(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Desert Highlands – the original home of The Skins Game and an acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – announces Cody Horstman, CGCS as its new director of agronomy, succeeding the retiring Curtis Tyrrell, CSGS, MG.
Horstman comes to Desert Highlands from nearby Pinnacle Peak Country Club, where he was the director of agronomy for more than a decade. At Pinnacle Peak, Horstman led numerous high-impact projects, and his expertise in managing top-quality Bentgrass greens has set a high standard in the region. Before his tenure at Pinnacle Peak, Horstman was at Superstition Mountain Country Club for seven years.
Horstman’s arrival comes at an exciting time, as Desert Highlands prepares for an extensive golf course renovation project in 2025. Led by Nicklaus Design, the golf course renovation will include greens, tees and bunker reconstruction, enhancements to several holes, desert de- and re-vegetation, and restoration of the turf found on tees, fairways and rough. Nicklaus, who played in the original Skins Game at Desert Highlands more than 40 years ago, personally visited the course to provide his recommendations with the renovations.
Horstman’s blend of experience in day-to-day agronomy and his track record of successful project leadership made him the ideal choice for Desert Highlands.
“We are excited to welcome Cody to the Desert Highlands team,” says Desi Speh, general manager. “During our search, it became apparent that Cody was the perfect candidate given his familiarity with the desert climate and how he manages the unique agronomical practices needed to maintain a high-caliber golf course. Plus, we knew Cody would be a great fit with the culture we have at Desert Highlands.”
Horstman replaces the retiring Tyrrell, who first arrived at Desert Highlands in 2019. Tyrrell was the director of golf course operations at Bonita Bay in Florida. Previously, Tyrrell was the director of golf course operations at the famed Medinah Country Club in Illinois, which hosted major tournaments during his tenure including the 39th Ryder Cup Matches.
“Curtis came to Desert Highlands right before the pandemic and instantly became an integral part of the Desert Highlands family,” Speh adds. “We wish him nothing but the best during his retirement and this exciting next stage of his life.”
Stretching to over 7,100 yards, the Desert Highlands golf course was the first design in Arizona by Jack Nicklaus, and immediately set the bar for desert golf experiences, not only in Scottsdale but statewide and nationwide. The golf course offers a challenging, but fair test, and striking views of Pinnacle Peak and the lights of the Valley spread across the horizon in the distance below.
Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning and active families – from tennis and pickleball enthusiasts to golfers, pet lovers, and health and wellness enthusiasts. A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community.
This past month Desert Highlands unveiled its renovated racquet club. Among the updates to this popular gathering spot – a new retail area, a fully stocked kitchen with unique food and beverage offerings, and upgraded indoor / outdoor gathering spaces.
The club also recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and the debut of The Skins Game. Featuring Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Tom Watson in a stroke-play friendly competition, The Skins Game, which is set to resume in 2025, was an unofficial event on the PGA Tour schedule for 26 years and helped spearhead “made for TV” golf exhibitions that are prevalent today.
Located behind Desert Highlands’s award-winning clubhouse and set against awe-inspiring views of Pinnacle Peak and the unspoiled desert, Jack’s Backyard features numerous lounge areas, patio tables, cushioned fireside seating and two Bocce courts. The breathtaking desert views also can be found at Ventana, Desert Highlands’ elevated dining experience, and the club’s 7,700-square foot fitness center offers cutting-edge equipment and highly sought-after fitness programs.
In addition to its 18-hole championship golf course, Desert Highlands boasts an 18-hole professionally designed putting course that was first of its kind in the U.S. and the second putting course in the world. Inside, the community provides residents peace of mind with an upgraded state-of-the-art security system, professionally trained security personnel, visitor control and access, and other protection amenities. Among the acclaimed residential services that truly pamper residents and meet their specific needs – shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, home inspections and other customized services.
For more information: www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.
