Desert Willow Golf Resort
The courses were created by the acclaimed design team of Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, with championship insight from PGA TOUR professional and Palm Desert resident John Cook.
From its beginnings, Desert Willow was designed around the idea that exceptional public golf could coexist with the natural desert environment.
Course details, directions & scorecards
Desert Willow Golf Resort
38-995 Desert Willow Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
Toll Free Tee Times: 1.800.520.0289
Free Desert Willow Vacation QuoteDesert Willow Golf Resort is one of the Coachella Valley’s premier public golf destinations, offering 36 holes of championship golf in the heart of Palm Desert. Owned by the City of Palm Desert and professionally managed by KemperSports, the resort combines two distinctive courses—Firecliff and Mountain View—with dramatic Santa Rosa Mountain views, native desert landscaping, extensive practice facilities and a full-service clubhouse experience.
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping, water-conscious design and minimal disruption to the surrounding terrain helped establish Desert Willow as an early leader in environmentally sensitive desert golf.
Firecliff Course
Firecliff is the more demanding of Desert Willow’s two layouts. Playing to 7,056 yards and par 72, the course challenges golfers with extensive natural areas, strategic water hazards and more than 100 bunkers. Its dramatic routing rewards thoughtful course management and precision while showcasing some of the resort’s most striking desert scenery.
Firecliff entered a new chapter following a multi-million-dollar renovation and reopened in December 2024. Improvements included new Mini Verde Bermudagrass greens, reshaped and expanded tee boxes and rejuvenated fairways, enhancing playing conditions while retaining the course’s original strategic character.
Mountain View Course
Mountain View offers a more relaxed and approachable golf experience while preserving plenty of challenge for experienced players. The 6,913-yard, par-72 layout features wider landing areas, rolling fairways, undulating greens, strategic water features and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Eight tee selections—including combination tees—allow golfers to choose a distance and difficulty level that best suits their game.
Mountain View is especially appealing to golfers looking for a scenic, enjoyable round where the natural beauty of Palm Desert is every bit as memorable as the golf itself.
Golf Academy & Practice Facilities
Desert Willow is also home to the Palm Desert Golf Academy and extensive practice facilities for players looking to warm up or improve their game. Practice areas include full-swing, putting, chipping and short-game facilities, with instruction and custom club fitting available from PGA professionals.
Dining & Clubhouse
The clubhouse overlooks the golf course and Santa Rosa Mountains and is home to The Terrace Restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch daily with indoor and outdoor patio dining. The resort also offers a Golf Shop, Vista Bar, Lobby Bar and Cook’s Cantina for golfers and visitors.
Features & Amenities
- Two 18-hole championship golf courses
- Firecliff — 7,056 yards, par 72
- Mountain View — 6,913 yards, par 72
- Palm Desert Golf Academy
- Full-swing practice facility
- Putting, chipping and short-game areas
- PGA professional instruction
- Custom club fitting
- Premium rental clubs
- GPS-equipped golf carts
- Full-service Golf Shop
- The Terrace Restaurant
- Indoor and outdoor dining
- Golf outings and tournament services
- Banquet and special-event facilities
Course Information
Architects: Dr. Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry
Design Consultant: John Cook, PGA TOUR Professional
Holes: 36 — Firecliff & Mountain View
Course Type: Premium Public / Daily Fee
Owner: City of Palm Desert
Management: KemperSports
Address:
38-995 Desert Willow Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tee times may currently be reserved up to 60 days in advance. Rates include a shared GPS-equipped golf cart and complimentary practice balls.
Directions: Located on Desert Willow Drive in Palm Desert between Cook Street and Portola.








