Looking for a golfer's paradise? Fountain Hills, Arizona has you covered. Here's a quick rundown of the top 4 golf communities:
Each offers unique golfing experiences and luxury living options. Let's compare:
| Community | Course Type | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Mountain | Public | $535K - $3.4M | Scott Miller design, desert views |
| FireRock | Private | $250K - $3M+ | Gary Panks course, luxury amenities |
| SunRidge Canyon | Semi-private | Varies | "Wicked Six" finish, natural landscape |
| Desert Canyon | Public | Varies | John Allen design, family-friendly |
Fountain Hills isn't just about golf - it's home to the world's fourth-largest fountain and close to Phoenix. Whether you're a pro or a retiree, there's a fairway here you can call home.
Choose based on your golf skills, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Each community offers its own mix of golfing challenge and living comfort.
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Eagle Mountain Golf Club is a golfer's paradise in Fountain Hills. Opened in 1996, this Scott Miller design is a 6,800-yard par-71 course that fits right into the Sonoran Desert.
What makes it special? It's all about the land:
- Big ups and downs
- Fairways that roll and twist
- Greens that keep you guessing
- Desert washes that come into play
Golf Digest gave it 4.5 stars in their Places to Play guide. And the 17th hole? It's called "Sunset Point" for a reason - the view is AMAZING.
Want to live here? As of 2023, 7 homes are up for grabs in Eagle Mountain. Prices nearby range from $535,900 to $3,400,000.
| What's There | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Practice Areas | Driving range, putting greens |
| Clubhouse | Pro shop, restaurant with a view |
| On the Course | Water hazards, 41-50 sand bunkers |
Green fees? $85 to $195, depending on when you play. Go later in the day for better deals - some folks have paid around $50 on Saturday afternoons.
"The way the course goes around the mountain is just awesome. You HAVE to play it, no matter what!" - Chris Mcdonald, Superintendent
Eagle Mountain's got some bragging rights:
- #1 Public Golf Course (Ranking Arizona, 2006)
- Best New Course in Arizona (Arizona Republic, 1996)
- Top 100 Fairways (Golf for Women, 2000)
But it's not just about golf. Living here means waking up to stunning sunrises and winding down with breathtaking sunsets in the McDowell Mountain foothills.
2. FireRock Country Club
FireRock Country Club is a private club in Fountain Hills, Arizona, just 20 minutes from Scottsdale Road and Shea. It's known for luxury living and great golf.
The club's centerpiece? An 18-hole championship golf course by Gary Panks. It's a desert beauty, winding through cacti and shrubs.
"The course gives you that real desert feel", says one player. "No houses nearby, just nature."
FireRock offers various housing options:
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Golf Condos | $250,000 - $500,000 |
| Golf Villas | $500,000 - $1,000,000 |
| Single-Family Homes | $1,000,000 - $3,000,000+ |
The Firerock / Eagle Mountain area's median home price? $1,123,289. That's pricier than 96.3% of Arizona neighborhoods.
Beyond golf, FireRock has tennis courts, a fitness center, a pool, and fine dining. The community is a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, with a 14.7% vacancy rate.
Work from home? You're in good company. 28.4% of residents do, beating 95.9% of U.S. neighborhoods.
"A fantastic private golf course that allows some public play", says Kwick Lunatic in a review.
While it's mainly private, FireRock does offer limited public play. Green fees are about $180 - steep, but many say it's worth it.
In short: FireRock Country Club blends luxury living with top-notch golf in Fountain Hills.
3. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills is a golfer's paradise. Opened in 1995, this Keith Foster-designed course is a 6,823-yard, par-71 challenge set against a stunning desert backdrop.
The course is split into two distinct halves:
| Section | Features |
|---|---|
| Front Nine | Downhill play into a 450-foot gulch |
| Back Nine | Includes the infamous "Wicked Six" finish |
Jay Haffner, Director of Golf, says:
"He really didn't move much earth out here, and I think it shows."
This natural integration with the landscape is what sets SunRidge apart.
The course caters to all skill levels:
| Tee | Yards | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 6,823 | 72.0 | 138 |
| Gold | 6,403 | 69.8 | 131 |
| White | 6,004 | 67.6 | 124 |
| Green | 4,989 | 64.1 | 111 |
But SunRidge isn't just about golf. It's part of a community with nearly 800 homes, each boasting desert views. The club offers:
- Wicked Six Bar & Grill
- A 1,600 sq-ft performance center
- Live music on weekends
Green fees are seasonal, with summer rates from $40 to $65. First-timers, look for the 150-yard stakes on par fours and fives - they're lifesavers.
Just 20 minutes from Scottsdale and 30 from Sky Harbor Airport, SunRidge Canyon is a must-play for locals and visitors alike.
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4. Desert Canyon Golf Club
Desert Canyon Golf Club in Fountain Hills, Arizona, is a golfer's paradise. This John Allen course, opened in 1971, stretches 6,489 yards across 18 holes of par-71 desert beauty.
| Course Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Length | 6,489 yards |
| Par | 71 |
| Slope | 126 |
| Course Rating | 69.9 |
The course's elevated tees and greens keep things interesting. Want a challenge? Try the 420-yard par-4 14th hole. It's the #1 handicap hole with a bunker-guarded green that'll test your skills.
Need to warm up? You've got options:
- Driving range
- Short-game area
- Putting green
For $85 plus tax, you'll get green fees, a warm-up bag of balls, and a hot dog with chips at the turn. Cart rental? That's an extra $29.
The newly renovated clubhouse is home to Desert Canyons Bar & Grill. It's not just for golfers - locals love it too. Why?
- Taco Tuesdays
- Happy Hour beer deals
- Sweet views of the 18th and 1st holes
Desert Canyon isn't just a golf course - it's a community. With 32 homes for sale nearby, it's perfect for those who want golf and desert living in one package.
How does it stack up against other Scottsdale & Phoenix courses?
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Ranking | #39 |
| Level of Difficulty | 6/10 |
| Awe Factor | 8/10 |
| Conditions | 6.5/10 |
| Value | 7/10 |
| Course Layout | 5/10 |
| Service | 7/10 |
Just east of Scottsdale, Desert Canyon gives you easy city access while keeping that peaceful desert vibe. It's golf, community, and scenery all rolled into one. No wonder it's a top pick for Fountain Hills living.
Good and Bad Points
Let's break down the pros and cons of Fountain Hills' golf communities:
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Public course, great views | Tough for beginners |
| GolfBoards available | Gets busy |
| Practice area, The Grille | Pricier than some public courses |
A golfer said:
"Nice layout, good condition. Greens slower but fast downhill. Some nice views of Fountain Hills."
FireRock Country Club
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Private, exclusive amenities | High membership fees |
| Custom homes | Limited public access |
| Dining, fitness center | Not for casual golfers |
A listing boasts:
"Luxurious living in this stunning property in prestigious gated Balera at Firerock."
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Challenging "Wicked 6" finish | Too hard for some |
| Annual/seasonal passes | Gets crowded |
| Desert views | Expensive for the challenge |
A golfer noted:
"Course tests all clubs with ravines and elevation changes."
Desert Canyon Golf Club
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Family-owned, community events | Some bunkers need sand |
| Affordable | Slower greens |
| New clubhouse | Some rate layout 5/10 |
A visitor shared:
"Course in good shape, greens a little slow. Cart staff excellent. 3 1/2 hour round."
Pick based on your golf skills, budget, and lifestyle. Each spot offers its own mix of golf and living.
Wrap-up
Fountain Hills is a golfer's paradise. It's got courses for everyone - from public spots to fancy private clubs.
Want amazing views? Eagle Mountain Golf Club is your go-to. It's Arizona's #1 public course and even has cool GolfBoards.
If luxury is your thing, check out FireRock Country Club. Custom homes and top-notch amenities? They've got it all.
SunRidge Canyon Golf Club is perfect for skilled players. Its "Wicked 6" finish is famous, and you can live right on the fairway.
On a budget? Desert Canyon Golf Club is family-owned and hosts fun community events. Plus, they've got a new clubhouse.
When picking your golf community, think about:
- How often you play and how good you are
- What you can spend on housing and golf
- The vibe you want in your community
But Fountain Hills isn't just golf. It's got the world's fourth-largest fountain and it's close to Phoenix and Scottsdale. Homes here average around $600,000.
So, whether you're a weekend warrior or a golf fanatic, Fountain Hills has a fairway you can call home.
