The North Scottsdale, Ariz. club’s Jack Nicklaus Signature design course will see a $7 million renovation project that includes a new irrigation system, updated cart paths, work on all bunkers and minor changes to the 13th hole. Enhancements should be completed by this summer. Baxter’s rendition of the course’s 14th hole will be showcased at the club’s 35th anniversary party February 5.
In 2019, Desert Highlands, the golf club and community in the Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale, Ariz., will begin a renovation project to its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Design course that includes a new irrigation system, updated cart paths, a renovation to all bunkers and minor changes to the 13th hole. The $7 million project should be completed by this summer.
The Desert Highlands course was the site of the first two Skins Game competitions in 1983 and 1984, with Nicklaus joining Gary Player, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson to play in the event in those first two years.
This year will also mark the club’s 35thanniversary, and as part of that celebration, Desert Highlands will unveil a painting of the Nicklaus course’s signature 14th hole from renowned artist Graeme Baxter on February 5.
Known for his depictions of golf landscapes, Baxter first visited Desert Highlands in September 2018. Over the next few months, he spent a significant amount of time at the club taking photos and narrowing down the details of his vision for the painting.
Baxter, who is scheduled to attend Desert Highlands’ 35th Anniversary party, is the official artist of many of the world’s foremost golf tournaments including The Ryder Cup, The Open Championship, The Presidents Cup, The Kraft Nabisco Championship, as well as the PGA Tour and European Tour. His artwork is on display in clubhouses at St. Andrews, Augusta National, Pebble Beach and many more.
“I am honored to create a piece of history for one of the great clubs in Scottsdale and the world,” Baxter said. “The 14th hole exemplifies the beauty and challenge found throughout Desert Highlands’ exceptional golf course.”
In recognition of Desert Highlands’ 35th Anniversary, Baxter will be issuing 35 limited-edition canvas giclée for interested members.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Graeme, and have become a fan of his incredible work,” said Desert Highlands’ General Manager / Chief Operating Officer, Monty Becton. “Desert Highlands will be the first golf course Graeme has painted in the state of Arizona.”
Baxter also recently unveiled his rendering of the closing hole at Eagle Creek Golf & Country Club in Naples, Fla.
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