Back
Firecliff at Desert Willow Golf Resort
Rating Snapshot
5 Stars
593
4 Stars
162
3 Stars
32
2 Stars
12
1 Stars
10
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.5
Layout
4.9
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.7
5 Stars
21
4 Stars
2
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
4.7
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.5
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
4.9
5 Stars
27
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.7
Layout
5.0
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.8
StaffFriendliness
4.8
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
Course Highlights
Firecliff's layout earns top marks, with true-rolling greens, well-kept fairways, and a design that opens and closes on memorable par 5s. Staff consistently go above and beyond, delivering a professionally run experience from bag drop through the final hole.
About
Holes 18
Type Resort
Par 72
Length 7056 yards
Slope 141
Rating 74.1
A lot of courses say they're all about nature. Desert Willow Firecliff Resort in Cathedral City actually lives it. Natural desert plants are the star of the show here. So much so that the course was featured on the front cover of Smithsonian magazine.
Bobcats, coyotes and desert rabbits have free run of the place, adding another dimension to any round. When you see a bobcat out in the distance of the desert brush, you're not chasing after that golf ball. No matter how much cash you plunked down for the latest in long-distance technology.
Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry designed Desert Willow and it offers a good example of how you become a rising name in the golf architect game. The sand sculpting demands attention from the first hole.
The course looks intimidating to play. With a 138 slope rating, it plays that way too.
Book a Tee Time at
Desert Willow Golf Resort - Firecliff
Powered by GolfNow.com
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7056 yards | 74.1 | 141 |
| Purple | 72 | 6676 yards | 72.1 | 136 |
| White | 72 | 6173 yards | 69.9 | 128 |
| White (W) | 72 | 6173 yards | 75.7 | 140 |
| Tan | 72 | 5642 yards | 67.5 | 120 |
| Tan (W) | 72 | 5642 yards | 72.5 | 133 |
| Green (W) | 72 | 5079 yards | 69.4 | 127 |
| Green | 72 | 5079 yards | 65.0 | 112 |
Scorecard for Firecliff
Metrics:
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 74.3/140 W: 80.7/147 | 535 | 410 | 194 | 446 | 429 | 331 | 569 | 155 | 455 | 3524 | 435 | 452 | 427 | 550 | 176 | 332 | 420 | 204 | 536 | 3532 | 7056 |
| Purple M: 72.5/135 W: 78.6/142 | 516 | 394 | 168 | 424 | 400 | 310 | 548 | 138 | 437 | 3335 | 421 | 427 | 395 | 523 | 163 | 302 | 405 | 192 | 513 | 3341 | 6676 |
| Purple/White M: 71.4/132 W: 77.2/139 | 516 | 364 | 168 | 387 | 380 | 310 | 520 | 138 | 408 | 3191 | 393 | 396 | 371 | 523 | 163 | 302 | 405 | 170 | 513 | 3236 | 6427 |
| White M: 70.2/129 W: 75.8/136 | 489 | 364 | 139 | 387 | 380 | 279 | 520 | 119 | 408 | 3085 | 393 | 396 | 371 | 502 | 141 | 279 | 368 | 170 | 468 | 3088 | 6173 |
| White/Tan M: 69.0/126 W: 74.3/133 | 489 | 338 | 139 | 352 | 341 | 279 | 510 | 119 | 373 | 2940 | 357 | 362 | 338 | 502 | 141 | 279 | 368 | 152 | 468 | 2967 | 5907 |
| Tan M: 67.8/123 W: 72.8/130 | 447 | 338 | 127 | 352 | 341 | 264 | 510 | 107 | 373 | 2859 | 357 | 362 | 338 | 454 | 119 | 258 | 332 | 152 | 411 | 2783 | 5642 |
| Tan/Green M: 66.3/119 W: 71.0/126 | 417 | 338 | 127 | 313 | 304 | 264 | 465 | 107 | 323 | 2658 | 357 | 329 | 338 | 425 | 119 | 258 | 297 | 152 | 385 | 2660 | 5318 |
| Green M: 65.2/116 W: 69.7/123 | 417 | 312 | 107 | 313 | 304 | 233 | 465 | 82 | 323 | 2556 | 323 | 329 | 311 | 425 | 97 | 227 | 297 | 129 | 385 | 2523 | 5079 |
| Handicap | 11 | 9 | 15 | 1 | 5 | 13 | 7 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 10 | 4 | 14 | |||
| Par | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 3 | 11 | 15 | 9 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 17 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 14 | 4 | 18 | 6 |
Hot Deals at Desert Willow Golf Resort - Firecliff
Hot Deals at Desert Willow Golf Resort - Firecliff
Thu 7/16
No Hot Deals for this date.
Fri 7/17
Sat 7/18
Sun 7/19
Mon 7/20
Tue 7/21
Wed 7/22
sold
More Hot Deals
Course Details
Year Built 1997
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Rentals/Services
Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes
Practice/Instruction
Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes - "Palm Desert Golf Academy"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes
Policies
Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Food & Beverage
RestaurantAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet FacilitiesAccolades
-
Golf Advisor: Top 25 Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses (2017 #23)
Reviews
4.8
Reviewer Photos
-
Photo submitted by u000001545303 on 05/08/2025
-
Photo submitted by Nick4694947 on 12/24/2024
-
Photo submitted by jubooz15 on 10/11/2024
-
Photo submitted by u7203964 on 03/08/2024
-
Photo submitted by u747905328 on 02/07/2024
-
Photo submitted by u747905328 on 02/07/2024
-
Photo submitted by u747905328 on 02/07/2024
-
Photo submitted by AYz660v9iERBKLuzQlr9 on 09/27/2023
-
Photo submitted by Boone43atc on 09/17/2023
-
Photo submitted by Magoo6047 on 05/17/2023
-
View from the club house Photo submitted by Magoo6047 on 05/13/2023
-
Photo submitted by Peter2461971 on 04/23/2023
-
Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 06/25/2022
-
Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 06/25/2022
-
Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 06/25/2022
-
Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 06/25/2022
-
Photo submitted by Bradnwendyred06 on 02/03/2022
-
Photo submitted by adrianeschwartz on 12/16/2021
-
Photo submitted by u000002246008 on 04/08/2021
-
Photo submitted by u000006073836 on 02/18/2021
-
Photo submitted by wvelazqu on 01/09/2021
-
Photo submitted by wvelazqu on 01/09/2021
-
Photo submitted by wvelazqu on 01/09/2021
-
Photo submitted by u698978221 on 05/28/2019
-
Photo submitted by Debikitts on 05/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
Photo submitted by Richard4870335 on 04/16/2019
-
There's a Fairway out there Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/16/2018
-
18 Par 5 Beautiful hole Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/16/2018
-
Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/16/2018
-
Beep Beep Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/16/2018
-
Photo submitted by Budsap on 07/03/2018
-
Photo submitted by Budsap on 07/03/2018
-
Photo submitted by Budsap on 07/03/2018
-
Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 04/22/2017
-
Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 04/22/2017
-
Brilliant views from every tee. Photo submitted by Jsratike on 12/31/2016
-
Give it a shot Photo submitted by u091450548 on 09/06/2015
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
I Recommend This Course
Excellent condition; great layout
Make sure you play the appropriate tees . Great condition of fairways and greens,
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On 03/12/2023
Reviews 31
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
playing the course.. A MUST
Wonderful course, well set up, maintained. Top Notch.
Fairways, greens, bunkers...well kept...well-maintained.
A must play course.....if you enjoy golf, want to be challenged and enjoy the scenery
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
I Recommend This Course
Excellent course
GolfNow takes a larger fee than expected. $30 on top of $180 green fee. The course however, is excellent. One of my favourites.
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Must play
Book early or you will miss the opportunity to play FireCliff
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Late start time
Only played 9 holes, we started at 2:15, with a little cold wind and darkness beginning to set in, but very enjoyable, would love to play 18 holes next time. The course was in great shape.
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
Fantastic course
This is a must play if you're in the area. From the tee boxes to the greens, everything was in fantastic shape. We will come back for sure.
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
I Recommend This Course
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
I Recommend This Course
Best of the Desert
Firecliff is arguably the best public track in the Palm Springs area. The course had just opened from winter overseeding and was immaculate. Only minor gripe was some greens were a little on the shaggy side but was told they were going to be cut down in a few days. Overwise, they rolled true. The course is a good test of golfing skills and love that it feels like you're golfing in a desert oasis with little city traffic and buildings to distract you. Would absolutely play here again.
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
I Recommend This Course
Beautiful Course
Has to be one of the best city owned golf course around. Wonderful layout and great conditions. Well trained friendly staff.
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Business Tools for Golf Course Operators
Nearby Courses
Palm Desert, California
Resort
Palm Desert, California
Resort
Golf Packages
The Palm Mountain Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package
CLICK BELOW
PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at Palm Mountain Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, Indian Canyons – North Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.
The Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Stay & Play Package
CLICK BELOW
PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.
The Lodge At Torrey Pines Stay & Play Package
CLICK BELOW
LA JOLLA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Torrey Pines – South Course and Torrey Pines – North Course.
The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package
CLICK BELOW
CARLSBAD, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Aviara Golf Course, OMNI La Costa – South Course, and OMNI La Costa – North Course.
Luxor Resort & Casino Stay & Play Package
FROM $137 (USD)
LAS VEGAS, NV | Enjoy up to 3 nights’ accommodations at the Luxor Resort & Casino and up to 3 rounds of golf at your choice of Legacy Golf Course, Las Vegas National Golf Course, and Desert Pines Golf Course.
Course Layout