The “New” McDowell Mountain Golf Club
The McDowell Mountain Golf Club, formerly Sanctuary Golf Club, re opened in Oct 2011 under the new ownership of Phil Mickelson and Steve Loy and under new management as well by OB Sports, and it is now home to the Rick Smith Golf Academy in Scottsdale AZ.
The course has undergone a $1.2 million renovation which included such changes as: more generous landing areas, waste bunkers that improve hole definition and and some new teeing areas.
“We wanted to create an experience for all players that provides an enjoyable round regardless of abilities... to present demanding shots for the better players but give the average player more than one shot option”
- Phil Mickenson
I think they accomplished this here. This Par 71 plays from 7072 down to 4880 yards so all players can find a suitable length. Several holes have parallel fairways-- hit it too far off line and “Poof” you are still in a fairway.
There is a wide variety of holes with many shot options and as my playing partners said “its challenging, but it doesn’t beat you up. Its a fun layout.”
They do have more than their share of power lines running over head but you soon get used to that.
The panorama views from the 18th tee box are not the only breathtaking views of the valley-- but the 18th tee box is sure worth a pause to take in the scenery.
As a premium course competing in the valley of the sun for the premium golf $$$ it could use an improvement in amenities. There was no yardage book or GPS on the carts. On holes where the green wasn’t clearly visible from the tee, it was hard to know where to go (they told me yardage books are at the printer), no towels on the golf cart, and there is an extra charge for range balls, but these are small things that will hopefully be changed.
Greens fees range from $65 to $150 depending on the season with generous discounts for OB Sports card holders.
10690 E. Shenna
480-502-8200
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