Desert Forest Golf Club
Course at a glance
Desert Forest Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course in Carefree, Arizona (85377). The course was designed by Red Lawrence and opened in 1962. From the Gold tees, Desert Forest Golf Club plays to 7,182 yards at par 72. The course offers 18 sets of tees ranging from 4,765 to 7,182 yards, giving players of every ability a comfortable length. It carries a slope rating of 149 and a course rating of 75.5, well above the 113 World Handicap System baseline and among the harder courses for mid-handicap golfers. That ranks it harder than roughly 93% of rated golf courses in Arizona. It is a private club; access is generally limited to members and accompanied guests. Walking is permitted. A pro shop is on site. The course is conditioned with bent grass greens and bent grass fairways. Hazards include 61-70 bunkers and water hazards in play. Tee times at Desert Forest Golf Club are not open to the public; play is arranged through a member.
About Desert Forest Golf Club
Desert Forest Golf Club is a 18-hole golf course located in Carefree, Arizona (85377). The course was designed by Red Lawrence and established in 1962. From the Gold tees, the course plays to 7,182 yards with a par of 72. The Gold tees carry a slope rating of 149 and a course rating of 75.5.
Walking is permitted.
With a maximum slope rating of 149, Desert Forest Golf Club is one of the more challenging courses in Arizona, playing harder than 93% of rated courses in the state. Golfers should bring their best game and consider playing from a forward tee set for a more enjoyable round.
The course offers 18 tee sets ranging from 4,765 to 7,182 yards, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels. Choosing the right tees for your handicap is the single biggest factor in how much you enjoy your round.
Arizona offers year-round golf. Winter months (November through March) are peak season with comfortable temperatures and strong demand. Summer rounds often benefit from lower rates and faster pace.
Par
72
Length
7,182
Slope
149
Rating
75.5
Course Difficulty Analysis
149
This Course
130
AZ Average
113
US Average
Based on 230 rated courses in Arizona
Scorecard
| Hole | Slp | CR | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Tot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GoldMen's | 149 | 75.5 | 404 | 456 | 171 | 441 | 464 | 371 | 530 | 231 | 533 | 3601 | 392 | 594 | 194 | 466 | 329 | 435 | 535 | 169 | 467 | 3581 | 7,182 |
GoldWomen's | 146 | 81.2 | 404 | 456 | 168 | 441 | 464 | 371 | 530 | 231 | 533 | 3598 | 392 | 594 | 194 | 466 | 329 | 435 | 535 | 170 | 467 | 3582 | 7,180 |
BlueMen's | 142 | 74.5 | 397 | 428 | 160 | 441 | 440 | 361 | 530 | 203 | 533 | 3493 | 382 | 573 | 185 | 449 | 309 | 435 | 523 | 169 | 415 | 3440 | 6,933 |
BlueWomen's | 141 | 79.2 | 397 | 428 | 168 | 392 | 440 | 361 | 530 | 203 | 494 | 3413 | 392 | 573 | 194 | 449 | 309 | 378 | 523 | 170 | 415 | 3403 | 6,816 |
Red | 137 | 73.2 | 377 | 428 | 156 | 388 | 401 | 367 | 530 | 194 | 491 | 3332 | 390 | 571 | 175 | 440 | 329 | 368 | 505 | 165 | 417 | 3360 | 6,692 |
BlackMen's | 133 | 72.2 | 377 | 408 | 144 | 391 | 397 | 346 | 530 | 194 | 494 | 3281 | 371 | 553 | 169 | 416 | 297 | 372 | 514 | 159 | 402 | 3253 | 6,534 |
BlackWomen's | 137 | 77.6 | 377 | 408 | 141 | 381 | 397 | 346 | 530 | 191 | 494 | 3265 | 371 | 553 | 169 | 416 | 297 | 368 | 514 | 159 | 402 | 3249 | 6,514 |
Black/Silver | 131 | 71.2 | 351 | 398 | 125 | 391 | 351 | 346 | 518 | 194 | 474 | 3148 | 360 | 553 | 169 | 393 | 253 | 349 | 496 | 150 | 402 | 3125 | 6,273 |
SilverWomen's | 139 | 76.4 | 351 | 398 | 127 | 376 | 351 | 295 | 518 | 173 | 474 | 3063 | 360 | 494 | 153 | 393 | 253 | 349 | 496 | 150 | 353 | 3001 | 6,064 |
SilverMen's | 129 | 70.4 | 351 | 398 | 125 | 376 | 351 | 295 | 518 | 173 | 474 | 3061 | 360 | 494 | 153 | 393 | 253 | 349 | 496 | 150 | 353 | 3001 | 6,062 |
GreenWomen's | 131 | 74.0 | 276 | 346 | 127 | 366 | 351 | 295 | 464 | 147 | 431 | 2803 | 330 | 494 | 143 | 312 | 253 | 349 | 457 | 112 | 353 | 2803 | 5,606 |
GreenMen's | 124 | 68.0 | 276 | 346 | 127 | 366 | 351 | 295 | 464 | 147 | 431 | 2803 | 330 | 494 | 143 | 312 | 253 | 349 | 457 | 112 | 353 | 2803 | 5,606 |
Green/WhiteWomen's | 129 | 72.3 | 276 | 346 | 127 | 366 | 311 | 295 | 404 | 147 | 431 | 2703 | 330 | 442 | 143 | 312 | 236 | 269 | 457 | 112 | 353 | 2654 | 5,357 |
Green/WhiteMen's | 120 | 66.9 | 276 | 346 | 127 | 366 | 311 | 295 | 404 | 147 | 431 | 2703 | 330 | 442 | 143 | 312 | 236 | 269 | 457 | 112 | 353 | 2654 | 5,357 |
WhiteWomen's | 128 | 71.1 | 276 | 346 | 118 | 312 | 311 | 284 | 404 | 119 | 431 | 2601 | 330 | 442 | 143 | 312 | 236 | 269 | 413 | 102 | 303 | 2550 | 5,151 |
WhiteMen's | 118 | 65.9 | 276 | 346 | 118 | 312 | 311 | 284 | 404 | 119 | 431 | 2601 | 330 | 442 | 143 | 312 | 236 | 269 | 413 | 102 | 303 | 2550 | 5,151 |
CopperWomen's | 123 | 69.0 | 276 | 328 | 106 | 312 | 311 | 252 | 370 | 119 | 361 | 2435 | 252 | 396 | 109 | 280 | 236 | 269 | 383 | 102 | 303 | 2330 | 4,765 |
CopperMen's | 116 | 64.4 | 276 | 328 | 106 | 312 | 311 | 252 | 370 | 119 | 361 | 2435 | 252 | 396 | 109 | 280 | 236 | 269 | 383 | 102 | 303 | 2330 | 4,765 |
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 | ||
| HCP | 7 | 3 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 15 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 18 | 2 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 12 |
Which Tees Should I Play?
Desert Forest Golf Club offers 18 tee sets. Choose the tees that match your handicap for the most enjoyable round. Not sure? Use the tee recommendation calculator with your driver distance.
| Tee | Yards | Slope | Rating | Hcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gold | 7,182 | 149 | 75.5 | 0-5 |
Gold | 7,180 | 146 | 81.2 | 0-5 |
Blue | 6,933 | 142 | 74.5 | 0-5 |
Blue | 6,816 | 141 | 79.2 | 0-5 |
Red | 6,692 | 137 | 73.2 | 5-15 |
Black | 6,534 | 133 | 72.2 | 5-15 |
Black | 6,514 | 137 | 77.6 | 5-15 |
Black/Silver | 6,273 | 131 | 71.2 | 5-15 |
Silver | 6,064 | 139 | 76.4 | 12-22 |
Silver | 6,062 | 129 | 70.4 | 12-22 |
Green | 5,606 | 131 | 74.0 | 20-30 |
Green | 5,606 | 124 | 68.0 | 20-30 |
Green/White | 5,357 | 129 | 72.3 | 20-30 |
Green/White | 5,357 | 120 | 66.9 | 20-30 |
White | 5,151 | 128 | 71.1 | 20-30 |
White | 5,151 | 118 | 65.9 | 20-30 |
Copper | 4,765 | 123 | 69.0 | 25+ |
Copper | 4,765 | 116 | 64.4 | 25+ |
Amenities at Desert Forest Golf Club
Desert Forest Golf Club features a pro shop.
Find driving ranges near Desert Forest Golf Club →
How to Book a Tee Time
As a private club, access at Desert Forest Golf Club is generally controlled by the club. Contact the facility to confirm its current member and guest policy. You can also book directly through the facility website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Desert Forest Golf Club a public or private golf course?
Desert Forest Golf Club is a private golf course located in Carefree, AZ. As a private club, access is typically limited to members and their guests.
How many holes does Desert Forest Golf Club have?
Desert Forest Golf Club is a 18-hole golf course. It was established in 1962. The course was designed by Red Lawrence.
What is the yardage at Desert Forest Golf Club?
From the Green/White tees, Desert Forest Golf Club plays to 5,357 yards (par 72). The course offers 18 tee sets ranging from 4,765 to 7,182 yards.
What is the slope rating at Desert Forest Golf Club?
The Gold tees at Desert Forest Golf Club have a slope rating of 149 and a course rating of 75.5. A slope of 113 is average difficulty; this course is significantly above average difficulty.
Can you walk Desert Forest Golf Club?
Yes, walking is allowed at Desert Forest Golf Club. Golf carts are also available.
How do I book a tee time at Desert Forest Golf Club?
Visit the official course website at http://www.desertforestgolfclub.com/ or call 480-488-3527 to confirm current availability and book. Stymie does not currently show live tee-time inventory; alerts are in development.
What amenities does Desert Forest Golf Club offer?
Desert Forest Golf Club offers a pro shop.
Where is Desert Forest Golf Club located?
Desert Forest Golf Club is located at 37207 N Mule Train Rd in Carefree, AZ 85377. You can reach them at 480-488-3527.
What is the difficulty level at Desert Forest Golf Club?
Desert Forest Golf Club is classified as very high difficulty with a maximum slope rating of 149. It plays harder than 93% of golf courses in Arizona. The average slope rating in Arizona is 130. A slope rating of 113 represents average difficulty nationally.
Which tees should I play at Desert Forest Golf Club?
Desert Forest Golf Club offers 18 tee sets. Gold tees (7,182 yards, slope 149) are recommended for scratch and low-handicap golfers. Copper tees (4,765 yards, slope 116) are recommended for beginners and casual golfers. Choose the tee set where the slope rating is closest to your handicap comfort level.
What is the best tee for beginners at Desert Forest Golf Club?
Beginners at Desert Forest Golf Club should play the Copper tees, which play 4,765 yards with a slope of 116. This is the most forgiving tee option and provides an enjoyable round for newer golfers.
What is the course handicap for a 15 Handicap Index at Desert Forest Golf Club?
A golfer with a 15.0 Handicap Index playing the Silver tees (slope 129, rating 70.4) at Desert Forest Golf Club has a course handicap of 16, using the World Handicap System formula: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). Course handicap is the number of handicap strokes received from that tee — it is not a prediction of what a golfer will score. Enter your handicap index on Stymie to see your course handicap for every tee.
How long does a round take at Desert Forest Golf Club?
A typical round at Desert Forest Golf Club takes approximately 4 hours. Expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on pace of play, group size, and course conditions. Private clubs generally have faster pace of play.