Desert Forest Golf Club, opened in 1962, remains a true golfer’s club with firm, fast conditions and no distractions like pools. Red Lawrence’s minimalist design is among the Southwest’s finest, but soil buildup and turf issues on the push-up greens led the Club to seek an architect to restore playability and financial stability.
Desert Forest Golf Club
Carefree, Arizona
Desert Forest Golf Club opened in 1962 and remains a true golfer’s club. There is no pool, the conditioning is firm and fast, and so is the pace of play. Designer Red Lawrence’s minimalist layout is among the finest in the Southwest, with naturally undulating fairways weaving through rugged desert terrain.
Over time, modern maintenance expectations and years of organic build-up left the soil profiles wanting. Concerns over turf quality on the native push-up greens forced the Club to seek an architect. This challenge began to affect both the enjoyment of the course and the financial security the Membership had long relied upon.
After careful selection by the Architecture Committee and Board, Zinkand Golf Design was chosen to develop a five-year master plan. Extensive historical research was conducted, and the existing infrastructure was thoroughly evaluated. The priority became ensuring long-term viability by remedying the putting surfaces and enhancing the overall playing experience.
Troon Management, already providing agronomic services, recommended a California-style green profile as the best long-term solution. Beyond the greens, improvements were planned for bunkers, approaches, fairways, tees, and native areas. The Board recognized that implementing the full Masterplan at once was more cost-effective than a phased approach, leading to a 179-4 approval vote.
During construction, Zinkand Golf Design provided design oversight and shaping, with Landscapes Unlimited as the contractor and Superintendent Todd Storm assisting with labor and desert revegetation. David Zinkand personally shaped the greens, expanding pinable areas while preserving strategic intent. Bunkers were reshaped with rugged, undulating edges to blend with the natural terrain.
Approaches and fairways were refined, tees were adjusted for better flow, and Lawrence’s elegant routing was preserved. Desert Forest Golf Club achieved its goal of elevating playability and securing long-term sustainability. The successful renovation, completed on time and under budget, has ensured that Members can enjoy a revitalized course for generations to come.
Images By: Tony Roberts