Desert Highlands Golf Club
10040 East happy Valley Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255 USA
(480) 419-3745
Geographic Coordinates: 33.708294, -111.859632
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 50.0°C (14°F to 122°F)
Climate: Climate: Arid desert climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Desert Highlands Golf Club, Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Is a renowned golf destination known for its natural beauty and challenging course design. Designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1983, This private club features an 18-hole championship course that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding desert landscape. Stretching over 7, 100 yards from the back tees, The course offers undulating fairways lined with native vegetation and strategically placed bunkers. Players can enjoy breathtaking views of Pinnacle Peak and McDowell Mountains as they navigate through this challenging layout. One of Desert Highlands’ standout features is its signature hole – the par-4 13th.
This dramatic hole requires golfers to navigate their shots across a deep ravine onto a narrow fairway before facing an approach shot to an elevated green guarded by bunkers on either side. The combination of strategic play and awe-inspiring scenery makes this hole a favorite among members and guests. In addition to its exceptional golf course, Desert Highlands provides amenities designed to enhance every aspect of a golfer’s experience. The expansive practice facility includes multiple putting greens, Chipping areas, And target greens for skill improvement or warm-up sessions before a round.
There is also a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with cutting-edge equipment for those looking to stay fit off the course. The clubhouse at Desert Highlands showcases Southwestern architectural style that blends seamlessly into the desert backdrop. Inside, Members can enjoy luxurious dining options offering delectable cuisine prepared by renowned chefs catering to all tastes. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from various vantage points throughout the clubhouse or on several outdoor patios overlooking meticulously maintained fairways. Desert Highlands fosters camaraderie and social connections among its members through various tournaments, Events, And social gatherings held throughout the year.
It offers additional recreational activities such as tennis courts, Swimming pool access spa facilities, And hiking trails for those seeking more than just golf. Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale is an exceptional golfing destination offering a stunning desert setting, Challenging course design by Jack Nicklaus, And luxurious amenities both on and off the course. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking an exhilarating round or someone looking for an idyllic retreat amidst natural beauty with top-notch hospitality services – Desert Highlands has it all.
Fun Facts and Other Tidbits
- History: Desert Highlands was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened for play in 1983. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier golf courses in Arizona.
- Signature Hole: The signature hole at Desert Highlands is the par-5 13th hole, known as Jack’s Island. It features an island green surrounded by desert landscape and offers a challenging yet picturesque experience.
- Annual Events: The club hosts several annual events, including member tournaments, charity fundraisers, and social gatherings. These events provide opportunities for members to come together and enjoy the club’s facilities.
- Historical Matches: Over the years, Desert Highlands has hosted numerous high-profile golf tournaments and matches featuring both professional players and celebrities. These events have showcased the course’s challenging layout and scenic beauty.
- Renovations: In recent years, Desert Highlands underwent significant renovations to enhance its facilities further. This included improvements to the clubhouse, dining areas, fitness center, tennis courts, pool area, spa facilities, and more.
- Membership: Desert Highlands is an exclusive private club with a limited number of members allowed at any given time. Its membership includes accomplished individuals from various fields who share a passion for golfing excellence.
- Awards & Recognitions: The course has received several accolades over the years for its exceptional design and playing conditions. It consistently ranks among the top courses in Arizona by various golf publications.
- Community Involvement: Desert Highlands actively contributes to charitable initiatives within the Scottsdale community through fundraising efforts organized by its members or through partnerships with local organizations.
These points highlight some of the notable aspects of Desert Highlands Golf Club’s history, yearly events, historical matches held there, or other interesting facts about this renowned golfing destination in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Important Landmarks
- The Scottsdale Waterfront – A picturesque area along the Arizona Canal with beautiful waterfront views, art installations, and upscale shopping and dining options.
- Old Town Scottsdale – A historic district known for its Western-themed atmosphere, art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
- Taliesin West – The former winter home and architectural school of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It is now a National Historic Landmark open for tours.
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West – A museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the American West through exhibits showcasing artworks, artifacts, and historical objects.
- The Soleri Bridge & Plaza – Designed by architect Paolo Soleri as part of his vision for an urban laboratory called Arcosanti. This pedestrian bridge features unique architectural elements and serves as a gathering place in downtown Scottsdale.
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – A family-friendly park featuring a miniature railroad ride that takes visitors through scenic landscapes as well as a museum displaying historic train cars.
- Civic Center Mall – A cultural hub that includes iconic buildings like City Hall designed by Bennie Gonzales as well as public art installations such as Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture.
- Cosanti Foundation & Gallery – Founded by Paolo Soleri himself, this gallery showcases experimental architecture designs along with bronze wind-bells produced at Cosanti Studios.
- Pinnacle Peak Park – Located on the northern edge of Scottsdale offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding Sonoran Desert landscapes.
- Camelback Mountain – Not technically located within city limits but adjacent to it; this prominent landmark offers challenging hiking trails leading to stunning vistas over Phoenix metropolitan area.
Sports Teams
- Scottsdale Scorpions (Arizona Fall League): The Scottsdale Scorpions are a professional baseball team that competes in the Arizona Fall League, which is a developmental league for Major League Baseball prospects. Founded in 1992, the Scorpions play their home games at Scottsdale Stadium.
- Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship): Although not based directly in Scottsdale, Phoenix Rising FC is a professional soccer team that represents the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Scottsdale. Established in 2014 as Arizona United SC and rebranded as Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, they currently compete in the USL Championship.
- Desert Mountain Wolves (High School Sports): Desert Mountain High School located in Scottsdale has various athletic programs under its name known as the Wolves. The school offers numerous sports such as football, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, golf, swimming/diving and more.
- Chaparral Firebirds (High School Sports): Another prominent high school sports program is Chaparral High School’s Firebirds located in Scottsdale as well. They have been successful across multiple sports including football and basketball.
- Horizon Huskies (High School Sports): Horizon High School’s Huskies represent another strong high school athletic program within Scottsdale with notable achievements across various sports like football and track & field.
It should be noted that while these teams are associated with or have ties to Scottsdale due to proximity or representation of local schools within city limits; some may not be physically located within the city itself but rather encompassing areas nearby.
Museums and Things To See
- Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
- Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Heard Museum North Scottsdale
- The Marshall Gallery of Fine Art
- Bonner David Galleries
- On the Edge Gallery
- The Phoenix Symphony – performs at various venues in the area including Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
- Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and architectural school.
- Arizona Musicfest – an annual music festival featuring a variety of concerts and performances.
- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – offers a range of performing arts events including theater, dance, music concerts, and more.