History
The vision for Skyline Country Club began with two men: Leonard Savage, an Oklahoma businessman and entrepreneur, and Tucson developer John Bender. They met to discuss the creation of an exclusive country club and resort. Set against a backdrop of mountains, the chosen location spanned 660 acres adorned with lush saguaros and palo verdes, offering a vantage point high above the city floor. Their goal was to preserve as much of the natural landscape as possible while making it permanently accessible to future Members and guests. They chose the name "Skyline" because the property aligned with the sky, providing a majestic view.
Skyline Country Club officially opened its doors in 1963. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the site featured just the clubhouse and golf course on its sprawling grounds, offering breathtaking views in every direction. Visitors and Members were captivated by the elegant clubhouse and the golf course..
In the autumn of 1964, Skyline members were savoring the amenities of their recently established club, just two years after its inception. However, on September 27th, at around 9:00 pm, disaster struck as a fire broke out. Initial estimates pegged the losses between $200,000 to $400,000. Reconstruction efforts commenced promptly and progressed rapidly. The club proudly hosted its official grand reopening on January 16, 1965, marked by a celebratory dinner party priced at $5.00 per person!
With the completion of the Mission Hill Casitas and Palm Lane Cottages (now called Calle Brilliant), Skyline developers provided luxurious guest accommodations for winter visitors. Tucson, a popular secret destination for celebrities at the time, saw many drawn to the Club's unique mountain/desert setting, elegant clubhouse, and exceptional golf and tennis facilities. Notable celebrities who enjoyed the Club's amenities and breathtaking views included Ann-Margret, Joe Namath, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Loni Anderson, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays.
In 1970, Hollywood came to Skyline, using the grounds as a filming location for many scenes in "C.C. and Company." The most notable scene was filmed at a home on hole 7 of the golf course.
Chef Issa began his journey at Skyline as an Assistant Chef in August 1978, eventually rising to the esteemed position of Executive Chef in 1985. Revered for his culinary mastery, unwavering commitment, and multifaceted skills, Chef Issa is also celebrated for his intricate ice sculptures, crafted specifically for formal member gatherings at Skyline. His appointment to this pivotal role was orchestrated by former Club President Richard Kolasa, whose recognition of Chef Issa's culinary brilliance was further solidified by his election as National President of the Club Managers Association of America in 1992. Kolasa's attention was initially drawn to Moussa's numerous accolades, including several blue ribbons from the Chef's Association of Southern Arizona, ultimately leading to his hiring in August 1978.