Imagine teeing off with the McDowell Mountains as your backdrop, white sand bunkers gleaming against desert landscape, and knowing you're one of fewer than 400 members at one of Scottsdale's most exclusive private clubs.
The Country Club at DC Ranch golf course represents the pinnacle of North Scottsdale private golf, offering members a championship 18-hole layout designed by PGA Tour champion Tom Lehman and renowned architect John Fought. Located at the base of the McDowell Mountains, this private equity club combines desert golf aesthetics with country club elegance across 6,888 yards of perfectly maintained Bermuda fairways and greens.
Course Design & History
The DC Ranch golf course opened originally in 1997 as a Scott Miller design before undergoing a complete transformation in 2002 at the hands of Tom Lehman and John Fought. Lehman, a 1996 British Open champion and five-time PGA Tour winner, brought his tournament-level understanding of shot-making to create a course that rewards strategic thinking over pure power.
The 18-hole championship layout plays to a par 71 across 6,888 yards from the tips, though eight different tee boxes ranging from 5,114 to 6,888 yards ensure every player finds an appropriate challenge.
| Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 6,888 | 73.0 | 133 |
| Blue | 6,241 | 71.2 | 129 |
| White | 5,812 | 69.8 | 127 |
| Forward | 5,114 | 66.3 | 123 |
Pros
- Equity membership with market-based resale value
- Championship course design by PGA Tour winner Tom Lehman
- Exceptional practice facilities including short game area
- full amenities beyond golf (tennis, fitness, pool, dining)
- Smaller membership base means better tee time availability
- 8 tee options accommodate all skill levels (5,114 to 6,888 yards)
- 2026 redesign planned to keep course modern and competitive
Cons
- Significant initiation fees ($200K-$300K for golf equity)
- High monthly costs ($2,158 total with assessments)
- Private club means no public access for non-members
- Annual food minimum requirement ($1,000)
- Sports & Social membership currently not accepting new members
Membership Information & Costs
The Country Club at DC Ranch offers three distinct membership categories, each providing different levels of access and privileges. One notable advantage: membership is not tied to DC Ranch property ownership.
Golf Equity Membership
The flagship Golf Equity membership provides unlimited golf privileges for members, spouses, and unmarried children under 24.
Investment:
- Initiation Fee: $200,000 - $300,000 (market-based pricing)
- Monthly Dues: $1,894
- Phase 2 Assessment: $119/month
- Capital Dues: $145/month
- Total Monthly: $2,158
Clubhouse Membership
For those who prioritize social amenities over golf, the Clubhouse membership provides unlimited access to dining, pool, fitness, and tennis facilities. Golf access is included during summer months (June-September).
- Initiation Fee: $35,000 (non-refundable)
- Food Minimum: $1,000/year
- Current Status: Accepting new members
Clubhouse & Amenities
The 45,000-square-foot clubhouse anchors The Country Club at DC Ranch:
Dining Facilities:
- The Conservatory (main dining, country club attire required)
- The Grille (casual post-round dining)
Practice Facilities:
- Full-length driving range
- Large putting green
- Dedicated short game area for chipping and bunker practice
- PGA-certified professional instructors
Additional Amenities:
- Tennis courts with professional instruction
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Pro shop with premium equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
