Many of the LPGA gals claim that Superstition Mountain is the best they have played on tour even though it has been a few years since their event was held here. Why? First, there is no better view when practicing and throughout the fairways. The magnificent mountain backdrop changes hourly with the lighting and shadows of the sun. Second, the course is always in great shape. Freshly overseeded, the emerald fairways flow through the desert flora of the Lost Gold course where there is no loss of vistas. It is so well manicured that even the desert pebbles look tidy. Then there is the beautiful clubhouse and locker rooms with friendly service, beginning with the bag drop and car valet. In the entry courtyard a fountain murmurs “hello” flanked by beautiful bougainvillea and stonework leading to the bold front door. More smiley welcomes inside direct to the spacious locker rooms or pro shop for check-in. While there, check out the wide selection of elegantly displayed merchandise.

Even though a private club, you can be a guest of club on a daily basis, the country club alternates between the two courses each day so that members retain reserved rights to the other course. While we loved watching the LPGA competition on the Prospector Course, the Lost Gold track holds equal golf weight in the way of challenge, beauty and memories. For us there were the Pro Ams played, especially the one with Julieta Granada and her Mom Rosa who carries the bag. On the 12th hole they stopped at their palatial guest home to retrieve their doggie who sat calmly in the cart, cheering us on as we finished the round. Turned out we found the gold that day, taking first place.

For those without GPS, the course is well marked to determine correct mileage and the pin locations are noted with easy math on the daily scorecard to add or subtract x yards. This is especially handy since the holes seem lengthier than average. 

Hole #2, par 5, 558 yards – Established right up front is a theme of forced carries over transition areas. Depending on the tee box, even big hitters are challenged to make the second shot fly over the dry wash. Nail down your strategy here and repeat the pattern on many holes to come. 

Hole #10, par 5, 589 yards – What a great start to the back nine with two distinct fairways. Drive as close to the transition in order to reach this par 5 in two. The large green complex is shared with Hole #8 with multiple ridges and undulations. Add bunkers and mounding with a dry creek bed hugging the edge for an extremely tough green to conquer.

Hole #14, par 5, 531 yards – Homes blend like chameleons into the desert environs or stand out as architectural sculptures like guardian golf angels. The almost completed hilltop mansion on this hole watches over play on this dogleg right with a desert wash between tee boxes and another short of the green. On in regulation warrants celebration.

Hole #18, par 4, 467 yards – Afternoon play brings the visual challenge of direct sun as it flirts with the pink horizon. A hang glider sailed above while a wedding reception at the clubhouse sounded more like a football stadium. Don’t be too eager to get to the nineteenth hole as a small lake brings water into play on the approach shot. Over arching to the right in avoidance will result in thick desert brush or out of bounds. On the green, look back for another striking view as the moon, on this day bright and nearly full, hung out guarding the mountain behind.

Regardless the hole, most members and staff will advise on the slope of the greens – “they break away from the mountain- except when they don’t.” And there are a few that don’t, leaving golfers commiserating as they trudge back to the cart. Any dismay is a brief emotion as the gorgeous contrast between desert and mountains is awe-inspiring. There is always a bloom to spot whether a bright yellow or pink on a barrel cactus or sweet flowering mesquite. Sometimes the Saguaro cactus arms point the way as quail parade with bobbing bonnets. Get out to Superstition Mountain and you just may find your pot of gold.