The private golf community of Desert Highlands set the standard for all residential golf communities in the state as it was the very first community to be ever be built around a country club. There are 560 home sites scattered across 850 acres, but half of Desert Highlands’ land has been set aside to remain undeveloped so to preserve the integrity and natural beauty of Pinnacle Peak Mountain and the surrounding Sonoran Desert. A variety of amenities are conveniently located just outside Desert Highlands’ main, 24-hour manned guard gate: stores, restaurants, banks, medical facilities and schools are minutes away, and Scottsdale’s Old town, cultural district and sports arenas are just a short drive further.
Real Estate
While most of Desert Highlands’ homes are custom builds, there are 2 semi-custom neighborhoods within the community: The Heights and the Hillside Villa Estates. Development began in the mid-1980’s, but a few custom homes continue to be built today. There are also a few vacant lots still available for purchase.
Desert Highlands Golf Club
This championship course is 7,108 yards from the tips. Designed by Jack Nicklaus’ development group, the par-72, 18-hole golf course conserves water by using turf to create a ‘target-golf’ effect. The Desert Highlands course is also the very first one to be played by the ‘ultimate foursome’: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.The course also features an 18-hole putting course. Membership to the club is restricted to residents, as membership is automatic with property ownership in Desert Highlands. Members of Desert Highlands can also enjoy a 7,000 square foot fitness and wellness center, where members can attend fitness classes, consult a personal trainer and receive nutrition consulting, a swimming pool, and a clubhouse restaurant. There is also a thirteen grass and hard surface tennis court complex (which has four clay courts, four grass courts, three hard surface Laykold courts and two Nova Pro Bounce courts) at members’ disposal.
Schools
Most school-aged children within the Desert Highlands community generally attend these schools in the Cave Creek Unified School District: Desert Sun Academy, Sonoran Trails Middle School and Cactus Shadows High School.
Desert Highlands is:
- 9 miles away from the Scottsdale Healthcare Thompson Peak Hospital
- 5 minutes away from Pinnacle Peak and Tom’s Thumb Trail Heads
- 15 minutes away from the Loop 101 Freeway
- 20 minutes away from the Scottsdale Airport
- 45 minutes away from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
If you’re looking to buy a home in Arizona’s very first private golf community, contact one of our Scottsdale Real Estate Experts on The Matheson Team today. We will help you find the golf course property of your dreams in Desert Highlands.
Desert Highlands was the first community to ever be built around a golf course and it is said to have been the model for many other golf communities. Membership at Desert Highlands Golf Club is limited to property owners in the community, and every resident is a member.
The club boasts a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus’ development group. It is a par 72, 18-hole golf course and is 7,108-yards from the tips. The design was intended to maximize water efficiency, and at the same time, it created a target-golf effect.
The course was the home of the first ever skins game played by the ‘ultimate foursome’ – Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Gary Player.
Member privileges at Desert Highlands include enjoyment of the club’s world-class amenities: the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, 18-hole putting course, thirteen grass and hard surface tennis courts, clubhouse, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness and wellness center.
The club’s tennis amenities are some of the best in Scottsdale. No matter what your skill level, four clay courts, four grass courts, two Nova Pro Bounce courts and three hard surface Laykold courts provide the chance to perfect your game.
Next to the clubhouse is the 7,000 square foot fitness and wellness center, where residents can take advantage of a fully equipped health destination. Fitness classes, cardio and weight equipment, personal training, nutritional consulting and a spa are available.
Private Golf & Country Club
Membership Director: Carey Fassler
(480) 419-3745
cfassler@deserthighlandsscottsdale.com
Rates as of July, 2017
Membership at Desert Highlands is tied to property ownership. Upon purchase of a home or home site, a one-time membership fee of $75,000 is paid. Members have access to all golf and country club facilities including golf, 18-hole putting course, Racquet Club, Fitness Center, and the newly renovated Clubhouse.
Monthly dues and homeowners association fee of $1,190/Monthly is used for operating expenses (maintaining guard-gated entry and security patrol, private streets, grounds and facilities) allowing residents access to all amenities.
Food Minimum: July 1 – June 30, $1,500/Annually
Special Capital Assessment: 2013 Clubhouse Restoration, $70/Month through 2022
Recreational amenities in Desert Highlands include:
- The Desert Highlands Golf Club (membership is automatic with property ownership)
- 7,000 square foot fitness and wellness center
- 13 grass and hard surface tennis court complex
