The Buzz: The first thing that grabs you about Painted Mountain is Red Mountain, which provides a stunning backdrop to the course and offers its own sort of light show during sunrise and sunset with colors dancing across its face. The second thing is the opening hole, a 605-yard monster with a dogleg that wraps around a large lake. But don’t fret; it gets easier. In fact, at 6,021 yards and par-70, it isn’t exactly a backbreaker. Yes, there are challenges, but length isn’t among the most prominent. There also are less than 20 bunkers, but water hazards are significant, coming into play on 10 holes, including some forced carries. Play it smart, avoid the water and plenty of birdie opportunities await. The most memorable holes on the front are the first and the eighth, a classic risk-reward par 4. It’s just 266 yards, but there is out of bounds along both sides and the green is guarded on the right by a bunker and water hazard. No. 12, a 168-yard par 3 is surrounded by water on the right and back, and features a large green that slopes toward the hazard. The par-4 14th is a gem at 375 yards with a hidden water hazard in front of the green, requiring either a mammoth tee shot or a strategic layup. Painted Mountain also offers a strong finishing hole with a 395-yard par 4 that has a water hazard running down the full right side of the green and a steep wall about 10 feet above the water’s edge. One feature that appeals to many amateur golfers is the black-and-white poles in the middle of fairways, which serve as 150-yard markers and target lines. Painted Mountain lacks a driving range but has a good short-game practice area and is home to the world-famous John Jacobs’ Golf School. The accompanying Westgate resort offers plenty of other amenities, including lodging, the Trends golf shop and fashion boutique and dining at the GrandView Steak House restaurant and lounge, which features a relaxed atmosphere and excellent views of the course and Red Mountain. A new patio tenders daily specials and happy hours, and the lounge’s “Karaoke with Bill and Twyla” is rated as one of the best karaoke experiences in the Valley of the Sun.
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Painted Mountain Golf Resort
The Buzz: The first thing that grabs you about Painted Mountain is Red Mountain, which provides a stunning backdrop to the course and offers its own sort of light show during sunrise and sunset with colors dancing across its face. The second thing is the opening hole, a 605-yard monster with a dogleg that wraps around a large lake. But don’t fret …