Believe it or not - this is a "muni"!
Written: Aug 27 '03
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Pros: One of the best munis in existence.
Cons: Not muni prices, though
The Bottom Line: This one out-resorts the resorts!
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| srdesertrat's Full Review: Desert Willow at Palm Desert-Tournament |
That's right, Desert Willow is the municipal course for Palm Desert. Owned by the City, run by the City, maintained by the City. Of course, one look around Palm Desert and you'll understand.
There are actually two courses at D-W: the north course - "Firecliff" and the south course - "Mountainview". Not sure where the first name came from but the second is easy. In fact both enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains which are often snow-capped in winter.
The two courses are really quite different. Firecliff is very much a "desert" course, similar to many found in Arizona such as Greyhawk, the Boulders, the back 9 at the Phoenician and the TPC at Scottsdale. Narrow fairways, shoot from landing area to landing area, a lot of "transition" (golf course-speak for bunkers in which you can ground your club). Plus 108 proper bunkers. Deep. John Cook designed. Due to the architecture, the course can be pretty full and you have no appreciation of anyone else on the course. Spectacular!
Mountainview still has a desert feel but isn't nearly as sparse. A lot more contiguous fairways. In fact, when Mountainview was built Firecliff had been in play for a season and a half and the City had come to realize how expensive the maintenance of that style of course was so Mountainview was built to allow the greenskeepers to mow the fairways without spending most of their time relocating their mowers. Mountainview also has more of a "resort" feel to it and is much more appropriate for groups.
Mountainview is a good course, but for my money Firecliff is the one to play. That's where the locals go first.
Recommended:
Yes
Green Fees Paid (US$): 145/40 res.
Speed of Play (typical weekend): 4 to 5 Hours
Look Out For: Sand
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Epinions.com ID:
srdesertrat
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Location: Bermuda Dunes, CA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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