MountainView
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, MountainView is a semiprivate
course with play open to the public on a four-day advance-reservation
basis. A favorite with SaddleBrooke residents, MountainView 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.
MountainView
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.
MountainView Golf Club would be a marvel if only for the chance
to watch the sunlight dance across the mountains. MountainView's
quality and conditioning make it a worthy member of Tucson's impressive
course roster. By: Paul Cooney
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