Mountain View Golf Club at Saddlebrooke

All photos by Steve Sandberg.

Mountain View Golf Club is serious about its name. Located just north of Tucson in the community of Saddlebrooke and perched at 3,200 feet in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this course surrounds the player with fantastic mountain views. Designed by architect Gary Panks and opened in December 1997, Mountain View is a semiprivate course with play open to the public on a four-day advance-reservation basis. A favorite with Saddlebrooke residents, Mountain View features immaculate Bermuda grass fairways and greens. Ranging from 5,030 to 6,728 yards, the golf course traces its way through mesquite-laden foothills. Wide landing areas contoured to contain all but the worst shots help golfers keep the ball out of the surrounding desert.

Mountain View exemplifies Panks' desire to design a course that maintains the natural look of the land. Subtle mounding and natural hazards characterize his efforts. The 400-yard, par-4 Number 14 doglegs gently to the right, tempting the player to flirt with an impenetrable grove of mesquite trees protecting the right side of the hole to the green. The 14th hole's gently contoured green rests between wash and bunker.

The par-3 Number 17 demands an accurate downhill shot of some 207 yards from the championship tees. Playing predominantly into the wind, the hole features a moderately contoured green nestled in a natural bowl. Sweeping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains can easily preoccupy golfers standing on the tee.

But golfers must forsake the astonishing natural beauty to negotiate the demanding 428-yard par-4 Number 2. From the championship tee, a yardage plate warns of the mesquite-filled wash crossing the fairway at 275 yards. The fairway narrows as it approaches this hazard and leaves the golfer with an uphill shot of some 175 yards to a generous green protected by mesquite trees and bunkers.

Mountain View Golf Club would be a marvel if only for the chance to watch the sunlight dance across the mountains. Mountain View's quality and conditioning make it a worthy member of Tucson's impressive course roster. By: Paul Cooney