McDowell Mountain GC: #18
View of the 18th hole from McDowell Mountain Golf Club
GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
4.0
1054 Reviews (1054)
5 Stars
374
4 Stars
446
3 Stars
136
2 Stars
59
1 Stars
39
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.7
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.3
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.0
81.7%
Recommend this course
878 out of 1054 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
24 Reviews (24)
5 Stars
14
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.4
Value
3.9
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.1
StaffFriendliness
4.6
95.8%
Recommend this course
23 out of 24 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
57 Reviews (57)
5 Stars
26
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
5
Conditions
4.0
Value
3.8
Layout
4.3
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.3
84.2%
Recommend this course
48 out of 57 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
Course Highlights
Exceptionally friendly staff and a well-designed layout create a challenging yet fair experience that keeps golfers returning. The practice facility is top-notch, and the course delivers strong conditions and solid value for money.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Style Desert
Par 72
Length 7118 yards
Slope 133
Rating 73.1

Nestled in the heart of Scottsdale, McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers a premier golf experience surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes and panoramic mountain views. Known for its exceptional course conditions, friendly atmosphere, and signature Arizona scenery, the club blends challenging play with unmatched beauty. Whether you're here to test your game, enjoy a casual round with friends, or take in the spectacular sunsets from our clubhouse patio, McDowell Mountain Golf Club delivers a true desert golf experience that is both memorable and inviting.

Book a Tee Time at
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Powered by GolfNow.com

Course Details

Year Built 1999
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens TiffDwarf Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Randy Heckenkemper (1999)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes - "McDowell Mountain Learning Center"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Collared shirt required, no denim

Food & Beverage

Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Conference Facilities, Banquet Facilities
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

Reviews

4.0
1054 Reviews (1054)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 61
Patio Dining 55
19th Hole Scenic Views 35
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 81
Undulating Greens 55
Elevation Changes 46
This course/club is great for:
Locals 70
Advanced Golfers 62
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 54
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 81
Worth the Drive 45
In the 'Burbs 42

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Previously Played

Not worth the money

Such a sad course. We played two other courses so far on this vacation, and both were $50 per person less than this one. Greens were scalped in many locations at McDowell Mountain. Fairways were also patchy in spots. This is “high season.” Guess for this course means charge high, deliver a sub-par product.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Save your money

This course had a good reputation but the reality is the fairways are in terrible shape, 40% or more dirt, and forget hitting your ball out of the traps. They were cement. I actually tried to break up the hard surface around my ball but it was hard pan. Not that difficult to have maintenance rake and add new sand. Very disappointed especially for $125 round.. They are booking 400 rounds per day on both courses so I don’t think they will bother spending money on improvements. New to area and avid golfers Save your money and skip this course They are relying on their past reputation. Staff was great.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 99
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 250 Contributor
Massachusetts Advisor
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

A Layout That Needs Some Love

My buddy Ralph and I played here for the first time with much anticipation. He was a bit foreboding when you use the range, short game are and practice greens, as they are in poor condition. The rest of the course is maintained alright but not great. The 9th fairway may need to be blown up and redone totally. The design of the holes are unique and very clever given the unusual piece of land the course sits on. I think the holes offer challenges, but are also very fair. Pace of play was just under 2 hours on the front, but things jammed up on the back and we played that in 2:20. I would love to play this course again after Troon Golf moves forward with the much needed renovations and repairs. Give it a try!

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good time

Everything was great with the exception of the practice facility.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice views

Decent course. Greens were beat up but ok. Pace was slow but it was Saturday and busy. Will play again if the price is right.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

McDowell Mountain in peak season

I like the layout of the course and level of difficulty as an 8 handicap. I/we were all extremely surprised to see the poor level of shape the course is in especially at peak season. Other equally priced courses in this area are in far better shape (greens, fairways, traps, range and practice facility). For the price of play this course should be in exponentially better shape. Not sure how Phil can be happy to have his brand all over this course right now. Pace of play was good, finishing in just over 4 hours. Rangers and attendants are all quite nice and helpful.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 44
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Phil Schmill

So not worth the price point. Should have been a third of the price. 50 bucks would be a fare price. Greens were in poor condition and course is kind of mangy with standing water and dried out areas. Power lines run through the middle of the course. Club house is nice and staff is friendly

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very poor course conditions, especially considering the highest price I've ever paid to play here. Dead fairways, rough greens and several wet areas due to faulty irrigation. I've been coming here for 10 years and quite disappointed.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 102
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 250 Contributor
Previously Played
Cold weather
Used cart

Hidden Gem!

I played McDowell Mtn for the second time yesterday on 12/10. It was a little rainy in the morning but the course was still in good shape. The greens drained really well and still rolled true. Each staff member we dealt with was unbelievable and truly wanted us to have a great time. The outdoor lounging area looked amazing to relax and enjoy the Arizona weather throughout the year. I highly recommend going to see for yourself!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 36
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice course

I like this course as it is few mins from my place. After overseeing the course looks great and greens rolls true speed. We were backed up on most of the holes on back nine and took 4 hrs and 35 mins to finish the round. Course lay out is fine and some holes with narrow fairways. Practice range is also nice but it was full today and couldn’t find a spot for 10 mins. Short game and putting green is well maintained. Drink cart came frequently and offered various food and drink options.

Overall, staff is friendly and the restaurant is nice but offers very limited vegetarian options. I would recommend this course to play throughout the year.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Nearby Courses
Scottsdale, Arizona
Private
3.6
5
Scottsdale, Arizona
Resort
4.4143069707
1364
Scottsdale, Arizona
Private
0.0
0
Scottsdale, Arizona
Semi-Private
3.4120878433
3766
Scottsdale, Arizona
Resort
4.4934659625
734
Scottsdale, Arizona
Semi-Private
3.6429603196
972
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
4.0810810811
37
Scottsdale, Arizona
Private
5.0
1
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
4.2856534317
782
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
4.3053193361
401
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
4.3053193361
401
Scottsdale, Arizona
Resort/Private
4.1666666667
4
Golf Packages

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and golf at Kierland Golf Club, Troon North GC - Monument or Pinnacle Course, Boulders GC - South Course, and Talking Stick - Piipaash or O'odham Course.

Scottsdale North Swing Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and golf at Troon North Golf Club, Westin Kierland Golf Club, & Boulders Golf Club.
Kierland_Acacia09E_2-22_HighResImage.jpg

Scottsdale North Swing Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and golf at Troon North Golf Club, Westin Kierland Golf Club, & Boulders Golf Club.

Troon Trio Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and 3 rounds of golf at Troon North Golf Club - Pinnacle Course, Westin Kierland, and The Phoenician.
the-phoenician-15 compressed.jpg

Troon Trio Package

CLICK BELOW
PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE | Enjoy lodging accommodations at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and golf at Troon North Golf Club - Monument or Pinnacle Course, Westin Kierland, and The Phoenician.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account