Definition: A "desert course" is a golf course build in the desert, of course.
The most famous desert courses are those found in Arizona and in some Persian Gulf states. Viewed from above, they appear as ribbons of green running through sand or rock and cactus.
On a desert golf course, the fairways and several feet of rough on either side of the fairways is lush and well-maintained through heavy watering. But outside of that playing corridor the setting is most likely natural - sand, rock, scrub brush, cacti. You don't want to hit a wild slice or hook on a desert golf course.
See also:
Different types of golf courses
