Mickelson Golf Properties covers the Valley with a trio of premier golf clubs

McDowell Mountain in the east; Ocotillo in the south; Palm Valley in the west

The par-3, 14th at McDowell Mountain plays into the club’s scenic namesake
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Just about everybody knows the name Phil Mickelson, probably because he’s a fan favorite – especially at the WM Phoenix Open. But they may not know his connection to the area goes beyond his ASU days or his record-tying 29 appearances at the Greatest Show on Grass – he also owns three golf clubs across the metro area. 

Nearly a decade ago, Mickelson and longtime coach and pal, Steve Loy, joined forces to create Mickelson Golf Properties, owner and operator of three local public golf courses  – McDowell Mountain in Scottsdale, Palm Valley in Goodyear and Ocotillo in Chandler.

Palm Valley Golf Club was the first, 2010, to sail under the new banner with two layouts featuring their own challenges and charm. Arthur Hills stamped the par-72, 7,015-yard Palms Course with a traditional feel that finishes with a beauty – the par-5, 18th sweeps along a shimmering lake to a green crowned by tall palms. Known for great conditions and a value that is hard to come by, the Palms Course is a must play.

This year the original par-62 Lakes Course, designed by Hale Irwin, will be transformed into a nine-hole championship course creating the ultimate 27-hole facility. The new nine-hole layout is set to open in late fall of 2018.

“We are extremely excited to deliver this unique golf option to the community,” said Matthew Phillips, Director of Golf. “The renovations are a sign of progress and growth for the game of golf and we can’t wait to share this new design with our members and guests alike.”

Palm Valley is a complete facility with a sprawling practice area and Fairway Grille that opens to a comfortable patio with ample special event space overlooking the golf course. The proximity to all of the action surrounding University of Phoenix Stadium, Gila River Arena, Phoenix International Raceway and Spring Training baseball makes Palm Valley a must play when visiting the West Valley.

On the other side of the Valley, McDowell Mountain Golf Club – tucked along the foothills of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains – emerged as a must-play back in the 90s, and has tempted golfers to a desert-style game of risk and reward ever since. In 2011, Mickelson and company enlisted the original architect, Randy Heckencamper, to complete a renovation project that maintained the golf course’s competitive integrity for accomplished players, while relaxing the challenge for high handicappers.  

“We really wanted to shape the golf course into something that was more family friendly and fun to play,” said Mickelson. “By strategically adding grass in certain areas and cleaning up some desert areas, we made the corridors much bigger. We feel like these changes resulted in a golf course that is more enjoyable.”

If the golf course is the main attraction, the clubhouse is the encore. The Mesquite Grill gives off a warm casual elegant feel ideally suited for a post-round cold beverage or a romantic dinner for two. A large wall of windows slides open to reveal an inviting patio, fireplace and grassy area. And a giant HD TV adorns the indoor/outdoor bar providing a great place to root for Phil on a Sunday afternoon. 

Due south from McDowell Mountain, Ocotillo Golf Club makes up the final leg of the Mickelson Golf Properties public golf trifecta. In 1986, the club emerged from the cotton fields of Chandler to become one of Arizona’s finest traditional layouts. Ted Robinson put his signature on the original 27-hole layout surrounded by mature trees and myriad water hazards. It’s a traditional challenge with a modern flare that is a refreshing departure from Arizona’s many desert golf courses. And the club’s recent acquisition in May ’17 has generated big improvements.

“We made a number of enhancements to an already solid facility,” said Mark Bakeman, General Manager for Ocotillo. “We look forward to delivering the type of golf and lifestyle experience to our annual members, cardholders and daily fee golfers that lives up to the lofty standards set by one of the game’s best.”

First and foremost, the irrigation system was completely revamped. This provides for a much more effective and efficient use of water to create exceptional conditions, while at the same time, preserving the most precious resource in the desert Southwest. The practice facility was overhauled to include several new targets, and the clubhouse was updated with a host of new goodies – not the least of which is the completely reimagined Ocotillo Grille.

This family style sports pub now puts on a fantastic audio/visual show that includes two, 100-inch video walls and multiple 60-inch TVs. Seating ranging from comfy recliners and bar-side high tops to the quiet patio affords the luxury of choice. It’s much more than a place to count up the scores after a round of golf, it’s a local hangout. To learn more about these fantastic facilities, visit McDowellMountainGC.comPalmValleyGolf.com or OcotilloGolf.com