Desert Highlands is a prestigious private golf community located in Troon Scottsdale. Member-owned and highly exclusive, this celebrated golf club is also one of the most desirable communities in Arizona. Desert Highlands was developed to be the first residential community in Scottsdale built around the nucleus of a country club. It first opened its doors in 1983 and has since set the standard for all other luxury Scottsdale communities. There are just 560 total home sites that make up Desert Highlands, including grand custom-built estates.

Desert Highlands Golf

Desert Highlands is well-known for its Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the inaugural site of the Skins Game that featured Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Watson. The course winds gracefully through the community, gently rolling with the natural fluctuations of the desert. While the course shows classic Nicklaus design elements such narrow fairways and dramatic elevated tees and greens, it also features a “target golf” concept uniquely suited to the Sonoran landscape. Judicious use of turf makes the most out of the natural topography, leaving large desert areas to rest flush against the fairways.

The Desert Highlands golf course is a par 72 with five sets of men’s tees and three sets of ladies’ tees. The course has been named among the best in the country by Golf Digest and other industry publications. Its practice range offers numerous practice stations, including separate pitching/chipping practice areas and sand practice areas. There is also an 18-hole, par-41 putting course available with 60,000 square feet of putting surface. It was the first of its kind to be built in North America. Golf members at Desert Highlands are able to practice their short game on this full 18-hole course, and “non-golfers” are encouraged to pick up a golf club and simply enjoy the beautiful sunshine.

Racquet Club and Tennis

Desert Highlands offers many other recreational activities apart from golf. Tennis enthusiasts are able to join the Racquet Club and enjoy a total of 13 courts as well as a separate Tennis Clubhouse. The clubhouse has a Pro Shop, player’s lounge, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms and showers and even complimentary beverages and snacks. Three full-time staff members are available for private and group lessons. The Desert Highlands tennis complex was given the Outstanding Tennis Facility Award by the US Tennis and Track Builders Association in 2000 and was featured as one of the “Six Great Places to Retire” in the December 2006 issue of Tennis Magazine.

Fitness

The Desert Highlands Fitness Center sits opposite from the main golf Clubhouse around the towering boulder formation dubbed “Clubhouse Rock.” The 7,000-square-foot masterpiece includes 30 workout stations, three 42-inch plasma screens, two private massage rooms and a heated outdoor swimming pool. It is amply equipped and regularly upgraded with state-of-the-art machines, including step masters, Precor Ellipticals, LeMond spin bikes, and recumbent bikes as well as a wide range of Cybex strength machines and free weights. Available fitness classes include Yoga, T’ai Chi and more. There are also six nationally certified trainers available.

For members more suited to the outdoors, Desert Highlands offers 3.5 miles of walking and jogging paths that wind through the picturesque community. Pinnacle Peak Park is just next door to Desert Highlands, and residents can enjoy a leisurely hike or brisk morning walk up the mountain.

Clubhouse

Memberships

Membership to Desert Highlands Golf Club is tied directly to property ownership within the Desert Highlands community. Only residents are able to become members of the club, and membership is part of the purchase of a home. The one-time initiation fee of $75,000 entitles the new member to unlimited use of all club facilities. This includes the golf course, putting course, fitness facility, tennis complex, swimming pool, clubhouse and Concierge. Dues of $1100/month cover both the Club dues and homeowners association fee.

Real Estate

At Desert Highlands, no two homes are alike. If you are seeking your own custom dream home, there are several luxury homes for sale that were custom-built and even a number of custom homesites available for new construction. Custom homes in Desert Highlands range from the 800s to over $5 Million. Lots range from ½ acre to over an acre. For additional information on Scottsdale real estate in Desert Highlands, call Carmen Brodeur at (602) 791-0536.

Residential Services

At Desert Highlands, homeownership is made simple with a comprehensive list of Residential Services. The Residential Services department provides homeowners with assistance in maintaining their homes. With a host of services available, including regular home inspections, security alarm activation, landscape and pool maintenance, pest prevention, on-site car washing/detailing, mail forwarding, etc., Desert Highlands boasts the most extensive Residential Services program of any Scottsdale golf community. These services are especially useful for seasonal residents, who can rest assured that their home is in good hands.

Security

Desert Highlands is a private community that is 100% walled and gated. The main gate is manned 24 hours and is also camera-monitored. All guests must check in and exit through this gate. Desert Highlands has three security vehicle patrols that operate around the clock, including a mini fire truck, and there are 14 monitored security cameras scattered throughout the community. All security officers are highly trained and certified and are direct employees of Desert Highlands.

Carmen Brodeur is a Scottsdale Realtor and former Attorney who specializes in luxury homes and golf homes. She has a vast knowledge of North Scottsdale golf communities, including Desert Highlands. To learn more about Desert Highlands homes for sale, contact Carmen at (602) 791-0536 or email Carmen@TopScottsdaleHomes.com.