Desert Mountain Voted No.1 Private Country Club in Arizona
By Lisa Padilla -
Thursday Oct 15, 2020
Desert Mountain Club has again earned recognition as one of the Platinum Clubs of America. In the 2021-22 analysis voting, Desert Mountain ranks No. 14 in the United States, moving up five spots in the ranking, and remains No. 1 in Arizona. Desert Mountain Club is the only facility in Arizona to place among the top 100.
The biennial Platinum Clubs® of America program identifies the top 5 percent of the 4,500-plus private clubs in the country. Voting by general managers, club presidents, and owners, along with a comprehensive facilities audit, makes Platinum recognition the most respected achievement in the industry. Topping the list are Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md, Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla and The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, Calif., respectively.
“The tireless efforts and level of care that our staff aspires to provide our members every day is the reason Desert Mountain is a Platinum Club of America recipient,†said Desert Mountain Club CEO Damon DiOrio. “Our membership is terrific, the array of facilities we offer our families continues to grow and it is indeed a special honor for Desert Mountain Club to be included in exceptional company. Despite the challenges we all faced in 2020, our greatest asset, our staff of 700 employees, was maintained throughout the pandemic, with no layoffs or furloughs. "
The club is experiencing a banner year, welcoming more than 150 new members across all categories. Nearly 130,000 member rounds of golf have been played on the seven golf courses, up 15% year over year. Coming off 2019’s all-time record for custom-home sales volume of over $225 million, the community’s real estate sales are on track to surpass this with 78 custom home closings ($174,923, 892) since January; 24 additional sales are currently pending.
Desert Mountain Club is the only private community in the world with six Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, including the recently renovated Renegade, which reopened in 2019. A stellar addition last year was the new community, Seven Desert Mountain, which includes an 18-hole par-54 course – named No. 7 at Desert Mountain –and an award-winning clubhouse, in addition to beautiful home designs by three prestigious builders.
While golf remains at the heart of Desert Mountain Club – which serves more than 2,000 total members – new programming and amenities are evolving to serve the club’s growing interests and younger population. Members have access to 10 restaurants and grills, a nine-court tennis complex with three different playing surfaces, horseback riding, bocce ball, pickleball, croquet, Pilates, luxury camping, world-class spa, and 20-miles of hiking trails, mountain biking, and much more.
Platinum Clubs® of America, launched in 1997, has earned the reputation as the most respected recognition in the industry. Clubs are judged for their history, ability to attract and retain exceptional members, and the experience delivered. Voting criteria include recognition, excellence in amenities and facilities, staff and professional services, quality and commitment of membership, governance and prudent fiscal management, adapting to changing times, and overall experience.