Tom Fazio design — enforces a walking-only policy with no golf carts. Fazio designed the routing specifically to accommodate walking, with minimal distance between greens and the next tee. This policy reinforces the pure golf experience and keeps pace of play moving.
The Raptor Course
The Tom Fazio-designed Raptor Course plays across dramatic desert terrain with significant elevation changes and panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains. Guest green fees are reported at $110 per round, though access is limited to member guests only. The course regularly appears in national rankings for best private courses in Arizona.
Membership Cap
Scottsdale National reportedly limits membership to 250-300 members, making it one of the most intimate clubs in the market. With a single 18-hole course, this cap ensures members can get tee times without advance booking hassles.
Membership Process
Invitation Only
Like most ultra-exclusive clubs, Scottsdale National operates on invitation only. The club markets its "Xperience" program — an introduction to the club for prospective members — but formal membership requires existing member connections and club approval.
What to Expect
- Connection to the club through existing members or the Xperience program
- Property consideration — the club is tied to its real estate community
- Application and vetting by the membership committee
- Financial qualification demonstrating comfortable ability to meet the financial commitment
- Approval by the club
The Xperience Program
Scottsdale National's public-facing membership funnel is called "The Xperience" — a structured introduction that allows prospective members to visit the club, play the course, and experience the culture before committing. This is unusual among ultra-exclusive clubs and reflects the club's more modern marketing approach.
Who Should Consider Scottsdale National
Scottsdale National is a good fit if you:
- Want a private club that feels more like a social club with top-tier golf
- Value event programming, concerts, and an active social calendar
- Prefer walking golf and a pure on-course experience
- Appreciate a newer, less traditional club culture
- Are comfortable with the financial commitment ($300K+ initiation plus $60K/year)
- Are interested in owning property within the Scottsdale National community
Consider other clubs if you:
- Want full family amenities (pool, tennis, kids programs)
- Prefer a more traditional, established club atmosphere
- Want multiple courses (Desert Mountain offers six for a similar price point)
- Need confirmed, published pricing before committing
- Don't plan to purchase property in the community
How Scottsdale National Compares
Scottsdale National vs Whisper Rock
Both clubs focus on pure golf over country club amenities. offers two courses at a lower price point ($100K-$130K initiation), while Scottsdale National provides a more exclusive, socially active experience with a single course at roughly $300K+. Whisper Rock is quieter and more golf-focused; Scottsdale National adds the social and entertainment dimension.
Scottsdale National vs Desert Mountain
offers six Nicklaus courses for $225K-$250K — potentially less than Scottsdale National with six times the course variety. But Desert Mountain is a large community-style club with a very different culture. Scottsdale National's appeal is intimacy and exclusivity, not volume.
Scottsdale National vs Silverleaf
at $400K-$500K is more expensive than Scottsdale National but offers a traditional full-service country club experience. Both require property ownership. Silverleaf is established old-guard prestige; Scottsdale National is new-money energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to join Scottsdale National Golf Club?
Based on limited available sources, Scottsdale National's initiation fee is reported at approximately $300,000 or higher, with annual dues around $60,000. The club is one of the most secretive in Scottsdale regarding pricing — these figures may not reflect current 2026 rates. Contact the club directly for accurate information.
Who owns Scottsdale National Golf Club?
Scottsdale National was founded by Bob Parsons, the billionaire entrepreneur behind PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) and GoDaddy. Parsons' vision was to create a private club that rejected traditional country club conventions.
Can you play Scottsdale National without being a member?
Scottsdale National is strictly private. Access is limited to members and their guests. The club does offer "The Xperience" program for prospective members interested in learning about the club.
Is Scottsdale National walking only?
Yes. The Raptor Course enforces a walking-only policy — no golf carts are available. Tom Fazio designed the course routing specifically to be walkable, with short transitions between holes.
What is the most expensive golf club in Scottsdale?
Based on reported initiation fees, Silverleaf Country Club ($400K-$500K) holds the highest published initiation fee in Scottsdale. However, some reports suggest Scottsdale National's fees may be comparable or higher, as the club does not disclose official pricing.
Pricing reported as of February 2026 from limited secondary sources. Scottsdale National Golf Club does not publish official membership pricing, and available figures may not reflect current rates. Contact the club directly for current membership availability and pricing.
Related Guides
Exploring Scottsdale's private club options? See our guides to , , and . For a complete overview, read our guide to . Prefer public golf? Explore .
