Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

The bunkers had a lot of sand… almost too much. Otherwise/- all was good!

I've played this course a few times over the years. The fairways and greens have always been in great shape. This time, not so much. The greens are okay, but very dry and don't hold very well. I hit quite a few greens in regulation and never left a pitch mark.

Overall, the fairways were a disappointment. Compared to the Palm course, which I played the next day, the Valley course fairways are spotty with a few weeds here and there. Dry patches are prevalent. Most of the bunkers, which are currently being renovated, were just hard packed sand that you can't get your club under. You have to chip out or use your putter if there isn't a lip to contend with.

If you want to play the Marriott Desert Springs courses, I highly recommend the Palm course. Hopefully, they will get the Valley course back in the shape it needs to be, especially if they are going to charge $200+. Until then, I can't recommend it.

Regardless of course conditions, you can't go wrong with the views of the snow packed mountains. This is a beautiful place to play golf!

Overall, the course was in great shape. The vistas really make this course stand out. Lush terrain and snow peaked mountains make for a great round.

My main complaint is the condition of the bunkers which is why I took off a star. Most of the bunkers are hardpacked sand. You can't get your club under the ball. You either have to chip out or use your putter to roll the ball out if there isn't a lip to contend with. They are in the process of redoing all the bunkers on both the Palm and the Valley course. So, the condition of the bunkers should be rectified soon.

If you can justify $200 for a round of golf, you won't be disappointed.

Excellent course layout. I love the rolling hills on many of the holes.

Course is starting to show it's age. Fairways are showing lack of maintenance. Spotty bare spots. It is still a quality, challenging, course for a intermediate golfer. Greens were fast. Plenty of room in fairways. Rarely loose a ball, unless you hit into the water.