Our Story
Forest Highlands’ forefathers planned this community as a haven of luxury for the discerning golfer, the family-focused household, the highflier looking for a respite from the daily grind. The vision was executed in magnificent fashion and today’s Forest Highlands is as it should be – a paradise in the pines.
1987
Our Founding
Our Founders
(L to R) Jay Morrish, Jim Bartlett, Richard Bailey, and Tom Weiskopf during the planning phase of the Canyon course and facilities.
1988
Construction of the Canyon Clubhouse Completed
The Canyon Clubhouse overlooks a wooded ravine to the south allowing views of the Forest Highlands community and golf course, while the dining room and its adjacent outdoor terraces are oriented with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks to the north. A swimming pool with an adjoining patio area and tennis courts are located adjacent to the clubhouse. The design of this area reflects social considerations and landscape concerns as well as recreational usage.
1991
Hosted the Pacific Coast Amateur Championship
1993
Hosted the Arizona Men’s State Amateur Championship
1996
Hosted the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship a USGA event
1996
Best of Golf Award from Audubon International
1997
Canyon Course recognized as a top course in the United States
- The club turned over to members and Homeowner Association formed.
- Canyon Course recognized as a top course in the United States.
- Golf Digest: Canyon course ranked at #1 in Arizona and #48 in the Nation.
- Golf Magazine: Ranked Canyon course #62 in the U.S.
- Golf & Travel Magazine: Ranked Forest Highlands #22 on its list of top 100 modern courses.
- Links Magazine – Audubon International “Best of Golf” Award for golf and environment
1999
Meadow Course & facilities added
Meadow course and facilities added through a partnership between HOA and DMB Development. The second 22,400 square foot Meadow Clubhouse was completed in 1999 and offers a more casual atmosphere along with its own comprehensive practice facility and swimming pool. In addition to the clubhouse amenities, the community boasts several parks, tot lots, fishing ponds, an 18 hole putting course, health and fitness facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, and a path & trail system nearly 5 miles long.
2001
Forest Highlands hosts the Pacific Coast Amateur Championship
Championship won by Corey Prugh of Spokane, WA.
2001
Forest Highland’s Remodel
A remodel of the dining, kitchen and administrative facilities, and the addition of a large banquet room was completed in the spring of 2001. Serving as the community’s more formal social center, the 29,000 square foot clubhouse includes dining areas, a lounge, kitchen facilities, a large banquet facility, men’s and women’s locker rooms, practice facility, cart storage, pro shop, and administrative offices.
2005
Canyon Clubhouse expansion project completed.
2006
Hosts the U.S. Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship a USGA event
2013
Celebrate 25th Anniversary with “America” the Band
2014
Hosts the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship a USGA event
FINAL Saturday, July 26 – Princess Mary Superal defeats Marijosse Navarro, 37 holes
2016
Clubhouse Renovation project completed
- 7 million in renovations
- Doubling the size of the Fitness Center
- Adding spa facilities, steam rooms, and a fitness flex room
- Creating a 360-degree bar in the Meadow with an open floor plan and open-air doors during the nicest summer days
- Adding open-air doors in the Canyon lounge while expanding the bar and adding a covered patio area
- Added splash pad with child play area to the Meadow pool.
- Added children’s center and recreation room with coffee bar and full kitchen to serve pool and recreation center.
- renovated childrens play area.
2018
New irrigation installation & bunker renovation of the Canyon Course
2019
Meadow bunker renovation completed
2019
Hosts the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship a USGA event
It was the last day of Match Play at the 2019 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amatuer at a Windy Meadow Course here at Forest Highlands. On Championship 16 (our 7), Ina Kim-Schaad knocked in an 11 footer for birdie and WON the Women’s Mid Am.
Kim-Schaad, pictured here with Director of Agronomy, Bill Abbey on the final day of the event.
