Desert Mountain Club: Chiricahua Course

Scottsdale, AZ • Private

1 / 8

Jim Mandeville/Nicklaus design

2 / 8

desert-mountain-club-chiricahua-seventh-hole-29768

3 / 8

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/course-photos-for-places-to-play/desert-mountain-chiricahua-second-29768.jpg

Courtesy of the club

4 / 8

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/course-photos-for-places-to-play/desert-mountain-chiricahua-seven-29768.jpg

Courtesy of the club

5 / 8

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/course-photos-for-places-to-play/desert-mountain-chiricahua-eighteenth-29768.jpg

Courtesy of the club

6 / 8

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/course-photos-for-places-to-play/desert-mountain-chiricahua-29768.jpg

Courtesy of the club

7 / 8

/content/dam/images/golfdigest/fullset/course-photos-for-places-to-play/desert-mountain-chiricahua-eighteen-29768.jpg

Courtesy of the club

8 / 8

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

Holes 18

Length 7347

Slope 151

Facility Type Private

Year Opened 1999

Designer Jack Nicklaus, ASGCA

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

4.2

100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES

Shot Options

7.2134

Character

7.0975

Challenge

7.218

Layout Variety

7.0726

Fun

7.0511

Aesthetics

7.2908

Conditioning

7.2227

Reviews

1 / 7

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."

2021

2 / 7

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."

2018

3 / 7

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."

2018

4 / 7

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."

2018

5 / 7