Painted Mountain Golf Club: Something for Everyone in Mesa
MESA, Ariz. - Once known as Camelot Golf Course, Painted Mountain Golf Club in Mesa provides any skill-level golfer a higher than average golf experience at a lower than average green fee. Driving into the parking lot, it is easy to see the amenities available at Painted Mountain.
The John Jacobs golf school is headquartered here and offers golf classes at the outstanding practice facilities. There is a lighted driving range, a practice bunker, and two putting greens. A full-service restaurant and a stocked golf shop are also available.
If you want a quick round of golf, there is a nine hole executive course consisting of six par 3 holes ranging in length from 128 yards to 179 yards. The par 4 holes range from 275 to 289 yards. You may walk or take a cart.
The 18-hole championship course is 6,021 yards from the back tees, but don't let that fool you. There are four par 5 holes over 518 yards that have doglegs and occasional water to greet the wayward drive or approach shot.
If you are looking for accommodations for the night, there are villas available at Painted Mountain.
Starting the front nine with a par five, the long hitter needs to be careful not to hit the drive through the fairway on this 90 degree dogleg to the right. There is water at the dogleg to discourage cutting the corner. You'll find the greens are small, but they roll very true. You should be able to sink some nice length putts.
The second hole is a 225-yard par 3 from the back tees and 179 from the middle. This old-style course allows you the chance of running the ball onto the green, as most of the greens are open in the front. One of the more exciting holes is a 266-yard par four. The aggressive golfer will want to go for the green. Hit the ball to the right and you'll find sand...further to the right is water. A hook will land you out of bounds. The choice can make the difference between a par and a double bogey or worse.
Four par 3 holes on the back nine will give you the chance to pick up any lost strokes. Although it appears you may have plenty of room to hit your tee shots, whether it be a par 3, 4 or par 5, you could be fooled. The rough is thicker this year, making an approach shot more difficult, and houses line the golf course, making out of bounds a possibility of most of the holes.
The finishing hole is a par four, laying up about a hundred yards from the green. Your approach shot will be over water. Hit the small green and you have a chance to finish your round with a birdie.
You'll see why the name of the golf course was changed to Painted Mountain. In the background on several holes, you can see Red Mountain in the distance, adding beautiful scenery to your golf experience at one of the lower prices in the valley. You should make it one of your destinations during your visit.
Early winter rates at Painted Mountain Golf Club are $34 during the week and $38 Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The fee includes a cart. The course ratings are 67.2 stroke and 104 slope from the back, 63.5/95 from the middle, and 64.3/97 from the front tees.
If you are looking for accommodations for the night, there are villas available at Painted Mountain. You will also pass a number of hotels and eating establishments en route to the golf course.
How to get there
Traveling east from Phoenix, turn onto Highway 60 east. Take the Power Road exit and head north until you reach McKellips Road. Turn left (west) and Painted Mountain will be on your right in about a mile.
Painted Mountain Golf Club
6210 E. McKellips Road
Mesa, AZ 85215
480-832-0156
May 11, 2001