The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain: A Woman's Best Play

By Kelly Saul, Contributor

FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ - Trying to keep all the different golf courses in Arizona separate, for some people, can be more challenging than keeping track of a favorite restaurant. Trying to find a top quality golf course everyone can play and enjoy no matter what their handicap, is even more difficult. No fear, that golf course is here.

"We are a very generous, player friendly, desert style golf course," said head golf professional Dan Bright.

Like an eagle soaring over the horizon, The Golf Club at Eagle Mountain nestled in the colorful mountains ranges of the desert, is a natural wonder to behold. Hidden within the rocky red and brown slopes, curves a course bright in color. During an afternoon at Eagle Mountain, golfers enjoy top quality conditions in an area branded with rough terrain.

"The scenery of the whole course is what gets people coming back," Bright said.

Eagle Mountain is ranked as a top golf course for women, according to Bright. "From tee to fairway, the course is very generous. The approach from the fairway to the green is what makes the round challenging."

The course sits high above the surrounding cities and on a clear day, the view is spectacular. The award winning Pro Shop is located inside the clubhouse. The Pro Shop was voted #1 Best Public Golf Shop in 2000 by Arizona Business Magazine.

Also in the clubhouse is The Grille at Eagle Mountain, serving a casual breakfast and lunch. Next to the restaurant is an office showcasing some of the different model homes throughout Eagle Mountain. Architects designed every home and condominium in traditional Adobe style and almost every plot overlooks the course.

The pro shop has a fabulous variety of golf apparel including Tommy Bahama clothing. In the corner is a large screen television accompanied by couches for those who enjoy watching golf after playing.

To get to the practice facility, players must drive through a tunnel to get across the street. Balls are already waiting for guests along with a starter who will direct players in the right direction and let them know when they are needed on the tee box. This is much more personal rather than listening for a name over a loud speaker.

Another reason Eagle Mountain is player friendly is that the holes are relatively short. From the tips golfers play 6,755 yards, 71.7/139, and forward tees play at 5,065 yards, 67.9/118. Each hole is given a name, starting with 'Taking Flight,' and ending with 'That's Golf.' The course is a par 71, since the front nine has three par 3s.

During peak season, Thursday through Sunday, the course puts on a program called "Hit the Green." On one particular par 3, players are challenged to hit the green on their first shot. Golfers bet, up to 50 dollars, and if they succeed, the amount of their wager is doubled and can be redeemed in the pro shop for merchandise.

Since designer Scott Miller built the course right into the mountains, the tee boxes and greens are all elevated. On hole 18, the elevation drops more than 100 feet. Golfers tee-off into a descending valley, resting in between the clubhouse and the Southwest Inn. This is the only hole with water. However the dramatic changes in elevation on each hole creates it's diversity.

To get to Eagle Mountain from Sky Harbor Airport, take the 202 Loop East to the 101 Loop North. Exit Shea Boulevard and turn right. Eagle Mountain is off of 148th street on the right, located in Fountain Hills.

Where to Stay:

The Southwest Inn at Eagle Mountain is a four diamond, luxurious bed and breakfast style hotel. With only 42 units, spread out among 6 buildings, the hotel provides an intimate hideaway for those guests looking for privacy. The six acre property, built into Eagle Mountain itself, gives guests the feel of being in a remote area of the mountains. In reality, Scottsdale is just minutes away.

Each building is crafted in Southwestern architecture, both inside and out. A balcony and small patio outside every room gives guests a gorgeous view of the course and Red Rock Mountain.

"Every room has a view looking east, and when the sun sets on Red Rock it's just beautiful," said Trish Owen, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Each room has an electric fireplace, two-person whirlpool tub, handcrafted décor, wood furniture, TV and VCR, an iron, and a mini refrigerator with drinks and snacks for those who choose. One unique feature is that each room comes equipped with a speaker in the bathroom, so the TV can be heard everywhere in the room.

There are four different types of rooms at the Southwest Inn. A king mini suite, a dual-queen mini suite, a two-room suite, and for special occasions there are six themed suites, each with its individual décor: Wild West, Prairie, Sante Fe, Hacienda, Pow Wow, and Pueblo. The mini suites have an enlarged sitting area, but do not have two separate rooms as the larger suites do.

For couples looking for a romantic weekend, the hotel offers three different romance packages: Sweet Indulgence, $215/couple, Romancing the View, $315/couple, and Tubs O' Fun, $225/couple. Each package includes a one-night stay in a king mini-suite, a welcome bottle of wine, late check-out, and a variety of different gifts in the room. Romancing the View included a gift certificate for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

A complimentary continental breakfast is served every morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Adjacent to the lobby is a deck with heated pool and spa. The lookout provides a great view, and those guests enjoying the spa have the pleasure of observing play on the 18th hole.

One drawback of the hotel is that it does not have its own restaurant. During the day guests can eat in the clubhouse just a fairway away, but after dark, any eating establishments are going to be at least a five minute drive.

The hotel started as a small bed-and-breakfast until the current owners decided to try and make it more of a full service resort. According to Owen, there are plans to build a restaurant on the premises in the near future.

In the meantime, the hotel is just 15 minutes from downtown Scottsdale. In the lobby, huge three ring binders of restaurants and their menus throughout the entire Phoenix area, are provided for guests.

New to Southwest Inn this year is "Personal Golf Vacations for the Discriminating Traveler". The hotel customizes golf packages at the finest golf courses in Phoenix and Scottsdale, based on a player's handicap and preference.

Eagle Mountain is more than a home to the symbolic bird. The pristine desert surroundings and Adobe architecture is a great getaway for travelers, golfers and residents, all looking for some good Arizona culture.