Eagle Mountain Golf Club
General Manager: Brett Greenwood
Director of Golf: Steve Nichols
Course Designer: Scott Miller
Course Superintendent: Mike Reinecke
Par 71 – 6800 yards from the tips
Slope/Rating: 71.4/134; 69.1/127; 67.0/120; 72.6/130; 68.0/118
480-816-1964
14915 E. Eagle Mountain Parkway
Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Perhaps the mountains should be plural in the Eagle Mountain Golf Club name because this is a steep trek on many holes. If the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the mountain climbing might. Calves get a good workout from most of the cart paths up and down to the greens. Bring your stamina for the game and bring your camera for the beautiful vistas.
Luxury homes stand out and yet blend in with the habitat along the way. It is also home to Javelinas that escaped our view on this round but a bobcat scampered across the 17th fairway perhaps in pursuit of a bunny fleeing to the mountain where nature conceals them all. If you don’t see any bobcats, you will likely see Cat on the golf cart serving hydration, libations and smiles. Water dispensers are also frequently positioned at tee boxes. Consider a stop at the outdoor grill before teeing off or at the turn. Lori was our expert grill mistress there while Tori efficiently handled the bar inside at The Grille. Make time to stop there and enjoy the stunning landscape from the patio or window seats.
Hole #1, par 5, 568 yards – The starter has a stuffed snake on his podium along with ball markers, cards, tees, etc. to make a point. He gives additional verbal warning in case you didn’t get the message. Some balls are better left unfound. Drop and go on. Make the club name mean something for a happy start. Shoot for the downhill chute that will carry a drive to a reachable distance of the green with the second shot for an Eagle opportunity. Birdies are almost as good and par is attainable for all even though it is the longest hole on the course. Steep sides channel balls to the center of the fairway like a power alley. Let the dog hunt for a great opening to an elevated adventure.
Hole #9, par 4, 446 yards – Close out the front nine with a severe dog leg left uphill. Optimally use the slope of the hill to again feed the ball to the center of the fairway. The green is two tiered with a ridge unseen from the distance. You could cheat a little bit by observing the pin location from the tee box of number one. The green is heavily bunkered and beware of the rise in elevation. It could mean a one or two club difference. The climb can be strenuous, but the outdoor grill is nearby to recharge the batteries with a hotdog, brat or possibly hot sausage with all the condiments, and chips.
Hole #14, par 4, 384 yards – This dog leg right has a mighty saguaro at the turn filled with golf ball indentations. Your aiming point is left of fairway. It is best to catch the slope of the hill for a closer shot to the deep ravine separating the fairway from the green for a pop up and in to make birdie.
The wash is wide and the green is elevated. Long is better than short as any shot into the ravine has double bogey written all over it.
Hole #18, par 4, 420 yards – Bring it home with a final glorious view of the clubhouse and mountains on the horizon with a deep blue lake guarding the last half of fairway and green. Eight snow white bunkers act as a buffer to any wayward balls that have a chance at the watery grave. Linger a moment and take in the expansive scenery in front of you. The left side has a large slope that appears to be a great bailout spot but the ball can hang up there leaving you with a downhill, side hill lie for a tough recovery shot. The lake awaits any miscalculations or mishits. The view of Fountain Hills in the distance makes this one of the best finishing holes in the valley.
Professionally managed by OB Sports, Eagle Mountain has a nicely arranged pro shop with more than a golfer would ever need. Outside carts are waiting or you can surf the mountain on a Golf Board for $25 a round if you dare. Check out the website for lower summer rates, academy info and gift cards.