Faldo at Wildfire Golf Club

The Faldo Course at Wildfire Golf Club is one of two championship layouts at this Phoenix facility, designed by six-time major champion Nick Faldo and opened in 1997. The course represents Faldo's design philosophy of strategic shot-making and risk-reward opportunities, incorporating his competitive experience into a layout that challenges players to think their way around the property. The design sits within the Sonoran Desert landscape north of Phoenix, where the routing works through natural desert terrain characterized by saguaro cacti, native vegetation, and the dramatic elevation changes typical of the region's foothills.

The course features generous landing areas off the tee but demands precision on approach shots to well-protected greens. Water comes into play on several holes, and the bunkering reflects Faldo's preference for strategic placement rather than purely penal hazards. The layout emphasizes course management, rewarding players who position themselves properly for scoring opportunities while penalizing aggressive play that misses its target. The greens offer subtle contours that require careful reading, particularly on longer putts.

Wildfire Golf Club operates as a daily-fee facility and has served as a venue for various regional tournaments and qualifiers over the years. The club's location provides views of the McDowell Mountains and surrounding desert, and the property includes practice facilities and a clubhouse with dining options. The Faldo Course shares the property with the Palmer Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, giving visitors access to two distinct design approaches within the same complex.