Renowned golfing legend Phil Mickelson recently expressed a tinge of nostalgia when reminded of a course he once owned. Mickelson’s sentiments surfaced after the acquisition of six of his golf properties by Arcis Golf. Known as the second-largest and fastest-growing golf facility operator in the United States, Arcis Golf has now expanded its Phoenix-area portfolio to 15 properties. The acquisition included three private clubs and three daily fee courses, each exuding its own unique appeal.
Mickelson has lauded Arcis Golf’s leadership and commitment to providing outstanding experiences for members and guests alike. This collaboration is expected to open up a plethora of thrilling opportunities for golf enthusiasts in the region. Among the properties acquired by Arcis Golf was McDowell Mountain, a golf course that Mickelson relinquished control of three years ago.
The nostalgia was triggered by a query posted by Monday Q Info on its official X account about the McDowell Mountain course. The post read, “Playing golf with some long-time friends today. They are great guys, but terrible golfers. Lol. They made a tee time at McDowell Mountain. Has anyone ever played it? And how many golf balls are they going to lose? Please tell me it’s wide open.”
In response, Mickelson fondly recalled his time with the course. In 2011, Mickelson, along with a group spearheaded by him, took over the McDowell Mountain Golf Club. Their vision was clear and focused on democratizing the sport, making golf accessible, and enjoyable for all.
The golfing legend and his team embarked on a series of enhancements to the course, including expanding the turf area, removing bunkers, and introducing a portable shade canopy at the practice range. These upgrades were met with enthusiastic commendations from golfers. The course’s consistent condition was lauded, as was the Mesquite Grille, a popular local eatery known for its excellent cuisine and daily happy hour.
Steve Loy, Mickelson’s golf coach at Arizona State University (ASU), and a key player in this transformation, noted the positive response from the neighboring community of 4,000 homes, calling it “fantastic.”
At the grand opening, Mickelson expressed his desire to see golf grow as a sport, engaging kids, and providing affordable and enjoyable experiences for families. By 2016, McDowell Mountain had not only achieved these objectives but had surpassed them.
In his response to Monday Q Info’s post, Mickelson revealed, “Actually used to own it. Sold it to Arcis a few years ago. The first thing Steve Loy and I did when we bought it was fill in some desert with mounds and grass to make it more playable. It’s still desert golf off the tee but the widest corridors around. You guys will have a blast playing it. Great food for after the round too.”
The dedication of Mickelson and the leadership of Arcis over the last three years have undoubtedly made McDowell Mountain an enjoyable course. Monday Q Info responded to Mickelson’s tweet, expressing how much fun they had on the course. McDowell Mountain, with its 7,072 yards from the back tees and design by Randy Heckenkemper, offers a comprehensive challenge for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re playing a round or enjoying a meal at the Mesquite Grille, this venue provides a welcoming and exciting experience for golfers and families alike.
This story continues to develop, shedding light on the blend of nostalgia and progress in the world of golf.
