Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of the club
Desert Mountain Club: Outlaw Course
Desert Mountain Club: Outlaw Course
41045 N Cave Creek Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85262-4975
United States
Overview
The Nicklaus-designed Outlaw course is a links-style layout with generous fairways, deep-faced pot bunkers and rolling terrain. In classic Nicklaus fashion, it is a second-shot course where often elevated, undulating greens create difficult pin positions that require precise iron play. The course offers beautiful views of local landmarks, including Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked 27th, 2021-'24. Ranked 28th, 2025-'26.
Previous ranking: 27th.
Current ranking: 28th.
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
“Possible the most difficult course to score on in DM. Outlaw is the only course located outside of the DM gates and designed by Jack's son Jackie. A true links-style course with narrow fairways that run firm and fast. The course is a fair walk with modest elevation changes that will take you through the natural desert landscape. Jackie did NOT include as many bunkers on Outlaw which makes finding the fairway a bit easier. While this course is not long, the shot options are tricky and depending on the winds the day that you play, a mis-struck shot will cost you dearly. Fun holes include a drivable par-4, interesting risk-reward holes like #9, #11, #15 and #18 where the right shot will deliver a scoring opportunity. However, if you've never played the Outlaw, get some wisdom from your host before you make a poor decision...the recovery from the desert is not much fun. The green complexes are well thought out and run fast all of the time. Putts made from above the hole can be hard to keep on the green. The grounds crew at Outlaw regularly keep the greens running around 12, and the sand traps consistently fair throughout the course. Outlaw is similar to the other courses at DM in terms of aesthetics and natural beauty. There are no homes on this course which produces views for miles. Wild life is everywhere (deer, bobcats, havelinas, birds, snakes, etc.) and makes for an even more enjoyable round. The practice facility / driving range at Outlaw is great (hitting off of grass not mats) and the short game practice area near the first tee is not to be missed. After your round enjoy a drink inside the club house or on the patio and watch the action on the 18th green....Outlaw is a must play when up in the Desert Mountain / Cave Creek area of Scottsdale."
Read More2023
Review
“Jack Nicklaus, 2003 One of 7 private Nicklaus courses at Desert Mountain, located 1 hour north of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This course has generous fairways and tricky green complexes with slight elevation changes."
Read More2023
Review
“Of all the Desert Mountain courses, Outlaw may have the least amount of dramatic elevation change, but it remains the most penal on the ground because of its firm, fast conditions (more of a ground game here than the other DM courses). Outlaw definitely favors a fade. Views are more natural and unobstructed by houses. Outstanding practice facilities and the clubhouse, while not as gaudy as Chiricahua and Cochise/Geronimo, is great. Also, best margarita you'll have anywhere!"
Read More2022
Review
“This was just a really fun golf course. Wide enough fairways to spray it a little but enough desert to punish you if you spray too much. Greens are fast with a slight effect from the mountain. They're firm but hold shots nicely."
Read More2022
Review
“A links style golf course in the middle of the desert make this course quite unique. A lot of fairway bunkers and not overly generous fairways makes your tee shot a challenge. Always in excellent condition and is over seeded for winter play. A very good variety of hole designs including a couple of drivable par fours. If you hitting the ball well you will post a decent score if not enjoy the scenery and company of your hosting member."
Read More2018
Review
“Built much later than the other DM courses. Unobstructed by housing, Outlaw has beautiful views on the mountains and lends itself more to the ground game instead of target golf. More of a minimalist approach by Nicklaus."
Read More2018
Review
“This design is very different from the others at Desert Mountain. Fewer trees and more open fairways with lots of roll. Club selection can be very difficult due to wind and unpredictable bounces on the firm fairways."
Read More2018
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