The Valley of the Sun is blessed with an amazing array of golf courses enjoyed by vacationers and residents alike. And although traditional layouts dot the map, no other golf experience invokes the iconic imagery of Scottsdale like desert golf. Within that variety, Eagle Mountain Golf Club stands out as a glowing example of the unique mixture of beauty and challenge supplied by golf in the Sonoran Desert.

The Scott Miller-designed golf course at Eagle Mountain unfolds around the dramatic McDowell Mountains sandwiched between Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. In addition to a ton of character, this elevated property offers sweeping vistas reaching as far as the eye can see.

Desert comes into play throughout the round with bold as well as conservative options baked into the design of a layout that is more forgiving than it appears from the tee. And several of the fairways slope towards the center providing an occasional helpful kick. It’s a fair test of golf that traverses along steep ridges and plunges through deep arroyos loaded with lush stands of Saguaros, Mesquites and all manner of wildlife. The location alone is reason enough to visit this special place. Golf provides the well-intentioned excuse.

After cresting the ridge on the first hole (named Taking Flight) to see the green below, the nature of the experience is revealed. The par-5, 4th hole also plays downhill with a tempting opportunity to give it a go after a strong tee shot. The balance of the front nine keeps the pressure on with holes dubbed Washout, Arroyo Run and On the Rocks. The turn delivers another appropriately labeled nine holes such as Ascension, Staircase and The Chasm.

The course continues along with a variety of scenic challenges leading up to the finishing holes. Nos. 16 and 17 call for healthy carries over gnarly desert washes as they bend around the belly of a steep mountain. From there, golfers scramble up to the 18th tee to launch their shots from the dramatically elevated tee.  

Golf is not the only action at Eagle Mountain that takes advantage of the wonderful views. The Grille serves up breakfast, lunch and early afternoon appetizers behind floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the golf course and the Southeast Valley in the distance. Wednesday night’s “Border Disorder” dinner buffet offers a hearty helping of Southwest-inspired fare and drink specials.

Right next door, Overlook Pavilion dresses up as an idyllic wedding location for ceremonies, receptions and other special events. Of course, the same wonderful views are on full display. This climate-controlled facility also opens to a neatly manicured event lawn for an enchanting Arizona indoor/outdoor wedding.

Wedding goers — and golfers — looking for a quiet place to lay their heads won’t need to go far from the clubhouse. The Inn at Eagle Mountain transforms this picturesque corner of Scottsdale into a destination with 43 mini-suites terraced along the 18th hole. Each offers luxury amenities with Southwestern décor that embraces serenity and the mystery of the desert while staying close to the heartbeat of Scottsdale and all it has to offer. Including golf. Counting Eagle Mountain, 72 holes of fantastic golf lie less than 10 minutes away, and there’s dozens more just a bit further. It’s a great home base for a vacation or stay-cation loaded with golf.

Eagle Mountain is a great place to shave a few strokes off the game.  Headed by Derek Nannen, The Eagle Mountain Golf Academy is one of the premier golf schools in Arizona. His experiences on the PGA TOUR and Nationwide Tour — added to the club’s fantastic facilities — sets the stage for productive learning sessions for golfers of all abilities.

For those who want more golf, Eagle Mountain offers a handful of programs that allow frequent players to save a few bucks. In addition to low summertime rates, there’s a summer pass, junior card and an annual pass for reduced rates in high season. Plus, cardholders may also stock up in the golf shop and fuel up in the Grille for less — all strong incentives for golfers to make Eagle Mountain their home course.

Golf destinations world-wide stand out in their own unique way. In Arizona, it’s desert golf. And for locals, one of the most scenic desert-golf experiences is already in their backyard. Whether traveling across town or across the country, Eagle Mountain Golf Club’s desert experience provides a delightful loop through some of the most picturesque Sonoran Desert on the planet.

To start your adventure, call 480.816.1964 or visit www.eaglemtn.com.