Official Sponsor Omega Watch Ad: click to navigate
Home / Courses / USA / California / Palm Desert

Firecliff at Desert Willow Golf Resort

4.7
780 Reviews (780)
1440x350.jpg

Rating Snapshot

GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
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
Tooltip Information Icon
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
Powered by GolfNow.com
Book a Tee Time
Satellite Layout
Tees
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
Track Rounds
Scorecard
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: 74.1/141 535 410 194 446 429 331 569 155 455 3524 435 452 427 550 176 332 420 204 536 3532 7056
Purple M: 72.1/136 516 394 168 424 400 310 548 138 437 3335 421 427 395 523 163 302 405 192 513 3341 6676
Purple/White M: 71.0/132 516 364 168 387 380 310 520 138 408 3191 393 396 371 523 163 302 405 170 513 3236 6427
White M: 69.9/128 W: 75.7/140 489 364 139 387 380 279 520 119 408 3085 393 396 371 502 141 279 368 170 468 3088 6173
White/Tan M: 68.7/124 W: 74.1/136 489 338 139 352 341 279 510 119 373 2940 357 362 338 502 141 279 368 152 468 2967 5907
Tan M: 67.5/120 W: 72.5/133 447 338 127 352 341 264 510 107 373 2859 357 362 338 454 119 258 332 152 411 2783 5642
Tan/Green M: 66.1/116 W: 70.8/130 417 338 127 313 304 264 465 107 323 2658 357 329 338 425 119 258 297 152 385 2660 5318
Green M: 65.0/112 W: 69.4/127 417 312 107 313 304 233 465 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

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+
waivedfees
10 rounds of waived fees
golf ball.svg
$120 in tee time credits
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection
redeemtrophy
Redeem GolfPass points

Reviews

4.7
780 Reviews (780)

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Default User Avatar
carmawc
Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Joey1379
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Paul9699741
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
PaulKane
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Firecliff at Desert Willow

This is my 2nd round at this course. Right now it’s off season and the value can’t be beat providing one can tolerate playing in 110 degree weather. It’s a beautiful course and exceptionally well maintained, If you’re in the area and looking for a great deal on a beautiful course don’t miss this. Wouldn’t be surprised if the rates add another $100 in season. Hoping to play the Mountainview tract before rates climb but I’d pay the full freight cause it’s worth it. Beautiful course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
u314163001880
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
mlandry99
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Do it!!

This course is immaculate. From tee to green, of course greens are slow but run true. This course is worth the visit.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Paul9699741
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Featured
Find Out More >>
Default User Avatar
mlevy5402
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
burtoncharlesmorris
Played On
Reviews 63
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
burtoncharlesmorris
Played On
Reviews 63
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
u314163116599
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
tomkantzalis
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Great desert course, greens having problems

This course has so much character and natural beauty , great amenities . For august in the desert the fairways are in great shape, at the moment the greens need work, lots of bare spots very slow not rolling true . Still one of my favorite in the desert .

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u314163116599
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
JaseDAce
Played On
Reviews 42
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Firecliff Greens in Bad Shape

If it weren't for the greens condition on Firecliff, I would have enjoyed the round much more. I simply stopped putting after a few holes because the greens were in terrible condition. It's not like this all the time, so I know that they're going to get ready for aerification. Nonetheless, I expect more from this gem in the desert. Mountain was in better shape, but I think this course will be aerated soon as well.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Featured
Find Out More >>
Default User Avatar
TonyReboton
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
TonyReboton
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Terrible Greens

Worts greens, Every green had brown areas,

Not worth the money.

Conditions Poor
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
surf1rip
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

4th of July

Played in the blistering heat of 116*. Some greens were definitely patchy but this course is amazing plus they have water stations with ice machine every 3 holes. Great golf course. One day I'll be able to afford in prime time until then I'll take whatever I can get.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
TonyReboton
Played On
Reviews 23
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Terrible Greens

Greens worst than cheap muni course. Dry brown spots uneven surface on every greens. I have seen better Muni course for less price. The greens are so bad I did not putt You need a new superintendent that knows agronomy..

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
jeffyin
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Hidden treasure

We played 4 rounds including some of the well know courses, but found desert falls was most pleasant. Although it s most self service, no one was before and after our group, the course layout was well designed and greens were fairly good conditions. It offered great value.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Default User Avatar
Signaltoad
Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
6 7 8 9 10
Business Tools for Golf Course Operators
stars Add a GolfPass ratings badge to your website
rss_feed Get RSS feed with the latest reviews for this course
Nearby Courses
Desert Falls CC
View Tee Times
Desert Falls Country Club
Palm Desert, California
Semi-Private
3.8896095591
1358
Write Review
Lakes CC
South/North at Lakes Country Club, The
Palm Desert, California
Private
0.0
0
Write Review
Santa Rosa CC
Santa Rosa Country Club
Palm Desert, California
Private
0.0
0
Write Review
Avondale GC: #4
Avondale Golf Club
Palm Desert, California
Private
4.25
4
Write Review
Mountain View at Desert Willow Golf Resort
View Tee Times
Mountain View at Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California
Resort
4.5390908459
665
Write Review
Marriott's Desert Springs Resort - Palms: #17
View Tee Times
Palms at Marriott's Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert, California
Resort
4.2151401464
2161
Write Review
Classic Club in Palm Desert - No. 7
View Tee Times
The Classic Club
Palm Desert, California
Public
4.7226418754
1112
Write Review
Lakes CC
North/East at Lakes Country Club, The
Palm Desert, California
Private
0.0
0
Write Review
Palm Desert Greens CC
Palm Desert Greens Country Club
Palm Desert, California
Private
0.0
0
Write Review
Challenger at Palm Valley CC: #9
Challenger at Palm Valley Country Club
Palm Desert, California
Private
3.6667
3
Write Review
Suncrest CC: #6
View Tee Times
Suncrest Country Club
Palm Desert, California
Semi-Private
3.25
4
Write Review
Lakes CC - South: #7
East/South at Lakes Country Club, The
Palm Desert, California
Private
0.0
0
Write Review
Golf Packages
Indian-wells-4.png

Best of Indian Wells Package

CLICK BELOW
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.
Indian-wells-4.png

Best of Indian Wells Package

CLICK BELOW
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.
Mission Hills_H (Player)_10_9x6.jpg

Desert Golf Around Package

CLICK BELOW
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.
1 (1).jpg

Epson Tour Championship Pro-Am Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
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!
Classic Club Golf Course - 6th Hole

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.
Featured Content
Royal Dornoch Golf Club - Championship Course
Architects
Secrets from the World of Golf Travel: February, 2022
BentRake(GregAustin).jpg
Articles
A place for rakes
Desert Willow Golf Resort - Firecliff Course - 7th
Articles
Top Palm Springs public golf course set for renovation
Classic Club golf course - 6th
Articles
California's Classic Club tops Dec. 1 Power Rankings
Course Layout
Now Reading

  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account

    •
    Search Near Me