Overview
McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers a unique desert golf experience where over 6,000 mature pine trees create lush, rolling fairways that stand in stark contrast to traditional Arizona desert courses. Originally known as Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld when it opened in 1999, this Randy Heckenkemper design in North Scottsdale earned historic recognition as the first golf course in Arizona to achieve Audubon Signature status for environmental excellence. It's one of the best public courses in the area.
Located at the base of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, this par-72 championship course blends parkland aesthetics with desert drama. Wetlands and cattails mix with native cactus and mesquite, while multi-tiered greens and strategic bunkering test every aspect of your game. With 12 tee sets ranging from 4,024 to 7,118 yards, McDowell Mountain accommodates everyone from junior golfers to scratch players.
Course Layout & Challenge
McDowell Mountain Golf Club plays to 7,118 yards from the championship tees with ratings ranging from 73.1 to 73.3 and slopes between 133 and 137, making it a genuine championship test. What sets this course apart is its unusual combination of desert terrain and parkland features:
The Pine Tree Phenomenon: Over 6,000 mature pine trees create lush, tree-lined fairways that feel transported from the Pacific Northwest rather than the Sonoran Desert. This creates unique shot-making challenges and provides welcome shade during Arizona summers.
Multi-Tiered Greens: Approach shots must find the correct tier or face difficult two-putts. Reading greens accurately is essential to scoring well.
Eco-Sensitive Design: Following Audubon International guidelines, the course integrates wetlands, native vegetation, and wildlife habitats. This isn't just environmental window dressing - water hazards and natural areas come into play strategically throughout the round.
| Tee Box | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 7,118 | 73.3 | 137 |
| Men's | 6,500 | 71.2 | 130 |
| Ladies' | 5,800 | 72.5 | 125 |
| Junior | 4,024 | N/A | N/A |
Pros
- First Arizona course with Audubon Signature environmental status
- Unique parkland feel with 6,000+ pine trees rare for desert courses
- 12 tee sets accommodate all skill levels from juniors to champions
- full practice facilities and Learning Center
- Cart included in green fees
- GPS-equipped carts for accurate yardages
- Panoramic McDowell Mountain and Phoenix skyline views
Cons
- Multi-tiered greens can be punishing for approach shots
- Premium pricing during peak season
- Some conflicting information about original designer in online sources
- Walking not practical given distance between holes
Green Fees & Booking
Green fees at McDowell Mountain Golf Club range from $105 to $140 depending on season and tee time. All rates include cart fees, making it a solid value compared to premium Scottsdale courses.
- Rates: $105-$140 (cart included)
- Booking Window: Up to 30 days in advance
- Cancellation Policy: 48 hours required by phone; groups of 16+ require 7 days' notice
Practice Facilities & Amenities
McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers full facilities that prepare you for the unique challenges of the course:
Practice Areas:
- Driving Range: Full-service range for warming up
- Putting Green: Large practice putting surface
- Pitching & Chipping Areas: Dedicated short game zones to practice those crucial multi-tiered green approaches
Instruction:
- McDowell Mountain Learning Center: Professional teaching facility
- PGA Teaching Professionals: Expert instruction available
- Golf Lessons: Individual and group sessions
- Children's Programs: Junior golf development
Clubhouse Services:
- Pro Shop: Fully stocked with equipment and apparel
- Restaurant & Lounge: On-site dining with mountain views
- Conference & Banquet Facilities: 4 indoor spaces (720-4,480 sq ft) and 2 outdoor spaces for events
- Club Rentals: Available for traveling golfers
- GPS-Equipped Carts: Included with green fees
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (October-April): Ideal weather with temperatures in the 60s to 80s. Expect premium pricing during these months, but you'll experience the course in top condition with comfortable temperatures. Book well in advance for weekend mornings.
Summer (May-September): Rates drop to the lower end of the range as temperatures climb into the triple digits. Early morning tee times (6:00 AM start) are essential to complete your round before extreme heat. The course remains in excellent condition year-round thanks to Arcis Golf's maintenance standards.