General Manager: Gene Blum
Director of Golf: Pat Tyson
Director of Agronomy: Scott Krout
Course Architect: Nicklaus Design
(Jack & Gary Nicklaus)
36 Holes of Championship Golf
Prospector – Reviewed
Par 72 – 7225 yards from the tips
Rating /Slope: Men’s – 73.4/135; 71.4/130; 69.4/124
Ladies’: – 76.6/139; 73.1/130; 70.2/121
Tee Reservations: 480.983.1411;
Toll-free 877.983.3200
Gold Canyon, Arizona
www.superstitionmtngc.com

Opening in 1998, Lyle Anderson and Jack Nicklaus teamed up to create the magnificent Prospector course for Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club. The Club is a private golf community, however recently the members opened its doors for golfers to sample…golf extraordinaire.

You know you’re in for something very special once you pass through the gates into the community and follow the boulevard of shade trees to an exquisitely designed clubhouse. Once you arrive at the bag drop, in front of the clubhouse, the service begins with valet parking and a friendly staff that excels at making this one of your best golfing experiences. The service is impeccable throughout your day.

Recently honored as one of the Top 100 Residential Courses in the Country by Golfweek for 2009, the Prospector course offers wide fairways with a variety of tees framed by the breathtaking Superstition Mountains. The 2002 Countrywide Tradition, a Major Championship on the Champions Tour, took place on this course as well as being the home for the LPGA Safeway International from 2004 to 2008.

Naturally, the practice facility is convenient and exceptional, surrounded by the aura of the Superstition Mountains. They almost make you strike the ball better on the driving range.

Larry Coble, one of my golfing buddies visiting from Texas, stated during the round, “People wish their greens were as good as these fairways”. That about sums up how excellent the conditions of the lush fairways and slick greens, that held well and putted oh so true, were. Is there a better exclamation than excellent? If so, I would use it here.

Prospector was a pure joy to experience and though challenging, very fair which makes for a fun round of golf. The greens were slick, not easy to read but didn’t beat you up, and the bunkering exceptional. And, yes ladies, this course is woman friendly.

Hole #7, par 5, 579 yards from the tips. Slight dogleg left with bunkers on left and right that come into play from the tees. Nice wide fairway. Desert wash in front of the green comes into play, trees on either side, with your shot to an undulated, kidney shaped, large green with bunkers on right and center back. This is a really good hole, tough yet fair.

Hole #9, par 4, 442 yards from the tips. Absolutely beautiful hole. Downhill dogleg right with a cluster of fairway bunkers on the left. Trees and desert rough on the right. Second shot uphill with wide fairway and huge bunker on the right to an elevated green with cluster bunker running the entire right side. 

Hole #10, par 4, 369 yards from the tips. Honorable mention. FYI: Avoid the left front bunker to the green at all costs!!

Hole #14, par 4, 331 yards from the tips. Be sure you have a course book! This hole can fool you from the tees. Let’s name this one Bunkerville!

Hole #18, par 5, 553 yards from the tips. What a magnificent hole for finishing…leading you to the clubhouse. Water on the left with a cluster of bunkers and two fairway bunkers to your right. Tee shot is to a narrow landing area and then you flirt with the water on your left and bunkers to right all the way to the slight dogleg left green with deep bunkers on the left of green. After you finish your final putt, turn around and take in the awesome panoramic view surrounded by the Superstition Mountains. Breathtaking!!

The 50,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse is bathed in Old World elegance offering a superb restaurant, clubhouse bar, dining room and two outdoor patios each serving up epicurean delights. By the way, no cell phones are allowed in the bar or dining rooms, music to my ears. And, nonmembers can partake of libations and dining in the bar or restaurant or on one of the patios designated for nonmembers. It’s a lovely spot to finish out a great round. Locker rooms feature spas, lounges and outdoor patios within the clubhouse, which also houses the well appointed and touted among the world’s best Golf Shop.

There are 36 holes of golf at Superstition Mountain, the Prospector and Lost Gold courses. The recently adopted membership plan allows for limited daily fee club guest tee times on one golf course while the second course remains exclusive for current and new members. For those looking to experience Superstition Mountain as a daily-fee club guest, starting times are available and current rates range from $120 to $180, ($90 to $110 for Arizona residents).

Needless to say, now that you have the opportunity to experience these courses, jump at it. Both courses are a definite “Must Play” in Arizona Golfer’s book.

If you are looking for an exquisite golf club membership or real estate offerings for custom home sites, custom-quality homes or luxury custom homes, visit www.superstitionmountain.com or call 480.983.3300 for more information.

Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club is professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management. For more information, visit www.obsports.com or call .480.948.1300.