Desert Willow Golf Resort
Two championship golf courses set against stunning desert landscapes, offering a premier golfing and event experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Two championship golf courses set against stunning desert landscapes, offering a premier golfing and event experience.
"Five star treatment and service!!! Definitely recommend this course to all and I will be back."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular resort, so book ahead to guarantee your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Desert heat is no joke. Bring extra water and use the stations provided.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Firecliff Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Challenging fairways, water features, and stunning desert backdrops make this a memorable round.
Mountain View Course
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Offers a different perspective with beautiful desert landscaping and strategic water hazards.
The Terrace Restaurant
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Enjoy delicious meals with gorgeous scenery and lake views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time in Advance
Prepare for Desert Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular resort, so book ahead to guarantee your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Desert heat is no joke. Bring extra water and use the stations provided.
👟 Comfortable Golf Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, so good footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning desert landscapes and water features make for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Popular resort, so book ahead to guarantee your spot!
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Desert heat is no joke. Bring extra water and use the stations provided.
👟 Comfortable Golf Shoes
You'll be walking a lot, so good footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning desert landscapes and water features make for great photos.
💰 Check for Deals
Look for online specials or packages to save on green fees.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Desert Willow Golf Resort is highly praised for its beautifully maintained championship golf courses, exceptional staff, and stunning desert scenery. Guests rave about the friendly service, immaculate fairways, and fast greens, making it a top choice for golfers. The resort also shines as a venue for events, with its picturesque settings and dedicated planning team ensuring memorable celebrations.
"We had an incredible experience and are so fortunate to have our wedding here this past fall. We kicked off the weekend with a round of golf on Friday—the course was beautiful, and the pro shop (shout out to Brian and Jason!) was extremely accommodating. Saturday went off without a hitch. The ceremony on the event lawn was picture-perfect, followed by a lovely cocktail hour on the Palm Desert Terrace. Dinner and dancing on the Lakeview Terrace made for an unforgettable evening. Everything was seamless and beautifully coordinated!
Robbie, (Coordinator/Director of Catering Sales) was truly a magician—her care, attention, and patience over months of planning made all the difference, and she ensured day of unfolded perfectly. Harry, the Banquet Manager, kept every transition between events smooth and effortless, so we could simply enjoy every moment. Thanks to the whole team, we appreciate all of you!"
Alyssa Gierej
"Played course on 15 June 2025. Course staff is very friendly and helpful. From the cart guys, marshall, pro shop, and diner. Everyone was top tier. The course has complimentary range balls, good practice greens, and a nice chipping area. The course itself conditions are great also. Tee boxes level, fairways cut nicely, and greens well maintained. These greens roll and roll FAST. The only critique I could say is the sand in the bunkers. They don't have much at all and definitely need more but is not a reason to give this course less than 5 stars. The marshall even came around with cold towels to keep us cool. Five star treatment and service!!! They treated our G.O.A.L. golf group with class. Definitely recommend this course to all and I will be back. THE COURSE IS CHALLENGING, THIS IS YOUR WARNING!!"
Ovell Scott III
"Great golf course! We'll maintained. Awesome, friendly staff. The putting greens were in excellent condition. The driving range was in great shape as well."
Oscar Duarte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Desert Willow Golf Resort is located in Palm Desert, California. It's easily accessible by car, with major highways leading to the area. If flying in, the closest major airport is Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), about a 20-30 minute drive away. Many visitors rent cars at the airport for convenient transportation to the resort and surrounding attractions.
Yes, ample parking is available for guests and golfers at Desert Willow Golf Resort. You'll find convenient parking areas near the clubhouse and event facilities.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in the Palm Desert area and can be used to get to and from Desert Willow Golf Resort. It's always a good idea to check availability in the specific area you're coming from.
The Firecliff and Mountain View courses are located at the same resort, so traveling between them is very easy. You can typically drive your own vehicle or use the resort's golf carts if permitted between rounds.
While specific shuttle services may vary, it's best to contact Desert Willow Golf Resort directly to inquire about any transportation assistance they might offer for guests or event attendees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tee times can be booked directly through the Desert Willow Golf Resort website or by calling their pro shop. Many golfers also use online booking platforms like GolfNow to find available tee times and potential deals. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Green fees vary depending on the course (Firecliff or Mountain View), the day of the week, and the time of day. It's best to check the official Desert Willow Golf Resort website for the most up-to-date pricing and any available packages or deals.
Desert Willow Golf Resort often offers various packages and deals, especially during the off-peak season or for twilight rounds. Checking their website or contacting the pro shop directly can help you find the best rates.
Typically, green fees include access to the course for 18 holes. Complimentary range balls are often provided, which is a great perk. It's advisable to confirm what's included when booking your tee time.
Yes, golf club rentals are usually available at the pro shop. This is a convenient option if you're traveling without your own clubs. Inquire about rental options and pricing when booking your tee time.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Desert Willow Golf Resort features two distinct 18-hole championship courses: the Firecliff Course and the Mountain View Course. Both offer unique challenges and stunning desert scenery.
The courses are generally well-maintained with level tee boxes, nicely cut fairways, and well-kept greens. The Firecliff course recently underwent renovations with new greens. Be prepared for fast greens!
Yes, Desert Willow Golf Resort offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range with complimentary balls, good practice greens, and a chipping area.
You can expect breathtaking desert landscapes, palm trees, water features, and mountain views. The Firecliff course, in particular, offers cool backdrops on many approach shots. 
While both courses are challenging championship courses, the Mountain View course might be slightly more forgiving for beginners than the Firecliff. However, with a positive attitude and focus on enjoying the experience, beginners can certainly have a great time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The resort features The Terrace Restaurant, offering lunch with gorgeous scenery and lake views. It's a great spot to relax after a round or for a meal with a view.
The Terrace Restaurant serves delicious meals, perfect for lunch. Reviews highlight fresh, flavorful food and beautiful plating, making it a hit with guests.
While primarily known for lunch, it's best to check the current operating hours directly with Desert Willow Golf Resort, as offerings can change seasonally.
Absolutely! Desert Willow Golf Resort is a popular venue for events, including weddings and receptions, with spaces like the Palm Desert Terrace and Lakeview Terrace.
Palm Desert offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, just a short drive from the resort.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire resort offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the manicured fairways, water features, desert flora, and mountain backdrops. The Terrace Restaurant also provides beautiful lake views.
Yes, golfers are encouraged to take photos on the course to capture their experience. The scenic beauty of both the Firecliff and Mountain View courses provides excellent backdrops for memorable shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, enhancing the desert landscape and mountain views.
Drone usage is typically subject to strict regulations and may require special permits. It's essential to contact the resort management directly to inquire about their policy on drone operation.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide landscape shots and details on the course. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive desert views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys golf, playing a round on either the Firecliff or Mountain View course can be a memorable experience. The resort's friendly staff are accommodating, and the well-maintained courses provide a good environment for learning or enjoying the game. Remember to pack sun protection and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own snacks and drinks for the course to supplement the available water stations. While the Terrace Restaurant offers a great dining experience, exploring nearby casual eateries in Palm Desert can also help save on food costs.
💍 Couples & Special Occasions
+1For a truly memorable experience, consider a lunch at The Terrace Restaurant, where you can savor delicious food with stunning lake views. The resort is also a premier venue for weddings and anniversaries, offering elegant event spaces and impeccable service that promise an unforgettable celebration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Championship Courses: Firecliff vs. Mountain View
+3The Mountain View Course offers a different, yet equally captivating, challenge. It winds through the natural desert landscape, incorporating water features and showcasing the stunning beauty of the Coachella Valley. While also challenging, some golfers find it slightly more forgiving than Firecliff, making it a great option for a broader range of players. Both courses are praised for their excellent conditions, from tee boxes to greens, though the sand in bunkers has been noted as needing improvement by some.
When choosing between the two, consider your playing style and what you prioritize. Firecliff is often seen as the more demanding test, while Mountain View provides a scenic and enjoyable round with its own set of strategic challenges. Many visitors recommend playing both if time allows to fully experience what Desert Willow Golf Resort has to offer.
Event Hosting at Desert Willow
The resort's event planning team is renowned for its exceptional service. Coordinators like Robbie are described as 'magicians,' meticulously handling every detail from months of planning to the seamless execution on the day of the event. The Banquet Manager, Harry, ensures smooth transitions between different parts of the celebration, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the joyous occasion. This level of dedicated service contributes significantly to the memorable experiences guests have.
Beyond weddings, the resort is also suitable for corporate events, banquets, and other private gatherings. The combination of stunning scenery, top-notch catering, and attentive staff makes Desert Willow Golf Resort a premier choice for creating unforgettable moments. Reviews consistently praise the food as impressive, fresh, and beautifully plated, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all attendees.
Golfing Experience and Conditions
Course conditions are a major highlight. Visitors frequently mention that the tee boxes are level, fairways are cut nicely, and greens are well-maintained. The greens themselves are often described as rolling fast, requiring a keen eye and a steady hand. While the sand in the bunkers has been noted by some as lacking depth, this minor critique doesn't detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
Both courses offer a challenging yet rewarding play. The Firecliff course, with its recent renovations, provides a modern championship test, while the Mountain View course offers a classic desert golf experience. The resort also provides excellent practice facilities, including complimentary range balls, good practice greens, and a chipping area, making it a comprehensive destination for golfers looking to hone their skills.
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