Whistling Straits (Straits)

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Desert Highlands Golf Club (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Desert Highlands Golf Club logo Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield

Rankings: 

   

The Takeaway:  Jack Nicklaus’ first effort in the Arizona desert is his best. Desert Highlands has great terrain, engaging risk/reward options, impeccable conditioning, and more playability than most desert courses. Unquestionably one of the premier courses in Arizona and a personal favorite.  Grade A-

Quick Facts

Designer:  Jack Nicklaus in 1983

Cost:  Private

Phone Number:  (480) 585-8521

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Desert Highlands Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 10040 E. Happy Valley Rd., Scottsdale, Arizona  85255 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Desert Highlands Golf Club

What to Expect:  Desert Highlands was Nicklaus’ first effort in Arizona’s vast desert terrain and many consider it his best. The opening tee shot of the day instantly gets the blood flowing as you stand on a severely elevated tee box overlooking Scottsdale/Phoenix with a ribbon of a fairway streaming below. Desert Highlands features relatively forgiving fairways for a target course and features stunning views of Pinnacle Peak.

By the Numbers

Tees Par Yardage Rating Slope
Nicklaus (Black) 72 7066 73.8 149
Palmer (Blue) 72 6734 72.4 140
Combo (Blue/White) 72 6526 71.3 136
Player (White) 72 6303 70.4 132
Watson (Yellow) 72 5815 67.9 126
Middle (Red/Women) 72 5390 71.7 129
Front (Green/Women) 72 5008 70.2 121

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  1st Hole – 350 Yard Par 4

1st Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (350 Yard Par 4)
1st Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (350 Yard Par 4)

1st Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (350 Yard Par 4)
1st Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (350 Yard Par 4)

Best Par 3:  16th Hole – 242 Yards

16th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (242 Yard Par 3)
16th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (242 Yard Par 3)

16th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (242 Yard Par 3)
16th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (242 Yard Par 3)

Best Par 4:  6th Hole – 428 Yards

6th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (428 Yard Par 4)
6th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (428 Yard Par 4)

6th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (428 Yard Par 4)
6th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (428 Yard Par 4)

Best Par 5:  11th Hole – 563 Yards

11th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (563 Yard Par 5)
11th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (563 Yard Par 5)

11th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (563 Yard Par 5)
11th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (563 Yard Par 5)

Birdie Time:  15th Hole – 146 Yard Par 3

15th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (146 Yard Par 3)
15th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (146 Yard Par 3)

15th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (146 Yard Par 3)
15th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (146 Yard Par 3)

Bogey Beware:  8th Hole – 444 Yard Par 4

8th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (444 Yard Par 4)
8th Hole at Desert Highlands Golf Club (444 Yard Par 4)

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