Desert Dunes Golf Course

Played this course as part of a marathon 9-rounds in 5 days trip I took to the Coachella Valley.

What in “hidden gem” is this place! Yeah, the conditions are a bit iffy and the wind can/does play a major role… but the greens and layout were the absolute best I played on this trip! In full disclosure, I’m an RTJ Jr fan, and this course does not disappoint.

CONDITIONS: Though they don’t visually look like it (it’s the type of grass), the greens are perfect. They rolled fast and true and it was a pleasure trying to read the breaks and figure out what RTJ Jr was asking of me. The bunkers, well those are garbage. All hard with whispy sand. That was unfortunate. The fairways and rough vary. This course could use a bit of conditioning love, but overall (other than the bunkers) it is very playable.

VALUE: The deal time online was acceptable. Given the bunkers, I’m not sure full fare is fair.

LAYOUT: Excellent. This course sits alone in the desert with no housing around at all. You get full 360 degree vistas that are just amazing. Given the water that comes into play, holes #8 and #16 were the most memorable for me.

FRIENDLINESS: Great guys. It was considerably windy out the morning I played, but they encouraged me to get out anyway. I’m glad they did. The starter and course marshal were both friendly as well.

PACE: Was maybe the first off the tee on a Sunday morning as a single. Never saw anyone in front or behind me. Perfect morning.

DIFFICULTY: RTJ Jr laid out a wonderful track where if you are in the “area of charm” the course is straightforward. And although the course is generous enough to limit lost balls, if you are not in the “area of charm” you will have a difficult next shot to execute. Also, every green complex is designed to challenge you… A LOT!

Ok, we need to talk about the wind. The day before I played Desert Dunes I was warned that “it is always really windy there” which is why that person told me they never bothered playing Desert Dunes. When I arrived (630am) the weather app said the winds were 10-15mph, but they felt more like 25+mph. The starter and another golfer that I saw at the turn also commented on how the wind is a factor at this course. Despite the wind, you should go play this course anyway. It’s an excellent layout with great greens. Just stay out of the bunkers… out of sight, out of mind.

I have played this course over the past 10 years and I must say that the greens are in the worst shape that I have ever seen. Other than that I love the layout of it. Would play it again at a reduced price

This is a terrible golf course and Golf Now should be embarrassed for having it on your site as one of your offerings. It was in terrible condition, fairways not properly cut, greens were filled with weeds and unwanted poa annua grasses, and bunkers were as hard as asphalt. Clubhouse is in disrepair and falling apart, no real food service offering to be found, and the driving range looked like you were hitting into a bombed-out war zone.

3.5 hours to play the front 9 holes!! On the 14 th hole some one came around on a cart Anna asked if everyone was happy and how was the pace of play? There was no Marshall to keep groups moving. Friends played 2 hours later and had the same issue. We played the 15 th hole and quit, had dinner plan with friends.

Very disappointing, going to cancel an upcoming round and try to get something better.

Great layout of course, after the first 3 holes conditions are better.

Very poor greens , probably the worst condition I’ve ever played . Lots of blind shots

Greens are well protected by deep bunkers, offering small targets and some serious undulations — most notably the18-9 double green complex. We were fortunate to play in light winds but it can blow and would be even more challenging to hit and hold the firm greens.

Great layout but:

- greens bumpy and being infected by some type of strange grass

- bunkers lack sand

- fairways shaggy

- VERY slow pace of play and no marshals to keep people moving

- 20 minute delay in tee time due to Jo carts available

- range in poor condition and not included in green fee

- tee boxes unkept

- 8 minute tee times overcrowds the course,

In short, very disappointing. I will not return. Even if green fee is discounted

Shortage of carts and very slow pace of play. Greens were substandard. I have always loved the RTJ layout.

Terrible conditions, particularly front nine. Everything dry. Greens have variety of grasses. Teeing grounds not level nor cut/groomed. Brush and foluade next to holes not maintained. Awful smells!!

Enjoyed the round.

Had to wait for carts til 10 minute b4 tee time.

Carried clubs back from range.

Overall course layout good, with some challenges.

Condition of course excellent with exception of greens, but they played true.

Pace was 5 hours.

Enjoyed our round, but the course needs a little TLC

Bumpy greens, no sand in traps, spotty fairways. Make sure you are paying below $50 for value here.

First time here. I really enjoyed the course. I found it odd that they didn’t have enough golf carts for us to get ours until right at our tee time. We had to carry our clubs back and forth to the driving range, but the exercise to do that was nice lol!! Fun layout. Staff was friendly and accommodating. The wind roared in the afternoon, but I’d definitely play here again.

Not near as bad as reviews. !! Great holes. Green's turf, funny looking but rolls ok.Play early , gets pretty windy in the afternoon. Still the best course for the money in the valley

Very disappointed with the condition of the course.