If you want to experience mountain golf in your own backyard, this is the course that will deliver. Situated in the rugged McDowell Mountains of Fountain Hills, just off the Beeline Hwy. and minutes from Scottsdale, an outstanding round of golf awaits you at Eagle Mountain Golf Club.

Designed by Scott Miller, Eagle Mountain dramatically weaves through shaded box canyons and around majestic mountain peaks such as Four Peaks, Red Mountain and the McDowell’s. The views alone are worth the ride…and what a ride you will have on this course with undulating fairways and greens, and outstanding elevation changes. And, yes, you do need to remember when putting that you are playing mountain golf, in the Valley of the Sun. It’s just an amazing golf course, challenging yet fair and definitely fun. Put your thinking cap on to score as course strategy pays off.

The course is in excellent shape with greens that hold well and putt true. Don’t think you’re going to make up a bogie on the par 3s, as they don’t give up birdies easily. I do believe these are the toughest par 3s in the county and they look rather innocent from the tee boxes, but beware!

Eagle Mountain has earned numerous awards and accolades: “Top 50 Public Course’s In The Country” Golf World 2009 Readers Poll; “Best New Public Golf Course” by the Arizona Republic in 1996; “Best of Phoenix Public Golf Courses” in 2006 by the Phoenix New Times; “#1 Public Golf Course” Ranking Arizona, 2006 – 2007. Add one for Arizona Golfer’s “Best Courses to Play”.

Eagle Mountain Golf Course has an excellent practice facility with a large driving range, and generous chipping and putting areas. Home of the Eagle Mountain Golf Academy with Director of Instruction, Derek Nannen, check out their website for more information.

The warm, friendly clubhouse houses the well-appointed pro shop offering some of the best take-home souvenirs. One-stop shopping for the visiting golfer provides more time on golf outings. Nice touch.

Framed by panoramic views that seem to stretch as far as the eye can see, The Grille, a full-service eatery offers guests Chef Carmelo Chairez’s creative culinary talents. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and late afternoon appetizers.

Adjacent to The Grille is The Pavillion with incredible views and night lights. Perfect location for weddings, family gatherings and special events, and offers wine tastings, dinner theatre and holiday events. See their website for more information on this grand, glass enclosed facility.

Hole #1: par 5, 568 yds. from the tips: Named ‘Taking Flight’ it fits its name perfectly! I love this hole to start your round off. It’s downhill all the way to the large elongated green, giving you a great opportunity to birdie. Beware on reading the green because it is a dangerous read.

Hole #10: par 5, 535 yds. from the tips: What a spectacular hole to kick off the back nine. Severe slope towards water hazard on the left running all the way to the green. Water comes into play with your second shot to the elevated green with bunkerville on right, left and center awaiting any failure in your shot. To top it off…water on the left and left back. Once dancing, hopefully, beware of this ridged and hard to read green which will bring you to your knees.

Hole #18: par 4, 420 yds. from the tips: Just has to be the most perfect finishing hole to a great round of golf. With Red Mountain in the foreground and straight downhill with water on the right plus consecutive bunkering all the way to the green on the right. High ridge along the left so keep it left, off center as the ridge throws shot towards the water. Par is excellent...birdie is outstanding!

Be sure to check out their Mountain Club Card Pass, on sale now, which offers discounted rates. Visit their website for more information.

Eagle Mountain Golf Club is managed by OB Sports, known for their private country club ‘member for a day’ feel.

Not sure if I love this course for it’s fabulous golfing layout or for the outside grill and outstanding hot Italian sausage dogs when you make the turn! Has to be the course, which beckons you back over and over for the challenge however the two certainly compliment one another, for sure.

Eagle Mountain is a definite “Must Play” in Arizona!