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4.7
780 Reviews (780)
5 Stars
568
4 Stars
159
3 Stars
31
2 Stars
12
1 Stars
10
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.9
Friendliness
4.8
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.5
96.3%
Recommend this course
736 out of 780 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.8
35 Reviews (35)
5 Stars
29
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.6
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.9
94.3%
Recommend this course
33 out of 35 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
54 Reviews (54)
5 Stars
42
4 Stars
10
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
96.3%
Recommend this course
52 out of 54 reviews
Read Reviews

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
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Course Details

Year Built 1997
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan (1997) John Cook Dana Fry (1997)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
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

Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities

Accolades

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+
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10 rounds of waived fees
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$120 in tee time credits
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Reviews

4.7
780 Reviews (780)

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Very organized

I didn't get the full round in because slower players ahead of us

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Wonderful layout!

Course was in outstanding condition. First time playing and will definitely make sure to book for nect year! Worth playing when ever you can😊

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

Its a very nice course

afternoon times can be risky to get 18 in we were going at a great pace, and then got held up with a foursome ahead of us .

Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Gorgeous & challenging course!

This is our 7th season being snow birds January through March in Palm Desert and the Desert Willow Firecliff Course is still a favorite. The Mountain Course is also amazing! Both courses are prestigious, the views are amazing and the staff is top notch! We also enjoy sitting on their patio for cocktails and a meal any time of the day whether golfing or not!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Wow!!

What a treat!!! Immaculate conditions. Played in under 4hrs. Amazing course!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Beautiful as expected

It’s been a few years since we last played in your course. Beautiful golf course, friendly staffs and a design that challenges and demands good shots. Very enjoyable and definitely begging for a repeat .

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Needs a 19th hole

Course is in great shape, excellent staff, fabulous layout. The problem is the clubhouse closes at 5:00. They need to stay open for an after golf drink and a bite to eat.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good track

My only issue, is closing the dinner and bar at 5 pm, makes no sense, always open in prior years…we like to dine at the course after playing…

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Unreal

What a gem. One of the top courses I’ve ever played. Conditions just immaculate. Can’t wait to come back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0

Great course!

What a pleasure to play this course again! I have played a bunch of very good courses this month but this one was in impeccable condition! The fairways were so firm that it was easy to get good backspin on wedge shots.

I liked the greens- challenging but fair. Once you got the speed of them you could really score.

I say all of this in comparison to one of my favorite courses, the PGAWest Mountain course which is an unplayable mess right now - mud pits from past flooding, greens as hard as rock, closed range, no gps or ball washers - what a real disappointment!

Save your money and go play Firecliff!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Al about the numbers

One of the best around. Great staff, course was in good shape., Will for sure play again. Will need a few more birdies to get a low round in.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

WOW!

This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing courses I’ve ever played

The numerous sand traps complimented by large water hazards all combined to make for a challenging round of golf

The fairways were immaculate and the greens rolled true. The staff was very helpful and friendly

I had a wonderful day

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser

Saturday Play

Course was excellent as always. Only drawback was condition of the greens. Played late on a Saturday so that explains some of the issue. Overall, great golf course

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice, but overpriced

Played Firecliff after overseeding, but I am not dinging it for course conditions. The pace of the round was fine on the front, but slowed down quite a bit on the back nine. Playing with a discounted rate, the course is still overpriced for what you get. I know some must love the place, but location is about all I really like about it. Probably my last time unless I see a really good rate pop up in the future.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
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Golf Packages

Best of Indian Wells Package

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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy accommodations at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort, or the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa & Spa and golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort - Celebrity & Players Courses.

Best of Indian Wells Package

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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy accommodations at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort, or the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa and golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort - Celebrity & Players Courses.

Desert Golf Around Package

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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy 3 nights' accommodations at Westin Rancho Mirage and 3 rounds of golf at Westin Rancho Mirage - Pete Dye Course, Mission Hills North - Gary Player Signature Course, and Indian Wells Resort.

Epson Tour Championship Pro-Am Stay & Play Package

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INDIAN WELLS, CA | The official Pro-Am on Wednesday of tournament week features the opportunity to play the tournament course alongside a future LPGA Tour star the day before tournament competition kicks off!

The Palm Mountain Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

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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.
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