In the greater Scottsdale area, only the courses at Talking Stick are flatter that I can recall. The distances between tees and greens are usually quick. Desert Forest is unusual in that there aren’t any ugly cart paths nor out-of-bounds markers. Missing also are fairway bunkers and there’s only one water hazard which have to be averted on the par three 3rd. Instead the golfer has carpeted Bermuda grass playing surfaces , pure rock formations and the desert to contend with.

High speed winds blow soil from the desert, depositing some on neighboring fertile lands, and causing shifting sand dunes throughout the desert, which buries fences and blocks roads and railway tracks. A permanent solution to this downside of shifting sand dunes can be offered by planting appropriate species on the dunes to forestall additional shifting and planting windbreaks and shelterbelts. These options also present safety from scorching or chilly and desiccating winds and the invasion of sand.

About Desert Forest

As lofted as many greens are at Desert Forest, the visibility to this green was poor. It turned out this was one of several greens altered within the 1970’s. I raised the green one and a half ft to return what is believed to be unique grade and enhance visibility down the opening. An existing bunker stretched throughout the middle and right facet of the approach to this green. This was changed with a small central bunker in the approach and the best aspect supported to provide an alternate entryway for pins alongside the right aspect of the hole. The left greenside bunker was expanded to tie in with the native desert.

Or, rifle a area goal between the cactii and over the desert, and you’re looking at a green light particular from in entrance of the wash that cuts diagonally throughout the landing space for layups. The green sits atop a small hill and is properly defended by bunkers left and proper. Standing on the tee in my early visits, it was obvious something was amiss at the green.