Eagle Mountain: The Desert
Destinations Course of the Day

By Mark Spray,
PGA Pro Cactus Golf Daily Staff

This Scott Miller design is one of the Phoenix area's best courses.

There are views of the Sonoran Desert that span 50 miles on a clear day. The holes are not gimmicky, but rather traditional in shape. Light dog legs allow the golfer to view desired landing areas from the tee boxes. The 10th hole is a par 5 that has a green surrounded by water and bunkers. From the tee, you can see Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe. Breathtaking in location, massive amounts of homes are being built around the course and along the fairways that temporarily detract from the courses beauty.

The reputation for a lack of consistency regarding its condition are true, however, having played the course this week, I found the overseeding to have taken very well and the greens were very fast and healthy. They had a young kid on the first tee that gave us a well rehearsed speech on the course, speed of play and other non-interesting data. He even explained that our golf carts were equipped with water for hydration purposes. I'm glad he explained that one to me. Also, he explained the 17 minute a hole time requirement: Like I'm gonna time myself. What he ought to say is "please fix your ball marks because of the number of elevated tees and hand out some ball mark repair tools." Every green that was lower in elevation than the approach shot was pocked with un-repaired ball marks. Fixing these things before putting wastes more time than over hydrating myself. Overall, the course is great and the staff is very professional and courteous. A must play!

Rated: Ace, Eagle, Birdie, Par, Bogey, O.B.
Playability: Birdie
Esthetics Eagle
Value Par (pricey)
Service Par
Practice facility Par
Dining Bogey
Rating: -2