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Desert Forest Golf Club, established in 1962, is a private, member-owned golf club located in Carefree, Arizona. Recognized as one of the pioneering desert-style golf courses in the United States, it was designed by Robert “Red” Lawrence, often referred to as the “Desert Fox” for his innovative approach to integrating golf courses with the natural desert landscape. The club is dedicated solely to golf, providing a focused environment for enthusiasts of the game.
Member-Only Access – Membership is available by invitation or sponsorship only, with access limited to members and their guests.
Robert “Red” Lawrence Design – An 18-hole course designed by the “Father of Desert Golf,” seamlessly integrated into the natural desert landscape.
First Desert-Style Course – Recognized as the first-ever desert golf course, setting the standard for minimalist desert course design.
Challenging Layout – A strategic course that tests precision and course management for golfers of all skill levels.
Year-Round Playability – Consistently excellent playing conditions due to the club’s location and climate.
Exclusive Membership – A private, member-owned club fostering a close-knit community with a focus on privacy and camaraderie.
Minimalist Design – A course that emphasizes the natural contours and vegetation of the region, maintaining the integrity of the desert environment.
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The 18-hole championship course spans approximately 7,201 yards and is characterized by its minimalist design that harmonizes with the surrounding Sonoran Desert terrain. Lawrence’s design philosophy emphasized preserving the natural contours and vegetation, resulting in fairways that follow the land’s natural undulations and greens that blend seamlessly into the environment. The course is free from traditional water hazards and fairway bunkers, relying instead on the inherent challenges presented by the desert landscape.
A notable feature of the course is the 7th hole, a 534-yard par 5 that offers multiple strategic routes to the green. Players must navigate a wide wash that bisects the fairway, presenting options that range from conservative layups to aggressive attempts to reach the green in fewer strokes. This hole exemplifies the course’s emphasis on strategic decision-making and shot placement, hallmarks of Lawrence’s design that continue to challenge golfers of varying skill levels.
