(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 significant progress in its $10 million Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course restoration project and companion improvements to the community’s world-class putting course and clubhouse facilities.
Launched on April 28, the project is led by Nicklaus Design architect Chad Goetz, in partnership with Heritage Links and Desert Highlands’ agronomy team under Director of Agronomy Cody Horstman. Since mobilization, the project has advanced through key phases:
Golf Course Restoration Progress
- Greens: All 18 putting surfaces have been shaped. Sod installation and seeding began in late July, with all holes complete with drainage and grassing phases.
- Bunkers: Shaping, lining and Caltega sand installation are underway across all holes with strategic adjustments to bunker locations to enhance playability.
- Fairways and Tees: Fairway fraise-mowing was completed earlier this summer. The 13th tee boxes have been enlarged and raised for improved flexibility and visibility. New bunkers added to the 18th fairway introduce strategic variety to the closing hole.
- Landforms: Mounding behind the 18th green has been lowered, creating a more dramatic backdrop and opening panoramic views from the clubhouse patio and Jack’s Backyard.
“Our team is proud of the tremendous progress made since construction began in April,” says General Manager Desi Speh. “With Nicklaus Design, Heritage Links and Cody Horstman’s agronomy team, we’re on track to unveil a restored course that elevates the Desert Highlands golf experience for generations to come. Every week, the vision becomes more real.”
The restored Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is targeted to reopen in November 2025.
Putting Course Transformation
Desert Highlands’ iconic Gary Panks-designed par-41 putting course – the first of its kind in the United States – is also being revitalized. The project includes:
- Full removal of sod and irrigation
- Coring out of greens to subgrade for rebuild to modern standards
- New drainage and irrigation systems
- Final shaping and sprigging with TifEagle Bermuda
- Bermuda sod installation throughout the surrounds.
The putting course closed in July for coring, arborist work and new sod preparation. Restoration is ongoing with no firm reopening date set.Lower Clubhouse Refresh
Alongside the golf course restoration project, Desert Highlands is executing a $2.5 million modernization of its golf shop and women’s locker room, The lower clubhouse refresh is scheduled for completion in mid-October 2025:
- Golf shop: redesigned layout, expanded entrance, and a relocated retail counter.
- Women’s locker room: brighter finishes, refreshed card lounge, upgraded vanity and wet areas, and a new self-serve comfort station featuring snack drawers and a Pour-My-Beer tap system.
For more information: www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.
