McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Experience breathtaking desert vistas and a challenging yet playable course at McDowell Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Scenic sunsets & better rates
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Best Time
Scenic sunsets & better rates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking desert vistas and a challenging yet playable course at McDowell Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale.
"This course was nothing short of breathtaking, with each hole feeling like stepping into a new painting."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot in advance, especially for peak times. Twilight rounds offer great value and views .
☀️ Hydrate & Protect
The Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Desert Vistas
Throughout the course
Immerse yourself in breathtaking desert scenery with panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains and Scottsdale skyline.
Playable Yet Challenging Layout
Entire course
Enjoy a course that's forgiving for beginners but offers strategic challenges for experienced golfers.
Rossa Kitchen and Patio
Clubhouse
Savor delicious food and drinks with scenic views after your round at this popular on-site eatery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tee Times in Advance
Consider Course Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot in advance, especially for peak times. Twilight rounds offer great value and views.
☀️ Hydrate & Protect
The Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🍽️ Enjoy Rossa's Bites
Don't miss the food and drinks at Rossa Kitchen and Patio after your game. Great views and tasty options.
💰 Check for Discounts
Inquire about potential discounts, especially if there are temporary course conditions like greens.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Secure your spot in advance, especially for peak times. Twilight rounds offer great value and views.
☀️ Hydrate & Protect
The Arizona sun is intense! Bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🍽️ Enjoy Rossa's Bites
Don't miss the food and drinks at Rossa Kitchen and Patio after your game. Great views and tasty options.
💰 Check for Discounts
Inquire about potential discounts, especially if there are temporary course conditions like greens.
👟 Comfortable Golf Shoes
Wear comfortable golf shoes suitable for desert terrain. Good traction is key.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McDowell Mountain Golf Club is widely praised for its breathtaking desert scenery and enjoyable, playable course layout, making it a favorite for many golfers. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and the excellent dining options at Rossa Kitchen and Patio. However, some guests have felt the green fees were high, especially when encountering temporary course conditions.
"This was a fun course. It was not too challenging, I would say on the easier side compared to other courses. We enjoyed our round. Course was in good shape Nice scenery with the McDowell Mountains and the City of Scottsdale. Definitely worth playing here if given the opportunity."
Brett Guysi
"Thoughts from a 22-handicap golfer:
This course was nothing short of breathtaking. We played during twilight, with the sun setting over freshly cut fairways, where each hole felt like stepping into a new painting. After finishing nine, my friends and I grabbed a drink and shared a pizza at the bistro, enjoying a scenic view of south Scottsdale. It was a genuinely memorable experience, and I'd gladly come back to play again."
Ethan Rycenga
"Very nice, challenging, yet playable course. Friendly service, good pace (early tee on a Friday in April), and nice amenities. Green fee includes a bag of range balls. A lot of spaces on the range. Great first visit."
Lance Tilton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McDowell Mountain Golf Club is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car, typically a straightforward drive from most parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area. GPS navigation is recommended. Many visitors arrive via rideshare services as well.
Yes, ample parking is available for golfers and visitors at the club. You'll find designated parking areas near the clubhouse and pro shop.
From PHX, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a rideshare service. The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to the golf club. Renting a car or using rideshare services is generally the most convenient way to reach the course.
The address is 10220 E. McDowell Mountain Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rates vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and season. Expect prices to range from around $35 for twilight rounds to potentially over $200 during peak season. Booking tee times online in advance is recommended for the best rates.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tee times in advance, especially during busy periods. You can usually book online through their website or by calling the pro shop.
The golf course typically opens early in the morning and closes around sunset. The clubhouse and restaurant hours may vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Discounts may be available for twilight play, online bookings, or during certain off-peak times. It's also worth inquiring about potential discounts if there are temporary course conditions.
Typically, golf carts are included in the green fee, but it's always best to confirm when booking. Walking may be an option, but check with the pro shop for their policy.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The course features a challenging yet playable layout with stunning desert scenery. It's known for its scenic holes and strategic design, offering a good test for golfers of all skill levels.
Generally, the course is well-maintained with freshly cut fairways and greens. However, conditions can vary, and it's advisable to check for any temporary greens or maintenance updates before your round.
Yes, many reviewers find the course to be on the easier side and not overly challenging, making it a good option for beginners looking to enjoy a round with beautiful views.
Amenities include a pro shop, practice facilities (driving range with complimentary balls), and the popular Rossa Kitchen and Patio restaurant.
The pace of play is generally good, especially with early morning tee times on weekdays. Friendly service contributes to an enjoyable experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rossa Kitchen and Patio is located at the clubhouse and offers a great dining experience with scenic views. They serve a variety of food and drinks, including pizza.
Rossa Kitchen and Patio offers a menu that includes popular items like pizza, and is a great spot for post-round drinks and appetizers.
Yes, you can typically purchase drinks from beverage carts that circulate the course, or you can grab them at Rossa Kitchen and Patio.
Yes, Rossa Kitchen and Patio is open to the public, not just golfers. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy the views and food.
Hours can vary, but they are generally open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their specific hours on the McDowell Mountain Golf Club website.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire course offers stunning photographic opportunities with the McDowell Mountains as a backdrop. The 14th hole is particularly noted for its beauty. Sunset rounds also provide incredible lighting.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos throughout the course to capture the beautiful desert scenery and your golfing moments.
Hole 14 is frequently mentioned as a favorite for its scenic beauty. Many holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Scottsdale cityscape.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Twilight rounds are particularly popular for their scenic views.+1
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to contact the golf club directly to inquire about their regulations regarding drone photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the golf itself might be challenging for very young children, the clubhouse area and Rossa Kitchen and Patio offer a more relaxed setting. Families can enjoy a meal or drinks with a view, making it a viable option for a family outing. The general consensus is that the course is not overly difficult, which could make it more approachable for families with older children or teens interested in trying golf.
💰 Budget-Conscious Golfers
While the course is generally well-regarded, be mindful of potential peak season pricing, which can be quite high.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the natural beauty, the course itself is meticulously maintained, with lush fairways and well-kept greens providing excellent contrast against the arid surroundings. Capturing shots of golfers in action against this stunning scenery can result in truly memorable images. Consider a twilight round not only for the beautiful light but also for the potentially less crowded fairways, allowing for more freedom to find the perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The McDowell Mountain Golf Experience
Reviewers often highlight the course's layout as being both enjoyable for casual golfers and engaging for more experienced players, striking a good balance between playability and strategic demands.Beyond the greens, the club boasts excellent amenities, including a well-stocked pro shop and practice facilities. A significant draw is Rossa Kitchen and Patio, the on-site restaurant, which provides a perfect spot to relax after a round. Visitors rave about the food, drinks, and the panoramic views of the Scottsdale skyline, making it a complete destination for a day out.
The staff, particularly individuals like Grant and Carsen, are frequently praised for their friendly and helpful service, enhancing the overall visitor experience.While the course is generally in good condition, it's wise to be aware of potential seasonal factors like temporary greens or fertilizer markers, which can sometimes affect play and value perception.
Navigating Tee Times and Rates
Rates at McDowell Mountain Golf Club can fluctuate significantly. While a round might be as affordable as $35 during twilight hours or off-peak seasons, peak season rates, particularly for morning tee times, can exceed $200.
It's also prudent to inquire about any course conditions that might impact your round. As noted by some visitors, temporary greens or the presence of fertilizer markers can affect the playing experience and the perceived value of the green fee.
The Culinary Delights of Rossa Kitchen and Patio
It serves as the perfect spot for golfers to unwind after a challenging round or for anyone looking to enjoy a meal with a view.The menu at Rossa features a variety of appealing options, with pizza being a frequently mentioned highlight. It's a popular choice for post-game celebrations, casual lunches, or simply enjoying a drink while taking in the scenery.
The restaurant's ambiance, combined with its quality offerings, makes it a significant part of the overall McDowell Mountain Golf Club experience, drawing praise from both golfers and non-golfers alike.Beyond the food, Rossa Kitchen and Patio has been featured in local promotions and giveaways, underscoring its status as a notable dining destination in Scottsdale.
Whether you're celebrating a birdie or just seeking a pleasant dining experience, Rossa offers a memorable culinary complement to the stunning golf course.
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