Lower at Whisper Rock Golf Club

Whisper Rock's Lower Course exists as a monument to a distinctly modern aesthetic, a counterpoint to the rugged desert landscape north of Scottsdale. Characterized by generous fairways that belie the strategic challenge ahead, the Phil Mickelson and Gary Stephenson design allows for aggressive drives, but errant approaches are punished by subtly contoured greens and closely mown chipping areas. The prevailing winds and firm conditions favor the player who can control trajectory and spin, rewarding creativity and risk assessment.

The architectural lineage here is not about reclaiming a forgotten style; instead, it represents a forward-thinking approach to desert golf. There are no major tournaments held on property although the membership is well known for its competitive spirit and boasts a disproportionate number of accomplished amateurs. This is a players course in every sense of the word.

Whisper Rock is more than just a golf course. The club is known for its "members only" exclusivity and attracting titans of industry, celebrities, professional golfers and high profile entrepreneurs.

And, as any member will tell you, a round at the Lower Course isn't complete without sampling the club's renowned breakfast burrito – a perfectly executed take on a Southwest staple that fuels both morning rounds and afternoon debates on the 19th hole.