What makes one golf club so exclusive that even wealthy Scottsdale private club members face a years-long waitlist? Whisper Rock Golf Club, home to approximately 20 PGA Tour professionals including Phil Mickelson, stands as one of Arizona's most elite golf destinations and one of the most exclusive private clubs in Scottsdale.
This ultra-private, golf-only facility features TWO championship courses designed by Phil Mickelson and Tom Fazio, with membership capped at 580 people and initiation fees reaching $130,000. Whisper Rock has become the training ground where tour professionals sharpen their skills through high-stakes money games and tour-quality conditions.
Phil Mickelson's First Golf Course Design
The Lower Course, opened February 2001, represents Phil Mickelson's first foray into golf course design. Working with Dallas-based architect Gary Stephenson, Mickelson considered 43 different routings before settling on the final 7,359-yard layout featuring:
- Recessed fairways for dramatic elevation changes
- Long "Pinehurst-style" greens with chipping hollows
- Shallow bunkers rewarding creative shotmaking
- Signature 11th hole with panoramic Four Peaks views
As one Reddit visitor exclaimed: "I could not believe I was hitting Pro V1s on the driving range."
The PGA Tour Connection
Approximately 20 PGA Tour professionals maintain memberships including:
- Phil Mickelson - Course co-designer, active member
- Paul Casey - European Tour star
- Martin Kaymer - Two-time major champion
- Billy Mayfair - PGA Tour veteran
- Kevin Streelman - PGA Tour winner
- Chez Reavie - Arizona native
- Geoff Ogilvy - Former U.S. Open champion
Golf industry figures include Andrew Getson (Mickelson's coach), Gary McCord, and Peter Kostis.
Pros
- Two championship courses in one location
- Phil Mickelson's FIRST design (Lower Course)
- Tom Fazio design (Upper Course) with dramatic granite scenery
- Tour-level conditioning year-round
- Pro V1s on driving range
- No tee times required—pure "show up and play" convenience
- Training alongside 20+ PGA Tour professionals
- Golf-focused (no country club distractions)
Cons
- Ultra-exclusive access (invitation-only membership)
- $130,000 initiation fee plus $15,400 annual dues
- Substantial waitlist even for qualified candidates
- Not tied to real estate (can't buy your way in)
- Almost impossible to play without member connections
Membership Details
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------| | Membership Type | Invitation-only, sponsorship required | | Member Limit | 580 total (~300 active) | | Initiation Fee | $130,000 per person | | Annual Dues | $15,400 | | Real Estate Requirement | None |
As one local private club member lamented on Reddit: "I'd join there in a heartbeat if I could get in. Unfortunately it's got a long wait to gain entry."
Upper Course vs Lower Course
Lower Course (Mickelson, 2001): 7,359 yards, thinking golfer's test with narrow greens requiring precise approach play. Recessed fairways, Pinehurst-style greens.
Upper Course (Fazio, 2005): 7,550 yards, wider fairways and larger greens but demanding angles. Back nine climbs into elevated rocky terrain. Holes 12-16 wind through towering granite formations—Whisper Rock's most photographed stretch.
Reddit insight: "I've played better desert golf courses, but the hang and overall experience was the best!!!"
Frequently Asked Questions
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Whisper Rock Membership Cost & Requirements
Whisper Rock is one of Scottsdale's most exclusive private clubs. Membership is by invitation only and requires sponsorship from existing members.
Based on publicly available information, the initiation fee is $130,000 per person for golf membership, with annual dues of approximately $15,400. The club features two courses — the Lower Course co-designed by Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson (2001), and the Upper Course by Tom Fazio (2005) — so members get access to 36 holes with no tee times required.
Prospective members should expect a multi-step process that includes meeting current members and receiving formal invitations. The club has historically maintained a waitlist during peak demand periods.
Note: Membership pricing can change. Contact Whisper Rock directly at the number above for current rates and availability.