Renegade (Gold Pins) at Desert Mountain Golf Club

The Renegade course at Desert Mountain Golf Club opened in 1987 as Jack Nicklaus's first design for this private community in the high Sonoran Desert north of Scottsdale. Set at elevations between 2,300 and 2,800 feet, the routing takes advantage of dramatic elevation changes and natural desert washes, with fairways carved through saguaro cacti, palo verde, and ocotillo. Nicklaus designed the course to reward strategic play rather than pure length, incorporating risk-reward options and multiple tee complexes that accommodate different skill levels.

The terrain at Renegade is notably more rugged than some of Desert Mountain's other courses, with several holes playing across arroyos and others climbing or descending significant slopes. The par-3s feature considerable variety in length and shot requirements, while the par-5s offer genuine birdie opportunities for those who navigate the desert hazards successfully. Large, contoured greens are characteristic of Nicklaus's work from this period, demanding precise approach shots and thoughtful putting.

Desert Mountain operates as a private club with six Jack Nicklaus-designed courses sharing the property. Renegade has maintained its reputation as one of the more challenging layouts in the club's portfolio, testing members with forced carries and approach shots that must account for both elevation and desert conditions. The course provides expansive views of the surrounding mountains and Scottsdale basin, particularly from its higher elevation holes.