McDowell Mountain Golf Club, formerly known as The Sanctuary, has been transformed by a new “Phil”-osophy. Phil Mickelson and Steve Loy acquired the operating rights to this stunning Scottsdale course, situated on the western slope of the McDowell Mountains, where they recreated a golf adventure for all players. In conjunction with land owned by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Scottsdale, it remains a sanctuary to bobcats, bunnies and roadrunners like Sid and his son Cooter who frequent the cart barn for snacks. This is Sid’s nesting time, so soon little birdies will be trotting around. Golfers can make their own birdies on the course practicing at the ample facilities and taking lessons from the pros. The clubhouse putting greens are a true rehearsal for those on the track – fast and expansive with a new meaning for the word undulations.

Renovation by original designer Randy Heckenkemper and crew includes tidier waste areas and the addition of decomposed granite to accentuate the course. Over three miles of stacked rock walls along fairways enhance the aesthetic beauty of the Sonoran desert with the quality you would expect in the Scottsdale area. Bunkers were upgraded with fluffy sand and are maintained with care for the beach magnets. Removal of over grown brush and weeds opened a line of sight from certain tee boxes. Lengthening the course to over 7,000 yards provides adequate challenge for the lower handicap players, while scoring is conducive to all players’ ability with four tee boxes and combo options on the scorecard.

Hole #2, par 4, 366 yards from the tips – This short par 4 requires ball channeling on the drive to avoid the fairway bunkers on both sides. Long ball hitters leave the big stick in the bag or the greenside bunkers will have you crying foul. Although marked on the card as one of the easiest holes, an overzealous approach shot to avoid front bunkers can put the ball in desert peril behind. Classic undulations combine for a tough up and down. In any case, look back for a great view.

Hole #9, par 5, 542 yards from the tips – Here the great view of the McDowell’s is straight ahead, but the hole takes a sharp left turn. Consideration can be given to cutting the corner over the trees from any tee box, but straight and safe is a more sure bet. Grab a conveniently grilled dog by the turn after or call ahead from the seventh green for a menu listed item. We highly recommend the Caribbean Chicken Wrap to fuel the back nine.

Hole #13, par 5, 532 yards from the tips – Stay left on the drive as even the best hit could have you feeling like Humpty Dumpty falling off the sloping wall to the right. Too far left though will be out of bounds in the canal and you might not put your score back together again.

Hole #17, par 3, 234 yards from the tips – Don’t let the gorgeous cascading waterfalls distract you from the task at hand. The long green slopes back to front on this picturesque par 3 where statues of deer form the gallery. 

Actually, the statues are positioned throughout the course, even greeting at the floral entrance making it a dear club, along with the friendly, talented and attentive staff. The lovely beverage cart gals are on the spot to deliver swing juice or hydration with a smile. At the Mesquite Grille breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day. Enjoy the delicious food and libations in the spacious bar with stools, booths and tables. Watch sports on the big screen inside or players practicing outside. The wide, open-air patio in the garden setting has a hearth to warm the cool desert air as the sun slips over the horizon. The flame calls golfers home from the 18th fairway.

Managed by OB Sports, annual memberships are available for just $4200 offering unlimited play with a $20 cart fee and many fringe benefits. Check out the website for these details, to watch the flyover, the video of Phil on the media launch day or to book public play. Specials and menus are listed. McDowell Mountain is a busy bustling place, yet still delivers a steady pace of play in a beautiful setting.