The recognition places Renegade among an exceptional group of projects celebrated for excellence in architecture, planning, and development.
Presented by the California Building Industry Association and PCBC, the Gold Nugget Awards have recognized outstanding design, planning, and development for more than six decades. Now in their 63rd year, the awards are regarded as one of the industry’s most established design competitions, honoring projects that not only demonstrate architectural excellence but also respond thoughtfully to their communities and surroundings. The 2026 competition attracted a record 800 entries across 67 categories, making Renegade’s recognition especially meaningful.
A Clubhouse Designed for the Desert Mountain Experience
For Desert Mountain Members, the award recognizes something that has been evident since Renegade Clubhouse reopened in January 2024: this is much more than a place to begin and end a round of golf.
The reimagined clubhouse was designed to strengthen the connection between architecture, landscape, and the Sonoran Desert while creating an inviting setting for golf, dining, and social connection. Led by DTJ DESIGN, the project embraces the natural topography of the site rather than competing with it. Expansive glass, deep roof overhangs, courtyards, and native landscaping help create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside, modernized locker rooms, a state-of-the-art golf shop, dedicated social areas, and natural light-filled interiors complement the adjacent golf course and practice facilities.
The result is a clubhouse designed not simply around a building, but around how Members experience Desert Mountain — from preparing for a round to gathering over a meal, enjoying a sunset, or spending time with friends.
A Second Major Honor for Renegade
The Gold Nugget Award is the second major national honor for the reimagined Renegade Clubhouse.
Renegade previously earned second place in the nation in Golf Inc. Magazine’s Clubhouse of the Year competition, an honor that recognized the project’s integration with the desert landscape and its thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor amenities.
Receiving recognition from both Golf Inc. and the Gold Nugget Awards reinforces the vision behind Renegade: to create a clubhouse that honors its remarkable setting while elevating the experience of those who use it every day.
The latest award is especially significant because Gold Nugget judges evaluate projects within the broader worlds of architecture, planning, and development. Being selected for a Gold Nugget places Renegade alongside leading projects demonstrating innovation and design excellence across the world.
Recognition of a Shared Vision
Renegade Clubhouse represents the collaboration of many people committed to preserving what makes Desert Mountain distinctive while continually enhancing the Member experience.
The renovation was overseen by Todd Bruen, Desert Mountain’s Director of Facilities and Construction, in collaboration with DTJ DESIGN Partner and Lead Architect David Poppleton, Principal and Project Manager Greg White, and the broader project team.
From its relationship with the surrounding terrain to the spaces created for dining, golf, and connection, Renegade reflects a shared vision for a clubhouse that feels authentic to Desert Mountain and the Sonoran Desert.
We are proud to celebrate this latest achievement and grateful to the Members, team members, designers, and project partners whose support and collaboration helped bring the reimagined Renegade Clubhouse to life.
Click here to read through the entire list of honors from the Gold Nugget Awards.
