Private
Membership Director: Gary Ireton
Director of Instruction: Jason Reddington
18 Holes of Championship Golf
Par 71 – 7,032 from the tips
Slope/Rating:
73.1/138; 71.7/135; 71.0/133; 68.8/129
69.3/128; 67.8/124; 66.4/121; 63.9/115; 63.0/113
Ladies: 72.6/139; 71.25/134; 68.4/123
37100 North Mirabel Club Drive
Scottsdale, Arizona 85262
For Membership Information: 480.437.1506
www.mirabel.com
By by Nancy Howard
Heading east on Cave Creek and viewing all the entertainment venues of this quaint town and continuing a several miles, you arrive at Mirabel Country. And, believe me, you realize you are entering Mirabel Country the moment you enter through the guard gates. It’s absolutely exquisite!
Mirabel is one of the most honored private golf courses in Scottsdale and has been recognized by Golfweek, GOLF Magazine and The Arizona Republic as among the best private golf clubs in the United States, year in and year out.
The Club is situated on 713 acres in the high Sonoran Desert, 3,000 ft. above the Valley of the Sun. Panoramic views of Pinnacle Peak, Lone Mountain, Black Mountain, The McDowell Mountains and Bradshaw Range are offered. All this, as well as a more temperate climate at this elevation.
The Tom Fazio design opened in 2001, measuring 7,146 yards from the back tees, and plays to a par 71. Greens are Bent A4 grass which are slick, hold extremely well and putt so true you can only blame yourself if you miss the putt. With caddie service available, our group teed off with the best 4caddie we’ve ever experienced. John was there to guide us on the tee shot, 2nd shot, and saved many a three putt with his guidance on the meticulously maintained to tournament conditioned greens. Note: You are playing mountain golf at this elevation and your scorecard will be affected if you don’t pay close attention to the surrounding peaks.
John even gave us a bit of course history. Seems it is a golf course built on top of a golf course. Originally designed by Greg Norman, as a high-end public course for 5 or below handicaps, which the pros stated was too difficult, it couldn’t sustain itself so the new owners requested Norman for a makeover and more playability. Upon refusal by Norman, Fazio designed a completely new course on top of the original one. Well, let me tell you that Fazio did the right design, as this is the most ultimate golf experience you can imagine. (Is there a higher description than “ultimate”? If so, Mirabel would live up to it!). The fairways were lush, yet produced excellent roll, the bunkers were a pleasure (if you can imagine) to hit from, and the greens, oh my the greens, slick and true!
When you are on the 8th tee box being served a turkey Panini with caramelized onions and roasted peppers by Chef Alberto, along with choices of your favorite beer or beverage, golf surpasses “ultimate”! The explanation is that it helps the pace of play, with no stopping at the turn, to keep the it right at 4 hours and 10 minutes. Sweet!!
As we teed off on the 2nd hole, a very healthy bobcat was crossing the fairway, which John said was a common site in this environmentally friendly location. And, afterwards from the clubhouse, there were two deer enjoying a munch close to the 18th green. It was and is serene beauty in Mirabel Country.
Hole #2, Par 5, 571 yards from the tips – by Vito Berlingeri
My favorite hole on the course, all uphill and the highest point on the course, (if played smart) will reward you…if not, a triple bogey is imminent. A well placed drive down the right center is an ideal position, desert and sand bunkers outline the right side, left side is trouble, desert plus homes too far off the fairway to reach. I play my second shot, 4 hybrid or 5 iron to a distance that’s comfortable hitting a full club into the green, typically 150-100 yards. The fairway narrows as you get closer to the green, sand bunkers are placed within the landing area, typically about 125-150 yards in. Green slopes right to left. A well-placed wedge or sand wedge will give you a birdie opportunity! No excuses for missing a putt, as the greens are glass like with no ball marks! Getting the speed of the greens is crucial and they roll very true. This day I birdied the hole, life is good!
Hole #17, Par 5, 561 yards from the tips – by Michael Schieffer
This medium sized par five sets up beautifully for both short and long hitters. Several bunkers lining the twisting fairways act as perfect aim points that allow the golfer to confidently grip it and rip it. However, the green is well protected by a long bunker that tightly wraps around the front and right sides. A left to right approach shot is ideal to be in position to make an easy birdie. The green is fast but true, so if you read the break correctly your on your way to scoring a nice four.
Offering state-of-the-art amenities, the Desert Lodge Clubhouse consists of approximately 34,000 sq. ft. in a traditional architectural style as an “early 1900’s Desert Lodge” with a unique design to suit active lifestyles and indoor/outdoor living in the desert.
This award-winning community is now offering enticing membership incentives for new equity, non-equity and executive golf memberships as well as equity and non-equity social memberships.
To learn more about Mirabel and the current membership opportunities, contact Gary Ireton at 480.437.1506 or email gary.ireton@mirabel.com.
For more information on Mirabel, visit www.mirabel.com.