Desert golf, the treat of playing Arizona golf courses. A departure from the golf you play at home. Desert golf bring surprises at every turn, fairways are tighter, the environment is a lot different, but this only proves that golf can be a very exciting game! Before 1983 and eco-sensitive considerations, most Arizona courses were grass and more grass, but with certain realizations of water limitations, etc - the right decision was reached to go au naturel. Jack Nicklaus was responsible for the first desert golf in Arizona.
What is desert golf? A desert golf course is one that is in keeping with the environment. Defined by the eco-sensitive natural plants and animals in the area. The maximum area that can be covered in grass is 90 Acres divided up between fairway and green. The transition areas are sand or dirt that separates the grass fairways from the desert. The desert is not considered a hazard and you can ground your club. There is forced carry - meaning the areas of vegetation that a shot must carry from fairway to tee. There are arroyos or "dry wash" areas that often cut through the fairways. You will see critter warnings watch out for rattlesnakes, coyotes, and chollas( a very mean desert cactus, that reaches out and grabs you- it is called a "jumping cholla"). There is normally a 90 degree rule in effect, meaning carts must run perpendicular to the cart path. (to preserve the desert)...and the air is thinner and the ball goes farther! Lee Trevino sums it up pretty well (as usual) "it's like a voyage into the unknown".
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