The Lakes course at Gainey Ranch Golf Club occupies a residential setting in central Scottsdale, part of a multi-course property that emerged during Arizona's golf development boom of the 1980s. Brad Benz and Mike Poellot designed this layout to incorporate substantial water features and mature landscaping within the constraints of a resort and residential community. The routing works around lakes and ponds that come into play on numerous holes, creating both strategic interest and visual definition in the relatively flat desert terrain. The course reflects the design sensibilities of its era, with generous fairway corridors, well-defined hazards, and greens that reward accurate approach play. Water hazards serve as primary defense, requiring golfers to make calculated decisions about risk and carry distances. The Lakes plays as one of multiple courses at the Gainey Ranch property, which has historically catered to both resort guests and club members seeking accessible desert golf without the severe elevation changes found in some Scottsdale mountain courses. Gainey Ranch sits near Old Town Scottsdale and benefits from the area's established tree canopy and landscaping, giving the course a more mature, parkland character than many newer desert designs. The facility has maintained its place in Scottsdale's competitive golf market by offering playable conditions and convenient access to the city's amenities and accommodations.