The Buzz: Now here’s a challenge for you: Try playing a hole with a “disappearing green.” That’s what you’ll see, or perhaps not see, when you tee it up at Apache. Of the five original courses Jack Nicklaus designed (another was added off-site years later) this one is the most traditional and considered by many to be the most player-friendly. Unlike the desert style of the others, there are more opportunities here to run shots up to greens, but that doesn’t necessarily make Apache a pushover. It features gently rolling fairways, ample green complexes with deceptive slopes and subtle, grassy catch areas.
Built in the Scottish tradition in which the entire putting surface isn’t visible, Apache provides a challenge for all skill levels and can stretch as long as 7,211 yards with a rating of 73.8 and slope of 135. Elevation changes keep things interesting and members say it will test your ability to play uphill and downhill shots.
The front nine starts downhill, then climbs, and the back nine has a more rambling feel with significant elevation changes. Memorable holes include the third, a 150-yard par 3 with some of the best views of the Valley of the Sun you can imagine. The back nine features three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s, highlighted by the 17th and 18th holes. No. 17 is a blind par 3 at 226 yards that plays uphill and No. 18 is a 551-yard par 5 with two separate greens. One is easily reached with a well-struck approach and the other has an appetite for golf balls and overly aggressive golfers. Apache’s clubhouse is one of the newer ones at Desert Mountain and is highlighted by fireplaces throughout and a large patio with excellent views of the nearby Apache Peak.
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. Due to a sagging economy, golf membership fees dropped dramatically in 2011 to $140,000 from a one-time peak of $325,000. 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 Geronimo
Link to Renegade
Link to Chiricahua
Link to Outlaw