
Cochise Course
Desert Mountain Golf Club





About this course
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.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in AZ
Quick facts
- Location
- Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1988
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,042 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.1/145
- Course Vaults score
- 7.8
Getting there
Most arrivals to Desert Mountain Golf Club begin at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), roughly forty miles south, though Scottsdale Airport caters to private aviation and sits just twenty minutes from the guarded gates. The drive north traces the gradual ascent into high Sonoran terrain, leaving the Valley's sprawl behind as saguaro-studded foothills rise and the air sharpens with elevation. By the time you pass through the club's discreet entrance, the city feels distant - replaced by sweeping desert vistas, the serrated silhouette of Pinnacle Peak, and the quiet assurance of one of Arizona's most exclusive mountain sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about Cochise at Desert Mountain Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Cochise at Desert Mountain Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 23 logged golfers.
Cochise was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Cochise at Desert Mountain Golf Club is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Cochise is 72.
Cochise plays 7,042 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Cochise is 145.






