Michael Meldman of Discovery Land Company, a Scottsdale-based real estate company, and Casamigos Tequila shares his nine favorite holes for extraordinary golf—from the ocean views and lava flows of Kuki’o to the tree-lined retreat of Mountaintops.
1. Hole #11 - Mirabel [AZ]
A downhill par 3, this might be the most fun desert hole we have anywhere. There are huge mountain views, including Estancia in the distance. The Mirabel Clubhouse is one of the best in the country.
2. Hole #8 - Madison Club [CA]
This hole requires you to cross the water twice, but it gives you fairway options and is pretty wide open. Madison is home of the five-pound round because the food is so good on the course, you gain five pounds per round.
3. Hole #1 - Mountaintop [NC]
Maybe our toughest golf course, the first hole at Mountaintop eases you into the round. In the fall, this part of North Carolina may be the prettiest place for watching the leaves change. It just doesn’t get any more gorgeous.
4. Hole #15 - Gozzer Ranch [ID]
Jaws drop when members and their guests arrive to the 15th tee box and see the view of Lake Coeur d’Alene out to Mica Bay. It gives our members a great view of what they will be doing after golf: wake surfing or paddle boarding with family on the lake.
5. Hole #7 - The Hideaway [CA]
This par 3 on the Clive Clark is a definite family photo opp. There are split- level lakes, walls of colorful flowers and a tiered creek with the Santa Rosa Mountains as a backdrop.
6. Hole #18 - Baker's Bay Club [BHS]
The finishing hole at Baker’s Bay Golf and Ocean Club occupies breathtaking Atlantic Ocean beachfront and is one of my favorite holes. It plays like 18 at Pebble Beach. The 18th green is the perfect spot for a post- round shot of Casamigos with a cold Kalik beer. Many an impromptu putting contest has broken out and continued past sunset.
7. Hole #9 - El Dorado [MX]
A 558-yard par 5, the 9th hole at El Dorado plays dramatically to views of the Sea of Cortez meeting the coastal mountains. After finishing No. 9, members hit the beachfront taco stand and Casamigos bar, possibly the coolest hang of all of our comfort stations.
8. Hole #10 - Kuki’o [ HI ]
You feel like you are on top of the world when you play this Fazio-designed par 4 around ancient lava flows and big ocean views. Kuki’o is special as it was our first course in Hawaii; now we are adding Makena in Maui and the Prince in Hanalei, Kauai.
9. Hole #11 - Estancia [ AZ ]
Nearly 20 years after opening Estancia, Tom Fazio still raves about the course and the signature 11th hole. It’s a short par 3, framed by Pinnacle Peak, and holds a spot close to my heart as this was my first course.
