(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Desert Highlands – the original home of The Skins Game and acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – announces its golf course achieved first place honors in the private category of Golf, Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Best Renovation of the Year awards for 2026.
Every year, Golf Inc. Magazine recognizes the best renovation work done to both private and public golf courses. Those projects that occurred between Oct. 1, 2024 and Oct. 1, 2025 were eligible for the award. Mira Vista Country Club in Texas took second place in the Best Renovation of the Year award among private courses, the Landings Golf and Athletic Club in Georgia finished in third place, and the Stones River Country Club in Tennessee was named honorable mention.
A judge on Golf, Inc.’s distinguished panel noted that the golf course restoration project at Desert Highlands “showcases high-quality design and construction work executed on a very tight schedule.” Another judge added, “outstanding narrative depth, clear vision and elite execution.”
Led by Nicklaus Design Senior Designer Chad Goetz, the restoration project represented one of the most ambitious and rewarding undertakings in Desert Highlands’ illustrious history. Nicklaus Design collaborated with Heritage Links and the Desert Highlands Golf Course Maintenance team, led by Director of Agronomy Cody Horstman, on the nearly $10 million restoration project, which included six major components: design enhancements to several holes, greens reconstruction, tee reconstruction, bunker reconstruction, desert de- and re-vegetation, and restoration of the turf found on the tees, fairways and rough.
Every element – from the tees, fairways and greens to the bunkers and approaches – was upgraded for playability for all members and the long-term health of the golf course. Perhaps the most visually striking change on the golf course occurred in the desert areas, as all the overgrown obstacles that blocked the intended lines of sight were removed. Dying or decayed plant material was also removed, and several trees were relocated to other parts of the community so that new and less intrusive vegetation could be planted.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition from Golf Inc. Magazine, which stands as a testament to our team and the members’ tireless dedication to excellence,” says Desi Speh, General Manager at Desert Highlands. The restoration project was an important and necessary undertaking, and being highlighted among the best golf course renovations over the past year motivates us to continue providing the absolute best amenities for our members and guests.”
Desert Highlands’ famed putting course – the first one built in the U.S. and the second putting course in the world – remains under construction as part of an ongoing renovation. Like the greens on the championship course, the putting course is being rebuilt to modern standards, with new drainage and irrigation systems included. Several trees that surrounded the putting course were removed, and TifEagle Bermuda was sodded in early October. An opening date for the putting course has yet to be determined.
Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning and active members – 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. Desert Highlands finished 11th in Platinum Clubs of America’s Top-50 Golf Clubs in the U.S. rankings, and 54th in their world rankings.
In addition to the golf course restoration project, Desert Highlands completed a $2.5 million modernization of its golf shop and women’s locker room. The golf shop has a redesigned layout, expanded entrance and a relocated retail counter, while the women’s locker room offers brighter finishes, a refreshed card lounge, upgraded vanity and wet areas, and a new self-serve comfort station featuring snack drawers, grab-and-go lunch offerings, wine on tap and a Pour-My-Beer tap system.
The club also recently updated its clubhouse and racquet club lounge. 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 were also enhanced at Ventana, Desert Highlands’ elevated dining experience, by incorporating large windows and open floor plans. The club’s 7,700-square-foot fitness center offers cutting-edge MATRIX equipment and design enhancements to several areas including the main floor and locker rooms.
Inside, the community provides residents peace of mind with a 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 are shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, home inspections and other customized services.
For more information: www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.
