Desert Highlands Golf Club

Desert Highlands Golf Club, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a premier private community renowned for its exceptional golf course and luxurious amenities. Established in the early 1980s, the club has set the standard for desert living, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty and world-class facilities.

Golf Course

At the heart of Desert Highlands is the acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This 18-hole, par-72 course stretches over 7,072 yards and is celebrated for its challenging design and breathtaking desert vistas. The course's unique "target golf" concept integrates the rugged desert landscape with meticulously maintained fairways and greens.

This creates a visually stunning and challenging environment for golfers of all skill levels. Notably, Desert Highlands hosted the inaugural Skins Games in 1983 and 1984, featuring legends like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Gary Player.

In 2019, the club invested $7 million in a comprehensive renovation of the golf course. This extensive update included refurbishing all bunkers, restoring the 13th hole to its original design, installing a new irrigation system, and updating cart paths to ensure the course remains in top condition for its members.

Amenities

Beyond golf, Desert Highlands offers a wealth of amenities designed to enhance the lifestyle of its members:

• Racquet Club: 13 tennis courts featuring all three Grand Slam surfaces—grass, clay, and hard. ATP player Nick Kyrgios has praised the grass courts as "better than Wimbledon." Additionally, two regulation-size pickleball courts have been added.
• Wellness Center: A 7,700-square-foot facility equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, offering a range of classes and personal training options to promote health and wellness.
• Clubhouse: The 30,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as the social hub, featuring fine and casual dining, a pro shop, locker rooms, and "Jack's," a lively gastropub named after Jack Nicklaus.
• Putting Course: An 18-hole, par-41 professionally designed putting course, the first of its kind in the U.S., allowing members to practice their short game in a relaxed setting.
• Residential Services: Shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, and auto detailing ensure a convenient and comfortable living experience.

Membership and Real Estate

Membership at Desert Highlands is uniquely tied to real estate ownership within the community. Upon purchasing a home, buyers automatically become members of the club, with the membership fee included in the real estate transaction. This structure eliminates waiting lists and provides immediate access to all club amenities.

As of February 2025, the initiation fee is $190,000, with monthly dues of $1,925 covering both club membership and HOA fees. The community comprises 560 home sites spread across 850 acres, with half the land preserved to maintain the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and Pinnacle Peak.

Residences range from custom-built homes to semi-custom neighborhoods, offering a variety of architectural styles to suit diverse preferences.

Accolades

Desert Highlands has received numerous accolades, including ranking among the top desert golf courses in the country by Golf Digest. The club was also designated as a Top-15 'Platinum Club of America' golf club for 2021-22, reflecting its commitment to excellence in amenities, service, and overall member experience.

Location

• Scottsdale, AZ, USA

In summary, Desert Highlands Golf Club offers a comprehensive and luxurious living experience, combining world-class golf with a suite of amenities and services that cater to a discerning clientele seeking an unparalleled desert lifestyle.