Cochise at Desert Mountain Golf Club

The Cochise course at Desert Mountain Golf Club opened in 1988 as the second of six Jack Nicklaus-designed layouts within this private community in north Scottsdale. The property sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation in the high Sonoran Desert, where the routing works through natural desert terrain characterized by saguaro cacti, palo verde, and rocky outcroppings. Nicklaus shaped the course to follow the land's natural contours, with elevation changes that provide views across the valley and toward the surrounding mountain ranges.

The design features wide fairways bordered by native desert areas, large undulating greens, and strategic bunkering that rewards precise approach play. Water comes into play on several holes, though the course maintains a desert character throughout. The routing includes variety in hole direction and length, with risk-reward opportunities that allow multiple ways to play individual holes depending on skill level and conditions.

Desert Mountain opened in 1986 and developed into one of Arizona's prominent private golf communities, with Cochise serving as a central component of the club's multiple-course offering. The layout has hosted member competitions and remains a regular rotation choice for the club's active membership. The course underwent renovation work to modernize certain features while preserving Nicklaus's original design intent, including updates to bunker styles and green complexes consistent with contemporary maintenance practices and playing preferences.