Golf Digest, the world’s largest, most-respected golf publication, has named Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club among the Top 10 Best New Courses of 2015. 

In what turned out to be the stiffest competition in years, Wickenburg Ranch placed No. 6 among a standout list of courses that included Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia and Trump Golf Links Ferry Point in Bronx, New York. The golf course was praised by panelists for the astounding beauty and dramatic topography of its setting as well as the variety of holes and shot values. In fact, one unnamed panelist wrote: “I could play this golf course every day and not get tired of it.” 

“We were extremely excited to learn Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the ‘Top Ten Best New Courses in North America,’” said Bill Brownlee, Wickenburg Ranch developer and co-designer with Wendell Pickett of the Wickenburg Ranch golf course. “In a head-to-head fight with the outstanding golf courses, and a who’s who list of designers, including Nicklaus, Coore/Crenshaw, Dye, and others, Wickenburg Ranch more than held its own. Wendell and I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team, especially our Superintendent, Andy Huber, who started this dream with us nearly 10 years ago. Thank you to all the panelists, and congratulations to our fellow winners.”   

What makes the course’s meteoric rise to golf stardom all the more impressive is that it was the first full-fledged foray into golf course design for either Brownlee or Pickett. Both had played pivotal roles in a number of golf course developments, but never had taken the reins as golf course designers of record. 

Thoughtful and passionate stewards of the game, they painstakingly crafted the Wickenburg Ranch golf course for more than seven years to ensure maximum playability, shot values and enjoyment. As a result of their vision, attention to detail and dedication, Wickenburg Ranch has proven its ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the game’s best venues. Its artfully designed holes traverse canyons and arroyos, which showcase vistas of the Prescott National Forest and Vulture Peak. Each is a chapter in a larger story, with varying distances, compass directions, and skill requirements woven into the experience.  

A noted real estate visionary for more than two decades, Brownlee specializes in creating distinctive, award-winning communities that evoke the unique spirit of the American West. Additionally, Brownlee is an accomplished and passionate golfer who has had the honor of playing many of the world’s top golf courses. In designing the golf course at Wickenburg Ranch with his longtime friend, Brownlee relied upon his keen sense of golf strategy as well as his expansive knowledge of development to craft a golf course that will truly stand the test of time.  

During his career, Pickett participated in the planning, development and construction of more than 30 noted golf courses in North America, and has worked closely with many of the game’s most celebrated designers. In creating Wickenburg Ranch’s golf course with Brownlee, Pickett drew upon his extensive background in golf design as well as his sophisticated, aesthetic sense to ensure the golf course blends perfectly with its surrounding environment while delivering a truly unmatched playing experience.  

For those who would like to experience Wickenburg Ranch for themselves, new spring rates run through April, 2016. Tee times will be available 30 days in advance, Tuesdays through Sundays and Holiday Mondays. Rates start at $95 for Wickenburg Residents, $105 for Arizona residents and $135 for out of state guests. 

This past fall, the club also opened a new Tour Center to help tell The Wickenburg Ranch story in greater detail and comfort to would-be homeowners and club Members. It also opened a new, full-service restaurant – Jake’s Spoon. Like the golf course, Jake’s Spoon is quickly garnering praise for its outstanding authentic Arizona cuisine, especially its popular “Wickenburger,” Green Chili Pork Stew and Fried Green Tomato BLT. The restaurant also is home to the weekly “Member’s Corral,” featuring live music, happy hour drinks and much more. 

Located approximately one hour and 15 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix near the intersection of Highways 89 and 93 in the historic town of Wickenburg, Arizona, the club will provide the social and recreational hub for the Wickenburg Ranch master-planned community. Wickenburg Ranch is currently under development by Shea Homes and Phoenix-based M3 Companies, and will feature Shea’s newest Trilogy resort community.

To learn more about membership in Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, please visit wickenburgranch.com, call 928.668.5535, or send an email to 

info@wickenburgranch.com.