30-04-2025
Highly ranked private course in Arizona begins $10 million restoration
Highly ranked private course in Arizona begins $10 million restoration
Desert Highlands in Scottsdale has undertaken a $10 million restoration of its Nicklaus Design golf course, with the layout having closed April 28 and slated to reopen in November.
Desert Highlands is ranked by Golfweek's Best as the No. 8 private course in Arizona, and it ties for No. 143 on the ranking of top modern courses in the United States. It was home of the first two made-for-TV Skins Games in 1983-84.
A large portion of the work, to be done by Nicklaus Design, includes rebuilding each green. The elevations of the putting surfaces will be adjusted to better fit with surrounding moguls and bowls and allow for more hole locations. The greens will be planted with 007XL Creeping Bentgrass.
The work also will include tee reconstruction, a bunker renovation including lining by Flexxscape, vegetation work and turf restoration. Several holes will receive design modifications or new tees. Desert Highland's putting course also will be enhanced and re-grassed.
'This restoration is about more than golf. It's about preserving our legacy while building an even brighter future,' Desert Highlands general manager Desi Speh said in a media release announcing the work. 'With the world-renowned Nicklaus Design team, our builder Heritage Links and the support of our members, we are committed to preserving the timeless character of our course while introducing thoughtful enhancements that will elevate the golf experience for years to come.'
