History
Established in 1963, Skyline Country Club stands as a distinguished landmark within Tucson's scenic landscape. Conceived by a group of passionate golf enthusiasts, the club was envisioned as a premier retreat for recreation and relaxation, nestled high in the foothills of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. From its inception, Skyline combined natural beauty with an elevated member experience, anchored by its original 18-hole championship golf course, artfully designed by renowned architect Guy S. Greene. The course quickly earned acclaim for its challenging design, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic views.
Over the decades, Skyline has grown into a dynamic and welcoming community. While golf remains at its heart, the club now offers a broad spectrum of amenities, including tennis, pickleball, a state-of-the-art fitness center, luxurious spa services, and exceptional dining options. Its vibrant calendar of tournaments, social gatherings, and special events continues to bring members together, fostering lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Today, Skyline Country Club is more than just a golf destination—it's a cherished home for families, professionals, and retirees alike. It reflects Tucson's rich culture, celebrates its desert surroundings, and embraces the spirit of connection and camaraderie that has defined the club for generations.
The vision for Skyline Country Club was sparked by two forward-thinking individuals: Leonard Savage, a businessman and entrepreneur from Oklahoma, and John Bender, a prominent Tucson developer. United by a shared ambition to create an exclusive country club and resort, the two met to bring their concept to life. They selected a breathtaking 660-acre site nestled in the foothills, surrounded by towering saguaros and graceful palo verdes, perched high above the city with sweeping panoramic views.
From the beginning, Savage and Bender were committed to preserving the area's natural beauty while making it a lasting haven for future Members and guests. Their thoughtful approach blended development with conservation, ensuring the desert's character remained intact. The name "Skyline" was chosen to reflect the land's striking elevation and its seamless connection with the sky—symbolizing both the grandeur of the setting and the aspirational nature of their endeavor.
Skyline Country Club officially opened its doors in 1963, marking the beginning of a new era of luxury and recreation in Tucson. Nestled in the stunning foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the club originally featured only its elegant clubhouse and meticulously designed golf course spread across its expansive grounds. From the start, the location offered unmatched panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape, city lights, and rugged mountain peaks.
Both visitors and Members were instantly captivated—not only by the awe-inspiring vistas, but also by the refined architecture and welcoming ambiance of the clubhouse. The golf course, with its challenging layout and dramatic elevation changes, quickly gained a reputation as one of the most scenic and enjoyable in the region. Skyline's early charm laid the foundation for a legacy that would grow to include world-class amenities, a close-knit community, and a deep connection to the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
In the autumn of 1964, Skyline members were enjoying the amenities of their newly established club, just two years after its grand opening. The excitement and pride surrounding the young club were suddenly interrupted on the evening of September 27th, around 9:00 p.m., when a devastating fire broke out. The blaze caused significant damage to the facilities, with early estimates placing the losses between $200,000 and $400,000—a substantial amount for the time.
Despite the setback, the Skyline community responded with determination and urgency. Reconstruction efforts began almost immediately and progressed at an impressive pace, reflecting the commitment of the membership and leadership to restore their beloved club. Thanks to this swift action, Skyline was able to celebrate its official grand reopening just a few months later, on January 16, 1965. The event was marked by an elegant dinner party, open to members at the remarkable price of just $5.00 per person—a testament to the era and the club's spirit of resilience and camaraderie.
With the completion of the Mission Hill Casitas and the Palm Lane Cottages—now known as Calle Brilliant—Skyline's developers introduced a new level of luxury for visiting winter guests. These stylish accommodations offered the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience, complementing the Club's already distinguished reputation. At the time, Tucson was a well-kept secret among the Hollywood elite, and Skyline quickly became a magnet for those seeking an exclusive retreat in the scenic mountain-desert landscape.
The Club's striking setting, refined clubhouse, and premier golf and tennis amenities made it an irresistible destination for high-profile visitors. Among the many celebrities who frequented Skyline were Ann-Margret, Joe Namath, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Loni Anderson, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays. Whether lounging by the pool, hitting the tennis courts, or playing a round of golf with panoramic city views, these notable figures found both relaxation and inspiration in the Club's serene and luxurious environment.
In 1970, Hollywood made its way to Skyline when the area was chosen as a key filming location for the movie *C.C. and Company*, a biker film starring Joe Namath, Ann-Margret, and William Smith. The production team utilized several spots around the grounds, taking advantage of Skyline's unique terrain and picturesque views to create a dramatic backdrop for many pivotal scenes in the film.
The most memorable and iconic scene was shot at a private residence located on hole 7 of the Skyline golf course. This particular house became instantly recognizable to fans of the movie, as it served as the setting for a tense and emotional sequence between the main characters. To this day, longtime residents and movie buffs still recall the excitement of seeing camera crews, vintage motorcycles, and film stars roaming the course and clubhouse during the shoot. The movie's connection to Skyline remains a unique and cherished part of the community's history.
Chef Issa Moussa began his distinguished career at Skyline Country Club in August 1978 as an Assistant Chef. His talent and dedication quickly earned him a promotion to Executive Chef in 1985—a position he held with distinction for nearly four decades. Known for his culinary expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, Chef Issa became a beloved figure among members and staff alike.
In addition to his exceptional cuisine, he was also celebrated for his intricate ice sculptures, which became signature showpieces at formal member events and holiday celebrations. These artistic creations showcased his versatility and flair for presentation.
Chef Issa's talents were recognized beyond the Club as well. He earned numerous accolades, including several blue ribbons from the Chef's Association of Southern Arizona, honoring his impact on the local culinary scene. His legacy at Skyline remains one of passion, artistry, and enduring service.
Former Club President Richard Kolasa's election as National President of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) was a significant milestone in Skyline Country Club's history. His appointment to this prestigious national role not only recognized his exceptional leadership and dedication but also cast a spotlight on Skyline's influence and reputation within the private club industry. Under Kolasa's guidance, Skyline flourished, earning a reputation for innovation, excellence in member service, and strong governance. His elevation to CMAA's top leadership role was a reflection of the high standards upheld at Skyline and the respect it commanded among peer institutions across the country. Kolasa's tenure helped position the Club as a model for professional club management and further solidified its standing as a leader in the field.
In June 2024, Skyline Country Club entered a transformative new chapter with its acquisition by Rolf and Sarah Peters, both longtime members and residents of the Skyline community. Their deep-rooted connection to the club, along with a strong appreciation for its traditions and culture, positioned them as ideal stewards for its future.
With a shared vision focused on thoughtful modernization, the Peters aimed to enhance the overall member experience while preserving the character and legacy that have defined Skyline for over six decades. Their approach prioritized reinvestment in facilities, innovation in programming, and a renewed emphasis on personalized service and hospitality. From improvements to dining and social offerings to strategic upgrades in athletic, wellness, and event spaces, their leadership set in motion a new era of energy, growth, and member engagement.
Under their ownership, Skyline reasserted itself as not just a country club, but a true community—where tradition meets progress, and where members of all ages feel a strong sense of belonging. The Peters' commitment to honoring the past while embracing the future continues to guide the club into its next era with purpose and pride.
Skyline Country Club experienced a pivotal moment in its culinary history as longtime Executive Chef Issa Moussa announced his departure to begin teaching at Pima Community College's Culinary Arts Program. After nearly four decades at Skyline, Chef Issa left behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and consistency that helped define the Club's fine dining reputation.
Stepping into the role of Executive Chef is Paul Cummings, who served as Sous Chef alongside Chef Issa for nearly 20 years. Chef Paul brings a modern perspective, innovative approach, and a passion for culinary artistry that's already reinvigorating the Club's dining experience. Known for his creativity, strong leadership, and commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, Chef Paul is expanding menus, introducing new themed events, and elevating both casual and formal dining offerings. His promotion ensures that Skyline's culinary program continues to evolve while honoring the traditions that members have come to love.