AZGA Arizona Golf Buzz: This was the first private golf club built in Fountain Hills and remains its only private golf community. FireRock takes its name from Red Mountain, which serves as the backdrop for several holes and appears to glow a deep orange color in the setting sun.
Designed by Gary Panks, who created several of Arizona’s top-rated courses, FireRock opened in 2000 and in the same year was named the state’s best new course by the Arizona Republic newspaper.
It is defined by its mountain and panoramic city views, native vegetation and superb conditioning, and is a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System. There are four sets of tees on the par-72 course, ranging from 5,344 to 6,984 yards, with a rating of 72.9 and slope of 134 from the tips.
The layout presents elevated tees, raised greens, strategic bunkering, greens with subtle undulations, winds that swirl through mountain passes and a distinct variety of holes.
“The course has what we call great balance,” Panks said. “By that, I mean that the holes play in a variety of directions and invite players to use a number of clubs for various distances and shot options.”
Highlights of the front nine include the third hole, a 403-yard par 4 with excellent views of the Phoenix skyline that plays downhill to a landing area highlighted by rock outcroppings and a green guarded by a large bunker and pond along the right side.
The back nine serves up several excellent holes, starting with the 10th, a 454-yard par 4 with a natural wash that winds its way across the fairway and a cluster of saguaros framing a green etched into the hillside.
The view from the 11th tee is one of the best on the course, and the 551-yard par 5 is reachable in two shots but only if you can cut the corner and carry your shot over a large bunker.
No. 15 is another picturesque hole and the No. 1 handicap. The par 4 plays at 484 yards and two lakes come into play, one on the tee shot and another on the approach with water wrapping around the left and back of the green.
The 18th is a 558-yard par 5 with more nice views, including Fountain Hills’ world-famous fountain that shoots water 562 feet high once an hour, a rugged wash running along the right side of the fairway and a separate wash that cuts across in front of a spacious green.
FireRock has excellent practice facilities and a state-of-the-art clubhouse that includes a 1,000-square foot fitness room, elegant dining and a relaxing patio with stunning views of Red Mountain. The course offers golf, sports, social and dining memberships.