Desert Mountain Club: Chiricahua Course
Scottsdale, AZ • Private
Jim Mandeville/Nicklaus design
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Overview
One of six Jack Nicklaus-designed courses at Desert Mountain, Chiricahua ranges in elevation from 3,000 to 3,300 feet, creating several dramatic dropoffs from tee to fairway. Though the landing areas—guarded by deep-faced bunkers and desert—can be visually intimidating, they often play wider than they appear. Just north of Scottsdale, the course offers scenic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Chiricahua has previously been ranked on our Second 100 Greatest list and is currently among our top courses in Arizona.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 195th, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 2001. Ranked 10th, 2015-'16, 2017-'18, 2019-'20. Ranked 11th, 2021-'22. Ranked 12th, 2023-'24. Ranked 13th, 2013-'14. Ranked inside the top 15, 2003-'05. Ranked 17th, 2011-'12. Ranked inside the top 20, 2007-'10.
2023-'24 ranking: 12th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This might be my favorite course on the mountain. It is always in impeccable condition and has the best green complexes on the property."
Read More2021
Review
“The most scenic and highest course at Desert Mountain, and also one of the most challenging. Once again there are a lot of forced carries from the tee box or second shots here which is somewhat typical of target golf. An excellent variety of hole designs with generous landing areas on the fairways. The course is always in excellent condition with fast greens that require your attention for slope and undulation as well as paying attention to where the valley is as that is where the greens breaks to. I am sure you will enjoy your day here as this is a quality course."
Read More2018
Review
“Arguably the most scenic and dramatic of the Desert Mountain courses, including a clubhouse view of Scottsdale and Phoenix that is stunning. The routing brings players across some impressive elevation change. Holes 10-11 are reminders that the back nine is not easy. As with all Desert Mountain courses, the amenities are very nice."
Read More2018
Review
“Great course with great views and conditions. Tees, fairways and greens were in great shape and rolling fast while the rough was dormant. Mix of course layout including long and short par 3s, a driveable par 4 (more for long hitters), forced carries over desert and difficult green complexes. The course provides as difficult of a challenge as a player wants, offering tees ranging from 5,000 - 7,200 yards."
Read More2018
Review
“Fun layout with numerous risk/reward shots. In my opinion, in the top three of the best courses at Desert Mountain."
Read More2018
Review
“Very good Nicklaus desert layout. Lots of design variety and a very good test of golf. One of the best of the Desert Mountain courses."
Read More2018
Review
“Beautiful setting. Very nice set of unique par 3 holes."
Read More2018
Readers
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