The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Desert Forest Golf Club to host an AJGA tournament in 2027. The event will bring many of the world’s top-ranked junior golfers to one of Arizona’s most iconic and historic venues.
Located in the high Sonoran Desert, Desert Forest Golf Club is widely considered the first true desert course in the United States. Designed by renowned architect Robert “Red” Lawrence and opened in 1962, the course is lauded for its minimalist design that embraces the natural contours and rugged beauty of the land. Desert Forest has earned national acclaim through its consistent presence on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest and Second 100 Greatest Courses lists and was famously dubbed “an American golf course design landmark” by Golf Digest’s Mike Stachura.
“We are thrilled to welcome Desert Forest Golf Club to the AJGA schedule. With its rich history, championship pedigree, and commitment to preserving the spirit of the game, Desert Forest is an ideal setting to showcase the world’s best junior golfers. We’re excited to partner with the club and bring a first-class tournament experience to this iconic venue in 2027.”
Beyond its architectural pedigree, Desert Forest has a long and respected history of hosting top-tier competition. The club’s championship resume includes the Dunlop Masters (1964–1974), the 1990 USGA Senior Amateur, and most recently, the 2024 Pac-12 Men’s Championship. Each event has further established Desert Forest as a venue that not only challenges players but also highlights the unique and strategic beauty of desert golf.
“As a Club, we could not be more excited to partner with the AJGA to host the Desert Forest Junior in 2027. It is part of our mission to give back to the game of golf, and we are honored to do so by hosting the best junior players in the world.”
The 2027 event will mark the first time the AJGA has hosted a tournament at Desert Forest Golf Club, a significant milestone for both the organization and the club. For Desert Forest, it reflects a deepening commitment to the future of the game and to supporting the development of young athletes. For the AJGA, it represents an exciting addition to its national schedule—offering junior players the chance to compete at a venue with a rich tradition of championship play and a reputation for testing every part of a golfer’s game.
More details regarding the tournament field, date, and schedule will be released at a later time.
For more information on the AJGA’s programs, upcoming tournaments, or initiatives, please visit ajga.org.