Desert Mountain Club: Geronimo Course

Scottsdale, AZ • Private

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Courtesy of the club

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Courtesy of the club

Overview

Arguably the most visually intimidating of the seven courses at Desert Mountain Club, Geronimo is a classic target-style layout with narrow fairways and many forced carries over desert and ravines. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, who described it as “the strong-looking course,” Geronimo offers scenic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In most cases, Nicklaus gives players a choice of how much forced carry to take on, creating risk-reward opportunities. The challenging layout concludes with a demanding par 3 that plays over a deep ravine to a two-tiered green adjacent to the clubhouse.

About

Holes 18

Length 7293

Slope 147

Facility Type Private

Year Opened 1989

Designer Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA

Awards

Ranking history:

Best in State: Ranked 12th, 2021-'22. Ranked 13th, 2017-'18, 2023-'24. Ranked 15th, 2011-'12. Ranked inside the top 15, 1991-2001. Ranked 16th, 2013-'14, 2019-'20. Ranked 18th, 2015-'16. Ranked inside the top 20, 2003. Ranked inside the top 25, 2005-'09.
2023-'24 ranking: 13th.

Panelists

Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot Options

7.0432

Character

7.063

Challenge

7.1583

Layout Variety

6.9677

Fun

6.9421

Aesthetics

7.2012

Conditioning

7.2074

Reviews

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Review

“Be prepared for a number of forced carries today on this typical desert target course, some are from the tee box and some are you second shot. An excellent variety of hole designs for all pars, and quality shots are usually rewarded here. Its always in excellent condition with fast greens that require attention when putting. Check the slopes and undulations of the greens and where the valley is as that is where most putts break to. A very top notch golf course and you will enjoy you day here."

2018

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Review

“A demanding, dramatic course that only gets better as you get to the back nine. Not many final iron shots like the one you hit into the par-3 18th. Follow that up with a drink and food at a great old men's grill that includes recliner chairs. As with all Desert Mountain courses, the amenities are top-notch."

2018

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