Carefree, Arizona
Desert Forest Golf Club
About the club
Widely considered to be the first desert course ever built, Desert Forest was designed by Robert “Red” Lawrence—a founding member and president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects—and opened in 1962. Revered for its minimalist design and effective use of the natural contours of the land, the course has been previously ranked on our 100 Greatest and Second 100 Greatest lists. In 2013, the course underwent a $3 million renovation led by David Zinkand—a longtime associate of the Coore and Crenshaw design firm—which improved sightlines from tee boxes, added strategic bunkering and refined the greens. Referred to by our own Mike Stachura as “an American golf course design landmark,” Desert Forest is deceptively simple, with few fairway bunkers or doglegs, but requires thoughtful strategy to manage the undulating layout.
Amenities
Golf Course
Club House
Driving Range
Putting Greens
Pro Shop
Dining
Fitness
Swimming Pool
Course
Membership
Official membership prices are available on request. Use the Membership Fees calculator, then Enquire.
Desert Forest Golf Club
Membership
2026/27
Monthly Equivalent
On request
over 10 yrs
Year 1 Total
On request
Lifetime Total
On request
These figures are estimates you set. They are not published club prices. Enquire on this page for current membership pricing. Estimates do not include food and beverage minimums, capital assessments, or activity fees.
Enquire for membership fees
Membership Concierge
Christopher Knight
Location
37207 N Mule Train Rd, Carefree, Arizona 85377, United States
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Reviews
4.7
63 reviews
Desert Forest is often called the original “desert golf” course, and you can see why. Instead of forcing water or lush landscaping, it embraces the natural terrain. The result is a layout that feels rugged, authentic, and beautifully minimalist. Fairways are narrow, greens are quick, and accuracy is a must. It’s not the most forgiving course, but it’s rewarding for players who enjoy a true test of golf. The quiet, natural setting makes it peaceful as well—you really feel like you’re out in the desert, playing golf the way it was meant to be there.
Cole Nisson
Very nice course I've never played. Private members only. My daughter does high school golf practice here and says it is great.
Jeff Zenno
I called and spoke to Mike on the phone - he hung up on me while I was asking for assistance. I was incredibly kind on the phone despite him cutting me off, only to get hung up on. I've never golfed here, but I definitely won't after being treated like that over a simple phone call.
lashai miller