Jack Nicklaus’ Scottsdale golf course to undergo $13M in renovations

PHOENIX — A private golf course in the Phoenix area that was designed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus will soon undergo $13 million in renovations.

“We want to make it more user friendly but also keep the integrity of the course that has been here since day one,” Nicklaus told KTAR News 92.3 FM of The Renegade at Desert Mountain.

Golf Digest once called Renegade, which is located just off Desert Mountain Parkway in Scottsdale, “the most versatile course in the world.” It was the first of Nicklaus’ signature golf courses.

The signature design feature that makes it unique are there are two greens to play, giving players the option to play it shorter or longer, based on the tee and green they choose to play.

Nicklaus said he wanted to re-design the whole course to allow for more playing ability — and more fun — for all skill levels.

“I still have the passion for the game and how it should be played,” he said.

“I can still visualize how it should be played for women, juniors, seniors and tournament players.”

Nicklaus, who has been nicknamed the “golden bear,” has won 18 major championships while producing 19 second-place and nine third-place finishes.

“I can usually look at a piece of ground and visualize how I think golf should be played,” he said.

“And I’ve always had the ability to put that game of golf on the ground.”

Renovations to the course will include a completely new irrigation system, new bunkers and switching from bermuda grass to bent grass to allow for longer playing.

“I suppose this is my landscape, I am a painter and this is what I am painting,” Nicklaus said.

The renovations started on May 1 and were expected to be completed in March 2019.

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