Scottsdale, Arizona
McDowell Mountain brings championship-caliber desert golf to the public player with thoughtful strategy, generous corridors, and a true finishing stretch. While it won't top bucket-lists, it's a must on a classic Scottsdale golf rotation and rewards both bold and careful play.
Between rounds, check out the panoramic mountain views from the clubhouse patio—locals rave it’s the best sunset photo perch in North Scottsdale.
Set against the McDowell Mountains, the course weaves a wide-shouldered, inviting desert routing—deceptively playable for all while maintaining a nervy, strategic edge from the tips. The 2011 renovation by Mickelson/Loy with Heckenkemper rethought the play corridors, added tee variety, and introduced broad waste bunkers, helping create a desert experience rooted in fun and fairness, but with plenty of bite for those who seek it. While the routing avoids some of the claustrophobic housing common to other Scottsdale tracks, native areas and sharp penalties frame nearly every shot.
Heckenkemper’s renovation, with major input from Mickelson, transformed the strategic decisions from penal to player-friendly while maintaining the desert identity.
A true three-shot par 5 for most, this imposing desert corridor requires focus from tee to green. Misses right or left rattle into native areas, making a bold but disciplined second shot key to setting up a score.
Position your layup to leave a full wedge for the best green angle; avoid stubborn heroics unless you commit fully.
Desert penalties punish both the aggressive and the careless—err on the safe side if in doubt.
Firm desert fairways with lush presentation in season, playable turf, and consistent putting surfaces.
Moderate pace typical of public Scottsdale golf—expect 4 to 4.5 hours depending on play and time of year.
Relaxed, friendly, and inclusive—serious golf with a casual, welcoming edge.
Standard golf attire recommended; no strict jacket or exclusive requirements reported.
Bring water and electrolytes—even in winter, the dry air sneaks up on you.
Survive large, subtle greens by brushing up on pace control before teeing off.
Early or late rounds promise cooler temps and the best golden-lit scenery.
Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld opens, designed by Randy Heckenkemper
Acquired and renovated by Phil Mickelson, Steve Loy, and Heckenkemper, renamed McDowell Mountain Golf Club
New clubhouse project commissioned with PHX Architecture
Clubhouse redevelopment completed
When Phil Mickelson and his longtime manager Steve Loy took over the club in 2011, they ushered in dramatic changes in strategy, playability, and presentation. Their vision was a desert test playable for all—turning a once-strict championship test into a broader Scottsdale favorite.
Originally known as Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld, the property underwent not just a renovation but a full rebranding in 2011, shifting from a protection-based 'sanctuary' to an accessible but strong Scottsdale staple.
McDowell Mountain GC made its mark as a venue by hosting the Arizona Stroke Play Championship for eight consecutive years, proving its championship-caliber routing and conditioning under pressure.
McDowell Mountain was originally called Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld.
Phil Mickelson isn’t just an owner—he personally shaped the club’s player-friendly vision.
The course's nines were flipped in the 2011 redesign, altering both routing and personality.
At least eight consecutive Arizona Stroke Play Championships were hosted here.
The clubhouse patio is considered a top sunset spot for local golfers.
PGA Tour venue and home of the rowdy 16th; one of Arizona’s essential public plays.
Highly ranked, stunning desert layout with no homes—best pure-golf experience.
Host of the NCAA Championships and beloved for shot value and modern conditioning.
Classic city-owned value with a championship pedigree, just 30 minutes away.
North Scottsdale or the Talking Stick/Kierland corridor for best access and amenities.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: If McDowell Mountain Golf Club is your kind of course, Coal Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Shark's Tooth Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: If McDowell Mountain Golf Club is your kind of course, The Golf Club at Turner Hill is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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