Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Olympic Club Lake Course is my home, so I am used to really challenging course. I found the Palm Course to be fun, not too difficult but challenging enough to get my attention. The undulations in the fairways, green complexes and pin placements made it a challenge.

The length was shorter than I'm used to, but also kept things fun. Overall, great experience and fun course. I would book another round here in future. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Although course conditions were very good, many holes had fairways with arbitrary and large mounds reminiscent of mogul fields, leading often to uneven lies, blind shots, and difficulty in following and locating the ball. The last few holes were more scenic and challenging because of the many water areas. The GPS often beeped and stopped the cart even when outside the cart direction signs, requiring backing up. The pace of play was slow, resulting in a 4 1/2 round.

Palm Springs at 6:50 in April means you will be playing alone and as fast as you want. Inly saw two other golfers the whole morning but I was back at the clubhouse in 2 and a half hours.

The course staff were very good and the practice facilities were first class.

There was enough variation in the layout that it did stand out against all the other courses in the area with similar topography.

Layout is outstanding. Very challenging. Course could be in better shape. Not up to the standards of the resort.

The course could use a senior tee option between the whites and the ladies tee.