When Jack Nicklaus partnered with developer Lyle Anderson in 1987 to design Desert Mountain's first golf course, they created something unprecedented: a dual-pin system that Golf Magazine would call "the most versatile course in the world."
Renegade Golf Course launched what would become the only club in America featuring six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses. As Desert Mountain's flagship original course, Renegade pioneered the innovative two-flag concept that allows 14 different combinations on each hole—stretching from 4,400 to nearly 8,000 yards depending on tee and pin selection.
Following a full $13 million renovation completed in 2020, Renegade stands as Arizona's #14-ranked course, combining classic 1987 desert architecture with modern playing surfaces and championship conditioning.
Desert Mountain's Founding Course
In the early 1980s, Lyle Anderson discovered Carefree Ranch, a working cattle ranch in the high Sonoran Desert north of Scottsdale. Anderson envisioned something ambitious: a private club anchored by multiple Jack Nicklaus championship courses.
The partnership between Anderson and Nicklaus created Renegade in 1987 as their inaugural collaboration. Anderson proposed an innovative concept: two pins on each hole to maximize versatility. Nicklaus famously joked, "If they like it, it's my idea. If they don't like it, it'll be your idea."
Golfers loved it. Renegade's dual-pin system allows players to select white or gold flags daily, creating entirely different strategic demands. On 12 holes, the pins are separated by up to 100 yards. Combined with seven tee boxes, this creates 14 distinct combinations per hole—making Renegade infinitely replayable.
Pros
- Desert Mountain's original course with rich historical significance
- Revolutionary dual-pin system offers 36 possible hole configurations
- Plays 4,400 to 7,974+ yards—accommodates all skill levels
- $13M renovation (2020) modernized surfaces while preserving character
- Bentgrass greens provide superior year-round conditions
- Most extensive practice facilities in Arizona
- Part of world's only six-course Jack Nicklaus Signature collection
- Softened approaches improve playability compared to original design
Cons
- Strictly private—requires Desert Mountain membership or guest invitation
- Guest access extremely limited (6 rounds per individual per year)
- Course rating 77.8/slope 150 from tips makes it Arizona's most challenging
- Pin selection strategy requires local knowledge
- Dual-green layout can confuse first-time players
- Premium initiation fees and monthly dues
The $13 Million Renovation
In 2020, Desert Mountain invested $13 million to renovate Renegade with a team led by Jack Nicklaus, Rick Jacobson, Phil Smith, Steve Wolfard, and Heritage Links.
The renovation preserved Renegade's dual-pin heritage while enhancing playability:
Major Changes:
- Green Configuration: Expanded from five to 11 holes with two greens; six holes feature large single greens; one hole has three greens
- Playing Surfaces: Bentgrass replaced Bermuda for improved year-round conditions and truer roll
- Approaches: Softened green entry points to improve accessibility
- Sightlines: Removed signature mounding to expose dramatic McDowell Mountain views
- Tee Complexes: Seven tee boxes maintained with enhanced conditioning
Signature Holes
According to Desert Mountain's official course description, holes #4, #9, #12, and #17 showcase Renegade's most dramatic strategic challenges.
Hole #4 - Tests precision from tee to green with classic desert framing and the dual-pin system demanding different approach angles.
Hole #9 - Strategic placement off the tee sets up the approach to one of Renegade's most challenging green complexes.
Hole #12 - Features dramatic elevation change and one of the largest green-to-green pin separations on the course.
Hole #17 - Demands both distance and accuracy on this demanding penultimate hole with panoramic desert vistas.
Course Specifications
| Tees | Yardage (Gold Flags) | Rating | Slope |
|------|---------------------|--------|-------| | Golden Bear | 7,974 | 77.8 | 150 | | Tee 1 | 7,404 | 74.8 | 145 | | Golden Bear (White) | 7,254 | 73.9 | 143 | | Tee 2 | 6,937 | 72.4 | 137 | | Tee 1 (White) | 6,740 | 71.0 | 134 |
Note: Course ratings continue down to 66.7/121 from forward tees with white flags. Total yardage range: 4,400 to 7,974+ yards.
Renegade Clubhouse & The Hideout
Unveiled in late 2023, the new Renegade Clubhouse anchors Desert Mountain's original course with sophisticated southwestern architecture and modern amenities.
The Hideout restaurant offers casual dining with panoramic desert and mountain views, providing members a relaxed gathering space after rounds.
Practice Facilities include one of Arizona's most full training areas:
- Two-sided practice range
- Multiple target greens
- Pitching green with strategic bunkers
- Vast putting and chipping complex
- Jim Flick Golf Performance Center featuring latest launch monitor technology
Access and Membership
Renegade Golf Course is exclusively available to Desert Mountain Club members. As a Platinum Club of America, Desert Mountain maintains strict access policies with no public play.
Guest Policies:
- Maximum 12 guest rounds per month
- Maximum 30 guest rounds per season
- Individual guests limited to 6 rounds per calendar year total
Contact: (480) 595-4110 or visit desertmountain.com