When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Why McDowell Mountain Golf Club is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
McDowell Mountain Golf Club, nestled in the valley of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, stands out as one of the premier public golf courses in the region. Unlike private clubs, it offers all the amenities and quality experience without the commitment of membership or associated fees, making it an accessible choice for golf enthusiasts and groups seeking a top-tier venue. Designed by Randy Heckenkemper and opening in 1999, the course blends naturally with the Sonoran Desert environment, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and preserving indigenous flora and fauna. Golfers can enjoy 6,624 yards of par-71 golf featuring Bermuda fairways and TiffDwarf Bermuda greens, which are well-maintained year-round. The signature 18th hole exemplifies the risk-and-reward style with a challenging 516-yard par 5 offering both excitement and strategic play influenced by integrated bunkers and washes characteristic of the desert terrain. Beyond the course, the onsite Rossa Kitchen and Patio restaurant serves as a social hub offering delicious dining complemented by spectacular views of the golf course, valley, and Camelback Mountain, making it an excellent place to relax and gather after a round. Regularly hosting special events and corporate gatherings, the club delivers a full experience with exceptional service and facilities that cater to both casual players and serious golfers. McDowell Mountain Golf Club's combination of natural beauty, challenging play, and inviting social spaces creates a memorable meeting place for friends and golf lovers alike.
Here's what people think of McDowell Mountain Golf Club
As of recent, McDowell Mountain Golf Club holds a 4.2-star rating based on 586 reviews.
User reviews for McDowell Mountain Golf Club generally reflect a positive overall experience with a 4.2 rating from over 586 reviews. Guests praise the friendly and accommodating staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere from start to finish. Many appreciate the course's excellent condition, with greens and fairways maintained to a high standard. The course's layout is noted for its variety, offering interesting and challenging holes that appeal to players of different skill levels, including single-digit handicappers. The stunning mountain and desert views, especially from the restaurant's patio, enhance the visit, providing a tranquil ambiance for dining or socializing after golf. Event guests specifically commend the professional service, excellent food, and beautiful setting, recommending the venue for corporate events and group outings. However, some negative comments highlight occasional issues such as limited beverage cart service on the front nine holes and closed facilities at the turn, which affected convenience during play. A few reviews mention the difficulty of pace of play during extreme summer heat, which is a common challenge at desert courses. Despite minor criticisms, the majority of visitors express satisfaction and a willingness to return, indicating that McDowell Mountain Golf Club successfully balances quality golf, service, and natural beauty. In summary, the reviews present a well-regarded golf club known for its scenic desert setting, well-kept course, and friendly staff with room for improvement in some logistical amenities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brett Guysi
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.
Ethan Rycenga
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.
Will Freyschlag
Check with pro shop before you book out here, or try to negotiate a discount. I wish I had pushed to get some sort of discount. We played Feb. 2025, and they have a temporary green on the second hole—just a flag in the middle of the fairway. Maybe the $200 we paid was a discount, but still felt like we overpaid. We also played at 8am and 90% of the course had golf-ball sized fertilizer marker foam all over—which made it hard to find your ball. Don’t get me wrong, the course is fun, scenery is great, layout/design is cool, but just didn’t feel like a $200 round.
Lance Tilton
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.
Will E
Had a great experience at McDowell Mountain Golf Club while I was in Scottsdale. The staff was awesome, especially Grant and Carsen. Grant checked me in, got my bag loaded up, and made me feel really welcomed the entire time. Carsen also assisted me giving me water bottles and also gave me some helpful information about the course layout. Both of them were super friendly and made the whole day more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be back next time I’m in town.
How to reach McDowell Mountain Golf Club
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Why McDowell Mountain Golf Club may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at McDowell Mountain Golf Club with your friends? Because it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, exciting golf challenges, and a relaxed social atmosphere that makes every outing memorable. Nestled in the stunning foothills of the McDowell Mountains in Scottsdale, Arizona, this golf club provides an eco-sensitive desert oasis experience that goes beyond your typical golf course. The broad landscape combines wetlands, cacti, and mesquite, giving you a striking backdrop for your day out. Whether you and your friends are avid golfers or just looking for a scenic place to bond, McDowell Mountain Golf Club’s thoughtfully renovated 7,072-yard, par-71 course accommodates all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy the game at their pace. The club balances competitive play for serious golfers with enjoyable, approachable play for casual participants. Plus, the clubhouse environment, including the inviting Rossa Kitchen and Patio restaurant overlooking desert vistas, offers an excellent place to relax, share great food and drinks, and celebrate your day together. With no membership fees and a focus on community, it’s an ideal spot to create lasting memories with friends and family in a spectacular natural setting.
What activities are available at McDowell Mountain Golf Club for group meetups? The primary activity is undoubtedly golf, with the course’s layout striking a perfect balance between challenge and fun. The club features a newly renovated course that extends length and strategic elements, making it engaging for low handicap golfers while still being accessible to beginners and casual players by allowing play from multiple tees. This diversity means groups with varied golfing abilities can play together comfortably. Beyond the main course, practice facilities including a driving range, practice bunker, and putting greens are available to warm up or sharpen your skills before teeing off. The course’s signature hole—an exciting 516-yard par-5 18th hole—adds an extra thrill for groups looking to end their round with a memorable challenge. Additionally, the club offers ample open spaces and shaded areas where you can socialize between rounds or during breaks. The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning views of both the golf course and nearby landmarks like Camelback Mountain, perfect for dining or toast moments with the group.
Why is McDowell Mountain Golf Club perfect for socializing and gatherings beyond golf? Aside from the excellent golf course, the club centers on the experience of connection and hospitality. The Rossa Kitchen and Patio is a standout feature: a spacious dining area set right in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals while taking in panoramic views. This setting is highly suited for group meals, casual conversations, or celebratory gatherings after a round of golf. The menu caters to a variety of tastes, featuring appetizers and libations that complement the outdoor ambiance. Staff reviews highlight attentive service and clean, comfortable facilities, which enhance the overall group experience. The club also hosts special events and corporate outings, demonstrating its capability to manage larger groups effectively. Groups can customize their gatherings to include networking receptions, weekend brunches, or casual meetups, all with a stunning backdrop and welcoming atmosphere. For groups seeking a venue that offers both recreational and social spaces seamlessly, McDowell Mountain Golf Club meets that need fully.
What makes the course design and setting at McDowell Mountain Golf Club standout? Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, the course artfully integrates with its environment in an eco-friendly fashion, honoring the native desert flora and fauna. This thoughtful design ensures you are immersed in nature while enjoying state-of-the-art golfing amenities. The course's natural desert landscape combines wetlands and native plants, creating a lush yet rugged scenic experience unique to Arizona’s desert landscape. Its design adheres to strict Audubon International Institute guidelines for eco-sensitive golf courses, reflecting a commitment to sustainability you can appreciate while enjoying your day out. The course features bermuda grass fairways and TiffDwarf Bermuda greens that provide fast and consistent play conditions, appealing to golfers of all levels. This attention to natural preservation alongside enjoyable gameplay creates an environment where groups can relax and connect with nature while engaging in sport. The variety of holes and challenges, especially the risk-and-reward opportunities like the signature 18th hole, add excitement to each group outing.
How accessible and welcoming is McDowell Mountain Golf Club for groups and new visitors? One of the most appealing aspects of McDowell Mountain Golf Club is that it operates as a premier public golf facility with no membership fees or recurring costs, making it highly accessible for groups of friends, families, or corporate meetups. The course management prioritizes a pace of play that keeps groups moving smoothly while allowing time for fun and conversation. The club encourages players of all abilities to come and enjoy the course, creating an inviting atmosphere without the exclusivity often found at private clubs. Additionally, the practice facilities and beginner-friendly tee options make it easier for new golfers to join without feeling overwhelmed. Customers consistently praise the helpful and friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming environment from the moment you arrive. Parking and amenities are well-maintained, and the course’s location in Scottsdale makes it easy to reach from across the Phoenix metropolitan area, further supporting convenience for group visits.
What do visitors say about their experience at McDowell Mountain Golf Club? The golf club enjoys solid positive reviews, with a 4.2 average rating based on over 580 customer reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction among diverse visitors. Players frequently comment on the natural beauty of the course, its well-kept greens and fairways, and the unique desert ambiance that sets it apart from standard golf courses. The staff is often described as attentive and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. Groups note that the club is an excellent venue for corporate events and social gatherings, with their networking receptions and event spaces receiving high praise. Some reviews mention occasional delays during peak times but acknowledge that the overall pace of play remains reasonable. The combination of a challenging golf course with a social, scenic atmosphere makes it a recommended destination for group outings and casual rounds alike. For visitors seeking a place that combines sport, nature, and hospitality seamlessly, McDowell Mountain Golf Club consistently ranks as a go-to choice.
In summary, McDowell Mountain Golf Club offers everything a group could want for a memorable meetup: a beautifully designed and sustainable golf course that accommodates players of all skill levels, exceptional social and dining spaces with sweeping desert views, and a welcoming, accessible environment. It is the kind of place where friends or families can enjoy friendly competition, share good food and drinks, and soak in one of Arizona’s most scenic natural settings. Whether planning a casual afternoon with friends, a special family gathering, or a corporate outing, McDowell Mountain Golf Club stands out as an ideal venue to rally, relax, and reconnect amid the beauty of the Sonoran Desert.