Sun City Shadow Hills “Phase 3” Golf Course (North Course)

When people refer to the “Phase 3 course” at Sun City Shadow Hills, they’re typically talking about the Shadow Hills Golf Club – North Course: an 18‑hole, par‑3 / short course designed to be fun for all skill levels while being specifically valuable for dialing in irons, wedges, and scoring shots.

Sun City Shadow Hills golf is a two‑course setup—North Course (short/par‑3) plus the South Course (full championship 18)—with additional practice and social/dining amenities that make it feel like a true golf-centered lifestyle (without requiring a private club membership).

The Phase 3 course at a glance: Shadow Hills Golf Club – North Course

Quick facts

• Holes / Par / Length: 18 holes, par 54, about 2,999 yards

• Built: 2010

• Architects: Lee E. Schmidt & Brian Curley (Schmidt‑Curley design team)

• Style: Purpose-built par‑3 course—a “precision first” layout where you hit a lot of scoring clubs

• Walking: Walking allowed (carts also available)

• Dress code / spikes: Collared shirts required; no metal spikes

What it feels like to play

• Holes generally run ~135 to 210 yards, so the course rewards distance control, trajectory, and solid putting more than raw driver length.

• It’s turfed with Hybrid Bermuda and intentionally blends natural desert areas with playable turf—about 40% of the course is turf, with water features, fairway undulations, and multiple tee options to keep the round interesting for beginners and experienced players alike.

Why golfers love having it nearby

• It’s ideal for:

  • “Real golf” practice that translates directly to lower scores (approach shots + short game).

  • Quicker rounds than a full championship course (depending on the day and traffic).

  • Bringing newer golfers without it feeling like a pitch‑and‑putt.

The other half of the experience: Shadow Hills Golf Club – South Course

Even if your focus is the Phase 3/North Course, most people want to know how it pairs with the full-size course.

South Course highlights

• Holes / Par / Yardage: 18 holes, par 71, about 6,773 yards (from the listed length)

• Course rating / slope: 72.9 / 134 (as listed)

• Built: 2004

• Character: A traditional, manicured championship-style desert course designed to be enjoyable yet challenging across multiple tee options.

• Carts: Listed as included in green fees on GolfNow.

Practice facilities: where the “golf lifestyle” shows up

Shadow Hills is set up so you can do more than just show up and play a round.

Practice facility

• The club describes an expansive setup with two tee levels, a short‑game practice area, and greens intended to match on-course speed/feel.

• The practice area has its own pricing for residents vs. visitors and is also included with purchase of a green fee.

• Posted practice facility hours include 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the range closes at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays for maintenance (per the facility page).

Lighted putting course (a unique bonus)

• Sun City Shadow Hills also has a lighted 18‑hole putting course that surrounds the back side of the Montecito Clubhouse, making it a fun evening or “after dinner” golf option.

Lessons, coaching, and skill-building

If someone is new to golf—or wants to get better—there’s a clear on-ramp.

• Lesson rates listed include $60 (30 min) and $100 (1 hour), plus a playing lesson (1 hour) at $125.

• The club posts a roster of PGA/LPGA professionals and directs golfers to call the golf shop to schedule.

Tee times, access, and who can play

Shadow Hills is not “resident-only.” Tee times are available for public play, with resident programs that add benefits and priority.

Reservation windows (as posted)

• Player’s Card tee times: can be booked 14 days in advance

• Public tee times: available online

• Troon card tee times: posted as bookable 3 days in advance

Pricing, programs, and what’s included

Rates change by season and demand, but the club is unusually transparent online about how pricing works.

Dynamic pricing

• Public rates use dynamic pricing (rates move up/down based on time and availability).

Example seasonal rates (published schedule)
The posted 2025–2026 seasonal schedule shows separate pricing for:

• South Course and North Course

• Loyalty club member, resident, resident guest, Troon access

• 18 holes / twilight / 9 holes

What your green fee typically includes (per the rate notes)

• Prices include a shared cart and range use before play, with a $10 upcharge for a single cart rider and a spectator cart fee listed.

• Club rentals are available (pricing is listed differently for the South vs. North course).

Player’s Card (key for residents)

• The Player’s Card is a resident-focused loyalty program with benefits like:

  • Reduced green fees

  • 14-day advance tee times

  • Merchandise discounts

  • 10% credit earned on eligible golf fees and merchandise, redeemable toward rounds once the balance equals the green fee

• Current published program fees show Dual Course: $99 and North Course Only: $39 (and participation requires a valid SCSH resident card).

Leagues, groups, and social golf

Golf at Shadow Hills is as much social as it is athletic.

Sun City Shadow Hills notes resident chartered clubs such as:

• Men’s Golf Club, Women’s Golf Club, Couples Golf Club, Lady Putters, and others—each with their own play-day and scheduling norms.

Dining with course views: The Shadows Restaurant

A lot of communities have a golf course. Fewer have a built-in “19th hole” that actually feels like part of the lifestyle.

• The Shadows Restaurant sits adjacent to the South Course Pro Shop and is positioned for golf course and mountain views.

• The restaurant posts hours (breakfast/lunch/dinner blocks) and notes hours can change, with contact info available online.

Events, tournaments, and corporate outings

For groups—whether that’s a neighborhood gathering, a charity event, or a corporate retreat—the facility actively caters to outings.

• The club advertises tournament packages that can include green/cart fees, practice facility access, registration & awards setup, customized signage/scorecards, food & beverage, contests, clinics/competitions, and more.

Policies and “good to know” rules

Dress code & spikes

• Collared shirts and proper golf attire are required; no metal spikes are allowed (posted on major tee-time platforms for both courses).

Pets

• HOA rules state pets are not permitted on any golf course at any time, and dog-walking along certain golf-edge areas has specific restrictions.

Weather/course conditions

• The club posts weather/course-condition notices such as “cart path only” alerts.

Maintenance closures

• Like most desert courses, Shadow Hills posts seasonal maintenance items (aerification and fall overseed closures) on its maintenance schedule page—worth checking when planning travel or hosting visitors.

Locations and contact info

If someone just needs the basics to find the right pro shop/course:

• Main golf contact (Shadow Hills Golf Club): 760‑200‑3375

• South Course / main golf address: 80875 Avenue 40, Indio, CA 92203

• North Course address (Phase 3 / short course): 81‑420 N. Sun City Boulevard, Indio, CA 92203

• Shadows Restaurant: 760‑772‑4342 (hours and menus are posted online)