46% match
For Red tees
Eliminate Three-Putts
Putting15-27 min17 HCP4 drills
Distance Control35%
Visualization25%
Dispersion23%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Desert Forest Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
45
45 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
178
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+6 more
Desert Forest Golf Club Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Desert Forest Golf Club, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Distance Control 29%Precision 19%Scoring 17%Aim 16%Dispersion 15%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
16.8
Average HCP
9.7
Minimum HCP
31.4
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Desert Forest Golf Club
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
![Diagram for Stop the Ball: on the Fringe [Long]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65d60f76badcce181f11dc50/665b3864bd3db72ba1e0224a_Slide86.PNG)
Putting18 min
Stop the Ball: on the Fringe [Long]
Stop the ball on the fringe. Hit 20 balls.
Short Game26 min
Pitch | Parallel Ball Lines | 3 Landing Zones
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and hit-and-land pitch shots inside landing zones. Count the number of successes.
Driving Range30 min
All Woods (Hy to Driver) | General Discovery
Discover tendencies by hitting various ball flights to various distances, using woods only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Short Game26 min
Chip | Parallel Ball Lines | Quadrants
Up to 5 players compete to stop a chip shot inside the quadrant(s). The player with the most points at the end wins the challenge. 25 balls per player are needed.
![Diagram for Stop the Ball: Inside the Field [Long]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65d60f76badcce181f11dc50/665b3333053ac0f43d89ac0e_Slide71.PNG)
Putting15 min
Stop the Ball: Inside the Field [Long]
Stop the ball inside five fields to complete the challenge.
![Diagram for Stop the Ball: Circle, Three Tees Triangle [Long]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/65d60f76badcce181f11dc50/665b37cd6d6fdd2b5373ac3a_Slide84.PNG)
Putting27 min
Stop the Ball: Circle, Three Tees Triangle [Long]
Stop the ball inside the circle.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Desert Forest Golf Club.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
brogers@desertforestgolfclub.com
Giving lessons at Desert Forest Golf Club? Get featured here.
Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
37207 Mule Train Rd, Carefree, AZ 85377, USA
Course Description
Desert Forest is a private, member-owned golf club located in Carefree, Arizona, north of Scottsdale and Phoenix. It is widely considered to be the first desert-style course ever built. In 1962, architect Robert "Red" Lawrence carved the course from existing desert landscape, with virtually no soil having been removed or shaped during course construction. In 2013 the club engaged the services of golf course architect David Zinkand. The course went through a $3 million tee-to-green renovation and emerged more beautiful and challenging than ever.The natural setting remains today the hallmark of the course, with desert characteristics proudly and beautifully displayed for the discerning eye to see and the dedicated golfer to appreciate. From virtually everywhere on the golf course, the Sonoran Desert vistas are breathtaking.
golf club • private membership • desert golf • golf course architecture • Sonoran Desert • outdoor recreation • recreation
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Red Lawrence
Opened
1962
Google Reviews
Business Not Claimed
⭐4.7(63 reviews)
View on Google MapsDesert Forest Golf Club Social Media Presence
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Scorecard
Course Scorecard & Tee Insights
Toggle the colour-coded tees to reveal hole-by-hole pars, handicaps, yardages, and gender-specific ratings for Desert Forest Golf Club, all within a single responsive scorecard.
Scorecard data available for Red
Men's Tees
Tee Insight:This course tests iron play repeatedly through abundant par fours while long par fives force ongoing layup or go-for-it choices with big scoring risk on harder ones.
B
Black Tee
Gender: MalePar 726534 yards5975 metersCR 72.2Bogey 96.9Slope 133
Gender: Male
Front Nine · CR 36.4 · BR 48.7 · Slope 132
Back Nine · CR 35.8 · BR 48.2 · Slope 133
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 3 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 11 | — | 10 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 12 | — | — |
| Yardage | 377 | 408 | 144 | 391 | 397 | 346 | 530 | 194 | 494 | 3281 | 371 | 553 | 169 | 416 | 297 | 372 | 514 | 159 | 402 | 3253 | 6534 |
B
Blue Tee
Gender: MalePar 726933 yards6340 metersCR 74.5Bogey 100.9Slope 142
Gender: Male
Front Nine · CR 37.6 · BR 50.9 · Slope 143
Back Nine · CR 36.9 · BR 50.0 · Slope 141
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 3 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 11 | — | 10 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 12 | — | — |
| Yardage | 397 | 428 | 160 | 441 | 440 | 361 | 530 | 203 | 533 | 3493 | 382 | 573 | 185 | 449 | 309 | 435 | 523 | 169 | 415 | 3440 | 6933 |
R
Red Tee
Gender: MalePar 726692 yards6119 metersCR 73.2Bogey 98.6Slope 137
Gender: Male
Front Nine · CR 36.7 · BR 49.5 · Slope 138
Back Nine · CR 36.5 · BR 49.1 · Slope 136
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | IN | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | OUT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap | 7 | 3 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 11 | — | 10 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 12 | — | — |
| Yardage | 377 | 428 | 156 | 388 | 401 | 367 | 530 | 194 | 491 | 3332 | 390 | 571 | 175 | 440 | 329 | 368 | 505 | 165 | 417 | 3360 | 6692 |
Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Desert Forest Golf Club
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 45 Programs
% match to course practice profile56% match
For Red tees
Make Every 20+ Ft Putt
Putting~18 min0 HCP4 drills
Distance Control37%
Visualization27%
Dispersion20%
75% match
For Red tees
Thread the gap, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min25 HCP9 drills
Distance Control27%
Precision24%
Dispersion17%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started43% match
For Red tees
Pick landing spot, for a 20-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min19 HCP8 drills
Accuracy33%
Alignment23%
Scoring16%
12 Week Flagship Program for Desert Forest Golf Club
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Desert Forest Golf Club. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 12 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 3 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Aim To Hit Center Every Time
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 1–3≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Avoid Three-Putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 3–4≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Ball Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Week 5≤ 4 days
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Control Distance
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 6–7≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Avoid Three-Putts
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 7–9≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Control Wedge Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 4 days
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Eliminate Three-Putts
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 10–11≤ 7 days
Short Game · Chip
Stop Chips Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Week 12≤ 3 days
Driving Range · Driver
Driver Distance Consistency 200+ Yards
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
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68% match
For Red tees
Hit greens with long irons, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min0 HCP3 drills
Dispersion25%
Accuracy23%
Distance Control23%
67% match
For Red tees
Control woods rollout, for a 12-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min11 HCP6 drills
Distance Control30%
Scoring20%
Accuracy19%
69% match
For Red tees
Pinpoint pitches, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP6 drills
Precision34%
Aim22%
Distance Control13%
61% match
For Red tees
Avoid Three-Putts
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Distance Control26%
Alignment24%
Aim19%
68% match
For Red tees
Pinpoint mixed shots, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP7 drills
Precision21%
Accuracy16%
Scoring14%
73% match
For Red tees
Pick line and commit, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min1 HCP5 drills
Aim29%
Distance Control19%
Precision18%
74% match
For Red tees
Vary landing spot, for a 32-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game23-26 min31 HCP6 drills
Distance Control33%
Aim25%
Scoring13%
81% match
For Red tees
Stop on a dime, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min22 HCP7 drills
Distance Control28%
Precision26%
Dispersion14%
57% match
For Red tees
Check setup, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP9 drills
Alignment28%
Aim27%
Scoring20%
70% match
For Red tees
Feel the distance, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP6 drills
Distance Control28%
Accuracy18%
Precision13%
80% match
For Red tees
Feel the distance, for a 4-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min3 HCP6 drills
Distance Control22%
Precision21%
Aim18%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started41% match
For Red tees
Vary landing spot, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP3 drills
Distance Control35%
Accuracy27%
Alignment20%
71% match
For Red tees
Thread the needle, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP5 drills
Precision33%
Aim27%
Distance Control13%
25% match
For Black tees
Hit center consistently, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting18-30 min17 HCP3 drills
Aim32%
Stroke28%
Alignment23%
68% match
For Black tees
Avoid three-putts, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Aim27%
Scoring20%
Distance Control18%
85% match
For Black tees
Land 2 feet from pin, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min6 HCP5 drills
Distance Control28%
Scoring23%
Precision19%
75% match
For Black tees
Flop from bunkers, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min3 HCP7 drills
Precision30%
Aim20%
Distance Control16%
53% match
For Black tees
Stick to wedge line, for a 8-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-43 min7 HCP8 drills
Distance Control34%
Scoring31%
Accuracy23%
69% match
For Black tees
Control short iron distance, for a 9-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min9 HCP4 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring25%
Trajectory15%
46% match
For Black tees
Hit Every Long Putt
Putting15-27 min17 HCP4 drills
Distance Control35%
Visualization25%
Dispersion23%
53% match
For Black tees
Make Every 20+ Ft Putt
Putting~18 min0 HCP6 drills
Distance Control31%
Visualization31%
Dispersion22%
73% match
For Black tees
Avoid Three-Putts
Short Game~26 min35 HCP7 drills
Alignment25%
Distance Control24%
Scoring18%
53% match
For Black tees
Avoid 3-putt, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min17 HCP4 drills
Accuracy26%
Alignment23%
Distance Control15%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started73% match
For Black tees
Hit intended line, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min1 HCP5 drills
Aim29%
Distance Control19%
Precision18%
65% match
For Black tees
Feel the green, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game23-26 min26 HCP8 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring19%
Alignment16%
58% match
For Black tees
Dial in aim, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min34 HCP7 drills
Aim34%
Alignment21%
Scoring17%
69% match
For Black tees
Feel the green, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP9 drills
Distance Control20%
Accuracy16%
Precision16%
75% match
For Black tees
Stop on a dime, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min4 HCP4 drills
Distance Control22%
Dispersion21%
Precision16%
57% match
For Black tees
Vary landing spot, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min23 HCP3 drills
Distance Control29%
Accuracy28%
Alignment17%
42% match
For Black tees
Pinpoint mixed shots, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision29%
Mechanics22%
Trajectory19%
65% match
For Black tees
Save par clutch, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Scoring27%
Dispersion20%
Precision17%
66% match
For Black tees
Up-and-down contest, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min0 HCP6 drills
Scoring29%
Precision20%
Trajectory13%
67% match
For Black tees
Approach from hazards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP5 drills
Dispersion31%
Precision20%
Scoring16%
47% match
For Blue tees
Repeat putts until consistent, for a 2-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting15-24 min2 HCP4 drills
Precision35%
Scoring35%
Alignment10%
57% match
For Blue tees
Vary landing spot, for a 13-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min12 HCP3 drills
Distance Control38%
Precision18%
Accuracy13%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get Started74% match
For Blue tees
Pinpoint chips, for a 15-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min15 HCP7 drills
Precision35%
Aim22%
Distance Control15%
67% match
For Blue tees
Aim for soft landing, for a 21-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game25-26 min21 HCP5 drills
Aim29%
Distance Control24%
Alignment13%
62% match
For Blue tees
Control distance, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min17 HCP3 drills
Distance Control25%
Trajectory22%
Scoring20%
64% match
For Blue tees
Achieve distance accuracy, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min17 HCP6 drills
Precision34%
Dispersion25%
Scoring15%
46% match
For Blue tees
Stop missed shots, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision26%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory18%
46% match
For Blue tees
Stop on a dime, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting15-27 min17 HCP4 drills
Distance Control35%
Visualization25%
Dispersion23%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at Desert Forest Golf Club
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Desert Forest Golf Club
Get answers to common questions about playing Desert Forest Golf Club and what to expect.
How difficult is Desert Forest Golf Club for mid-handicap golfers?
Players often find Desert Forest Golf Club technically exacting. The slope of 142.0 places it firmly in the upper difficulty tier. The course rating of 74.5 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Desert Forest Golf Club?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6734 yards. The back tees extend to 6933.0 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Desert Forest Golf Club?
With a course rating of 74.5 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Desert Forest Golf Club and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6933.0 yards, it requires solid mid-to-long iron play.
What type of course is Desert Forest Golf Club and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Desert Forest Golf Club strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 142.0 and yardage reaching 6933.0 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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