Desert Mountain Guide: Golf Clubs, Membership, and Lifestyle

Desert Mountain is a private club community in far north Scottsdale with seven golf courses: six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses and No. 7, a par-54 course. All seven are private for members and their guests, so the club side of the decision matters as much as the house.

How many golf courses does Desert Mountain have?

Seven. The six Jack Nicklaus Signature courses opened in this order: Renegade (1987), Cochise (1988), Geronimo (1989), Apache (1996), Chiricahua (1999), and Outlaw (2003). No. 7 at Desert Mountain opened in 2019. The club describes its collection as the world's largest of private Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.

What makes each course different?

A few quick notes from the club itself. Renegade has two pins on every green so you can adjust the challenge. Cochise hosted The Tradition on the senior tour for more than a decade. Outlaw is routed without homes lining the fairways. Apache is described as one of the more approachable layouts. No. 7 is a par-54 short course that the club says is the only USGA-rated championship par-54 course in the country, and it was built with a social, fun-first feel.

What clubhouses and amenities are there?

The club's map lists clubhouses for Apache, Chiricahua, Cochise/Geronimo, Outlaw, Renegade, Seven, and Sonoran. The Sonoran Clubhouse opened alongside the spa. The community is cradled by more than 2,000 homes and future estates, so there are many neighborhoods with different home styles.

How does membership work?

Desert Mountain offers several membership categories, and published comparisons list Golf, Seven Golf, and Lifestyle options. Membership terms, availability, and costs change, so I always confirm them directly with the club before you make an offer. Also review the HOA side separately, because association obligations and club obligations are not the same thing.

What is daily life like in Desert Mountain?

Life here revolves around the club: golf, dining, fitness, tennis, and social events. It is a gated, private setting on the far northern edge of Scottsdale, so most shopping and dining outside the club is a drive. For many members that is the appeal: a full calendar inside the gates and quiet at night.

How should you tour Desert Mountain?

Plan more than one visit. Desert Mountain is large, with many neighborhoods that feel different from one another, so start with a drive through the community to get your bearings. Then focus on the areas near the clubhouse and course you'd use most, since that is where much of your daily life will happen. Ask the club about touring the facilities and understanding membership options. When you tour homes, look at elevation, views, and how far each home is from the amenities you care about. I'll help you narrow it down so your time is spent on the homes that fit.

What documents should buyers review?

Review the HOA documents for the master community and any neighborhood association, along with design guidelines if you plan to remodel. Separately, review the club's membership materials and confirm terms directly with the club. Understand which entity bills for what. A clear picture of these obligations protects you from surprises after closing and helps you compare homes on equal footing.

Is Desert Mountain a good fit for a second home?

Many buyers consider Desert Mountain for part-time living. If that's you, look for homes that are easy to secure and maintain while you're away, and line up local help for pool care, landscaping, and home checks. Ask the HOA about any rules that apply to rentals or leasing, since those can vary. Review how the membership category you're considering fits a part-time schedule. Getting these details right up front makes your time here more relaxing.

What questions should you ask before choosing a neighborhood?

Ask which clubhouse and course you'll use most and how far the home is from it. Ask whether the neighborhood has its own association on top of the master association. Ask about the age and condition of the home's major systems. And ask yourself whether you want to be close to the social hub or tucked away somewhere quieter. The answers usually narrow the search quickly.

What should you know about living at a higher elevation in the desert?

Desert Mountain sits on the far northern edge of Scottsdale, in the foothills, so plan for longer drives to the freeway and to many errands. Check each home's views, sun exposure, and how its driveway and access roads feel, since terrain can vary across the community. Walk the outdoor spaces at different times of day so you know how the patio and pool will live through the seasons.

Who is Desert Mountain a good fit for?

Desert Mountain fits buyers who will use a private club often, especially serious golfers who want variety without leaving home. If you only play a few rounds a year, compare it with communities near daily-fee courses. I'll help you look at it straight-forward, with the club math and the lifestyle side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many courses does Desert Mountain have?

Seven: Renegade, Cochise, Geronimo, Apache, Chiricahua, Outlaw, and No. 7 at Desert Mountain.

Are the Desert Mountain courses open to the public?

No. All seven courses are private for members and their guests.

What is No. 7 at Desert Mountain?

A par-54 short course that opened in 2019 with its own Seven clubhouse.

Who designed the Desert Mountain courses?

Six are Jack Nicklaus Signature courses. No. 7 is a separate par-54 design.

Is membership included with a Desert Mountain home?

Membership is a separate decision. Confirm current categories and terms directly with the club.

When did Desert Mountain's first course open?

The Renegade course opened in 1987.

Ready to Talk?

Exploring Desert Mountain? Let's match the right neighborhood and membership to the way you actually want to live. Call or text me at 602-854-8323 or email david@tackettteam.com. I'm David Leach, Associate Broker and REALTOR® with The Tackett Team at eXp Realty in North Scottsdale. Strategic. Straight-forward. Relentless.