Shadow Ridge Golf Club
About
Nick Faldo brings his exacting, often critical eye to West Coast golf for the first time at this Shadow Ridge Golf Course in Palm Desert. Faldo wanted a design that forced a ton of strategic choices and the architect team of Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt delivered for him.
Options? You want options!
Ten of Shadow Ridge's 18 holes are doglegs. The towering Santa Rosa Mountains serve as backdrop. The tall native tawny grasses contrasts sharply with the white sand bunkering. But it's the golf choices that are likely to seize your attention at this 7,006-yard, par-71 course.
The finish alone is enough to rattle an average golfer to the bone. No. 17 is a 157-yard par 3 that puts the wind in your face and nothing but trouble straight ahead. There's a lake to carry, deep bunkers and a green that slants left to right like a wayward chalkboard. No. 18, a 446-yard par-4, places both a stream and big fairway bunkers right in the straightest path to the green.
"The fairways are generous and the bunkering style is bold," Faldo said. "And the greens have plenty of subtle undulations that reward and encourage a variety of approach shots."
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 71 | 7006 yards | 73.7 | 135 |
| Green | 71 | 6621 yards | 71.5 | 130 |
| Gold | 71 | 6204 yards | 69.2 | 125 |
| Gold (W) | 71 | 6204 yards | 75.8 | 140 |
| Combo (W) | 71 | 5708 yards | 73.2 | 132 |
| Combo | 71 | 5708 yards | 67.0 | 120 |
| White (W) | 71 | 5158 yards | 70.8 | 128 |
| White | 71 | 5158 yards | 64.5 | 113 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 73.9/136 W: 81.0/149 | 397 | 609 | 342 | 177 | 417 | 489 | 218 | 371 | 417 | 3437 | 463 | 396 | 206 | 345 | 547 | 451 | 541 | 174 | 446 | 3569 | 7006 |
| Green M: 71.9/131 W: 78.6/144 | 381 | 583 | 306 | 165 | 396 | 463 | 204 | 351 | 397 | 3246 | 461 | 366 | 186 | 328 | 518 | 428 | 506 | 157 | 425 | 3375 | 6621 |
| Gold M: 69.6/125 W: 75.9/138 | 368 | 549 | 278 | 158 | 379 | 424 | 176 | 328 | 379 | 3039 | 431 | 345 | 167 | 306 | 485 | 401 | 485 | 140 | 405 | 3165 | 6204 |
| Combo M: 67.4/120 W: 73.3/132 | 368 | 478 | 278 | 158 | 275 | 424 | 146 | 328 | 379 | 2834 | 373 | 345 | 147 | 306 | 430 | 308 | 485 | 140 | 340 | 2874 | 5708 |
| White M: 65.1/114 W: 70.5/126 | 306 | 478 | 250 | 101 | 275 | 371 | 146 | 292 | 295 | 2514 | 373 | 267 | 147 | 260 | 430 | 308 | 425 | 94 | 340 | 2644 | 5158 |
| Handicap | 9 | 1 | 15 | 17 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 11 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 14 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 18 | 4 | |||
| Par | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 71 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
Bar, GrillAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Sauna, Locker RoomsAvailable Activities
Swimming, BilliardsAvailable Sports
FitnessReviews
Reviewer Photos
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Photo submitted by u826916558 on 12/24/2023
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Photo submitted by u826916558 on 12/24/2023
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Photo submitted by Boone43atc on 09/17/2023
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Photo submitted by u000004876203 on 05/31/2023
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Photo submitted by u459521915 on 04/21/2023
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Great par 3 Photo submitted by nolan2509462 on 12/24/2022
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Road Runner hangn out Photo submitted by nolan2509462 on 12/24/2022
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Photo submitted by uYGIR9367YG on 04/15/2022
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Photo submitted by Stuartallen on 12/25/2021
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Photo submitted by ascotsgirl on 05/18/2021
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 11/16/2020
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Photo submitted by SlowLefty on 11/18/2019
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8th Hole Photo submitted by frednaimer on 02/22/2018
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 11/25/2016
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Photo submitted by hacksalot03 on 11/25/2016
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Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Practice bunker Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Short Range Driving Range Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Photo submitted by morourke00 on 03/20/2016
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Photo submitted by Steven5117215 on 01/29/2016
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Photo submitted by JClemonsGC on 02/07/2014
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Beautiful resort Photo submitted by MagecD on 10/08/2012
Excellent, beautiful and challenging course
Other than a grumpy starter and the restriction of carts on the course, this was an excellent experience. So very nice to play a course without the distraction and unsightliness of houses adjacent to the fairways. The front nine is entirely without abutting houses. It's tranquil and allows one to golf with a concentration on the course which is beautiful. The back nine does run through the developed areas but even they are quite removed from the course so there's no real distraction. It's just not quite as beautiful. This course has a number of challenging holes but they're fair overall; you just can't make too many mistakes. The greens are early season slow but otherwise in great shape. Overall my best golf experience in the desert and a course I'd willingly and hopefully will play again before too long.
Superb Desert Gol
Excellent layout. Great course conditions although the greens were a little slow after over seeding. Pace of play was excellent even with cart path only. Played as a foursome in just under 4 hours. Very enjoyable outing!
Absolutely perfect shape
Nothing to say but the greens we're slow but despite that it was perfect
Course in perfect condition
My first round in the area so not much to compare it to. The course was just reopened after reseeding so it was in pristine condition. Fairways are wide but the greens are fairly well protected by bunkers, so a good approach angle makes the round much easier. Not much water but I did find the beach from time to time. The sand was consistent and i found the greens the same. My wife golfed with me and found a lot of sand, she was smoked by the end of the round.
another great round of golf at Shadow Ridge...
My wife an I visit the Coachella Valley a couple of times a year. We play Shadow Ridge on each visit. This most recent visit was spectacular. The course was immaculate, Tee to Green. The entire experience was nothing short of superb, thanks again, pfj.
Very challenging course with beautiful views
It was our first time in Palm Desert/Palm Springs area but after playing Shadow Ridge, we will definitely be back! Course was in good shape and was, in my opinion, very challenging with lots of sand traps and sloping greens. The price was $56 for 18 holes and a cart which for such a beautiful course was a steal!
Wonderful layout
The conditions were perfect for a late September round of golf. Played in the late afternoon and we were done in under 4 hours even with a slight delay waiting for a replacement cart on the 12th hole.
Enjoyed the course...
Back again to play Shadow Ridge... Overall, I enjoyed the course. However, the pace of play was extremely poor. I could not get any sense of rhythm due to the long wait between shots. Will definitely return and play it again.
Right Before Over-seeding!
This was my first time ever in Palm Springs, and Cali for that matter. I was searching for a course to play for 3 days that was challenging and convenient from our hotel. My wife who is a golfer does not play often so I did not want to overwhelm her with a difficult course. The lay out is very difficult and I played from the Tips that day. Driving the ball was not an issue off the tee, the wind does have a factor for some parts of the course, particular to the front 9 finishing holes. The course was in very good shape, greens rolled rather true and were not slow but not super quick either. I pride myself on playing good courses and this course was in rather good shape prior to the over seed. I would recommend avoiding courses in the desert at the end of summer, before and after being punched. Ive seen to many people posting about courses in this area and yet they do not review the maintenance schedule. Please take this into consideration when writing reviews on a golf course, def makes the course look bad and does not help golfers choose a fun and challenging course.
Everyone that we encountered at the course was friendly and always willing to show you a good time. The starter was a rather nice gentlemen ready and eager to have every golfer enjoy their round at Shadow Ridge.
My own personal ratings
Greens 8/10
Fairways 7/10
Rough 7/10
Tee Boxes 8/10
Overall Course Difficulty - Moderate to Difficult
Faldo courses a notorious for big bunkers, and fairway bunkers, always holes that give you a big green light and look rewarding, but golfer beware the landing zones are smaller than they appear, playing smart on Faldo courses are key, though i usually am the type of golfer to go for every big moment i held back and fired a 76 from the tips. I had a great time and my wife even had 2 chip in's....i haven't had a chip in since my Ace almost a year ago! haha.
If you want a course to play, I highly recommend this course, practice facilities are GREAT! lots of area's to work on the golf game. the atmosphere was relaxing, generous, friendly, and courteous! I would love to play this course in prime time....just way out of my pay grade! glad I got to take on a Faldo design and succeed??? haha ENJOY THIS COURSE, PLAY AFTER THE PROPER MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AND THE COURSE IS HEALED!
GO GOLF! BEST GAME EVER PLAYED!
Sshadow Ridge
Played the Greens (6621/71.5/130) in 4H. The weather was around 100, clear and breezy.
The layout is fun to play. Numerous risk/reward par 4's that could produce a 3/4 or 6/7. Two par 4's over 460 from even the next to back set of tees. The par 3's are a good variation in length and look. I enjoy this course layout and the course conditions were good overall.
The tees were lush and had most divots already repaired.
The fairways were semi lush and well maintained with most divots already repaired. There are numerous large fairway bunkers to avoid, but the landing areas on most par 4's & par 5's tee shots are generous in width.
The rough was mostly lush and just tall enough to make you think twice when using longer clubs. Usually nice to chip out of.
The green side sand traps were well maintained with good quality white sand. Numerous traps that appear to be green side from the tee are actually 25-50 yards from greens, so you can get unusual length sand shots here. Some fairway traps are waste bunkers & less maintained.
From the tee shot landing area in, the difficulty goes up considerably. This course plays tougher than a quick glance may indicate because of the green complexes. The greens are large, undulating and well protected by traps or hazards. There are also many runoff or collection areas around these greens, so putts or chips that are hit offline, too weak or too bold can easily end up off the green. The greens were firm, putted medium speed and held approach shots well. Hardly any ball marks because of the firmness.
The customer service was excellent from everyone encountered. Drink cart out and around numerous times. Overall, a fun layout in good condition. Recommended = Yes.
Great playing conditions
Greens very good for time of year.
Golf course and facilities always well maintained.
Can be tough if not played from appropriate tees.
Worth a play
I was very happy with the course. For the summer time play the course was in great shape, greens were pretty fast, traps and fairways well manicured. For the price it can't be beat.
Faldo course
Played the Greens (6621/71.5/130) in 4H, 35M with mendel, robule & rgm2525, then did a replay in roughly 4H using UP. Easy, fun group to play with. The weather was around 100 and clear. Started out calm but was a 2 club wind by the end of the day.
I enjoy this course layout and the course conditions were good overall. The layout has numerous shorter par 4's that could produce doubles or worse equally as easy as a par/birdie. Two par 4's over 460 from even the next to back set of tees. Par 3's a good variation in length and look.
The tees were lush and had most divots already repaired.
Numerous large fairway bunkers to avoid, but the landing areas on most par 4's & par 5's tee shots are generous in width. The fairways were semi lush and well maintained with most divots already repaired. Mowed higher than I remembered from the winter, they did not produce nearly as much roll.
The rough was mostly lush and just tall enough to make you think twice when using longer clubs. Usually nice to chip out of.
The green side sand traps were well maintained with good quality white sand. Numerous traps that appear to be green side from the tee are actually 25-50 yards from greens, so you can get unusual length sand shots here. Some fairway traps are waste bunkers & less maintained.
From the tee shot landing area in, the difficulty goes up considerably. This course plays tougher than an initial visual may indicate because of the green complexes. The greens are large, undulating and well protected by traps or hazards. Much more break than I see on 1st glance. There are also many runoff or collection areas around these greens, so putts or chips that are hit offline, too weak or too bold can easily end up off the green. The greens have not fully recovered from aeration and were the only part of the course not well above average. Firm, bumpy and medium speed.
The customer service was excellent from everyone encountered. Drink cart out and around numerous times. Had a very good cheeseburger between rounds. Excellent, really top notch practice facility. Overall, a fun layout in good condition. Recommended = Yes.
Difficult but memorable
GolfNow price outstanding. Course conditions were good, greens a little slow, but this is still in the heat of the summer. Staff there very attentive and made sure things were done to satisfaction. Each hole is a separate experience not shared with adjoining fareways. A significant amount of bunkers lay waiting for you. Drinking water on every even hole. Great day!
Nice time
We were a little late and they welcome is with open arms
Great layout
I liked the golf course and could see that if you are hitting your irons well you can score well.
The only issue I had was no where on golf now, or at the course did anyone tell us that 5 holes were ripped up through the fairways, it was a massive oversight or maybe done on purpose.
Was a very big disappointment from Shadow Ridge staff.
Unplayable conditions. Avoid for a while.
I don't expect perfect conditions when playing desert golf in July, but don't tell me that "The course is only a day away from being perfect" when it is the absolute worst shape course I have ever played. When the starter told me it was Auto 2 Putt rules, I should have asked for my money back.
Avoid this place at all cost until they figure out how to get this into playing shape.
Course maintenance underway
Greens have been punched and sanded. Not great to putt on. Some of the fairways are under repair. Had I known of the course condition prior to playing, I wouldn't have played here. Good practice facilities. Classy pro shop. They do a great job with water that is on every even #'d hole in a cooler. They also have a beverage cart lady who circulates about the course.
Greens and fairways were aerated
We knew going in that the greens had recently been aerated. Unfortunately, both the greens and fairway were very recently aerated and the greens had a fair amount of sand still on them. The course probably should have been still closed for another couple of days. I do like the course layout and would play it again.
Excellent course Excellent service!
Excellent course Excellent service!