The Buzz: History recorded that the one-time Apache leader Geronimo was as ferocious and ruthless as any Indian chief to inhabit the American frontier, and Nicklaus must have had that in mind when he designed this course. In fact, he might have gotten a little carried away because it has been softened considerably from the original layout, which was created to serve as the host course for Champions Tour events, but never did so. Instead the events were moved to the sister Cochise Course, which stood up just fine to the tour pros.
Nicklaus described this one as a “strong looking course,” and indeed it might be the most visually intimidating of the six at Desert Mountain. Winding through striking boulders, deep washes, ravines and lush desert, the drama can be seen from the first hole, a stunning 570-yard par 5 with a large elevation drop to a broad fairway. The hole requires a well-struck second shot to set up the proper position to attack this shallow, well-bunkered green.
To his credit, for every carry over a deep ravine, the Golden Bear also provided a safe route for those not so daring in their shot-making. The 18th is one exhilarating finishing hole that caps off a great golf experience. In addition to the unique natural washes and rock formations, Geronimo also finishes strong with a par 3 that requires players to hit a lengthy tee shot to a sloping green in front of the Cochise/Geronimo Clubhouse. From the pro tees, it plays 7,420 yards and stretches to every bit of that with a rating of 77, winding through significant elevation changes, dramatic ravines and plateaus.
The front nine ends with a handful of relatively tame holes, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security because the back nine is poised to shock you back into a harsh reality. From the 13th hole to the end, it can be punishing, capped off by the only par-3 finishing hole Nicklaus has every designed. It plays at 197 yards to a two-tiered green surrounded by rocks and a steep cavern. As much as any course in Arizona, this finish befits its namesake and his reputation.
Desert Mountain Complex: This private club, which opened in 1986, is the only one of its kind in the country to feature six courses and the only one in the world to feature six Jack Nicklaus signature courses. It has been recognized by the Robb Report as “Best Golf Community” in the country and has been referred to as the “Pinehurst of the West.” Nicklaus called it, “One of the highlights of my career as a golf course designer. I believe it will always be recognized as one of the greatest golf clubs in the world.” In January of 2011 it officially became a member-owned club, and play on its golf courses is restricted to members and their guests. Desert Mountain also sells social memberships, which include privileges to its other facilities, such as restaurants, fitness centers, swimming pools, spas and tennis courts. The property sets among the McDowell and Continental Mountains, skirting the 2.9-million-acre Tonto National Forest. Homes are spread among 32 separate, double-gated villages, with prices ranging from $500,000 to $5 million.
To read our take on the other Desert Mountain courses, click on the links below:
Link to Cochise
Link to Apache
Link to Renegade
Link to Chiricahua
Link to Outlaw
