Arizona Golf AZGA Buzz: To many longtime golf enthusiasts, Mountain Shadows rates simply as the best executive course in the Phoenix metro area. The Mountain Shadows Resort, which stood as a favorite of Valley of the Sun visitors for nearly 50 years, has closed but fortunately the course, with a layout, views and amenities that belie its executive status, has remained in play.
Perched on the north side of Camelback Mountain, one of the Valley’s most prominent landmarks, it opened in 1961 and was designed by Arthur “Jack” Snyder, who left his mark on courses all over Arizona.
There are just two par-4 holes on the course, which has two sets of tees at 3,081 and 2,577 yards and plays to par 56. The sixth hole is the longest on the course at 353 yards and the par-4 15th plays at 295.
Par-3 holes offer a nice variety, ranging from 83 yards to 187. The signature hole is the 12th, a 175-yard par 3 that plays uphill, seemingly straight into Camelback Mountain and the tee shot must carry a pond fed by a meandering brook that has a fountain shooting up in the middle to a two-tiered green well guarded by grass bunkers.
It is one of several photogenic holes on this delightful little course that is accented by ponds, flowing streams, mature palm trees and colorful oleanders lining the holes, rabbits hopping from fairway to fairway and some of the best sunsets golfers will see in the area at twilight.
In Celebration of Golf manages Mountain Shadows and the clubhouse is larger and more plush than you expect to find at an “executive,” with a full restaurant and nice patio area.
Practice facilities are fine but, due to its length, the driving range is restricted to irons. Golfers should also keep in mind that, due to the elevation of the course and shadowing it receives from Camelback Mountain, frost delays are very common, and sometimes lengthy, during the winter season, but greens fees are very attractive.
Arizona Golf AZGA “Local Hang” for Mountain Shadows includes Z-Tejas at Tatum and Shea Boulevards and Don and Charlie’s in downtown Scottsdale.
