The Buzz: This was the first of six courses at Desert Mountain, all of which were designed by Jack Nicklaus, and quickly gained acclaim after opening in 1986. Golf Digest magazine once dubbed Renegade, “The most versatile course in the world.” The unique design features two flagsticks on each hole and some holes with two greens.
With five or six tees on every hole, the course appeals to every level of player, allowing him/her to bite off as much challenge as their game desires. Because of that, Renegade actually is set up as two different courses, with high handicappers playing to white flags and accomplished golfers playing to gold. On the white, yardages range from 5,162 to 6,984 yards with a rating of 72.8 and slope of 136 from the back tees. On the gold, corresponding figures are 5,560, 7,412, 75.2 and 147. Because it sets at lower elevation on this massive property, Renegade has open fairways and gigantic greens that don’t feature many tiers or shelves, and that makes it very playable.
Perhaps the most memorable portion of the course is a four-hole stretch starting at No. 9 with back-to-back par-5 holes. The ninth plays at 576 yards and the 10th at 586 from the tips. Right behind them are one of the shorter par 4s on the course at 407 yards and a 207-yard par 3 to an hourglass green. The fourth, however, is the signature hole. This par 3 plays at 230 yards from the back tee to a green that is framed by water, a stone wall and a mountain backdrop. Like the Apache Course, the back nine features three par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes.
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 Geronimo
Link to Apache
Link to Chiricahua
Link to Outlaw
