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Awards and Accolades

recognized by many…duplicated by none
Desert Willow Golf Resort has the ability to mesmerize you with its natural beauty and great service, but hear it from the critics on what they say about Desert Willow Golf Resort.  Desert Willow was even featured by the
Smithsonian Institute Magazine for its environmentally sound design and construction.

awards + accolades

Golfweek Magazine
Firecliff Course ranked 134 by Golfweek’s Best 2022: Top 200 Resort Golf Courses in the U.S.
Golfpass Golfer's Choice
Firecliff Course ranked #2 by GolfPass Golfer's Choice 2022 Best Courses in California
Club Resort Business
Ranked #12 by Club Resort Business Top Ranked Patios 2022
Greenskeeper.org
2021 Winner Southern California, Best Playing Conditions
Boardroom Magazine
2021 Distinguished Golf Destination
The Desert Sun
2022 Best Public Golf Course
Tripadvisor
2020 Traveler's Choice
GolfAdvisor
Firecliff ranked 25 2021 Golfer's Choice Best Golf Courses in California
Southland Golf
2015 Best Golf Course
Golf Range Association of America
Top 50 Public Ranges
Golf Digest
2013 Best Places to Play
GolfWorld Reader's Choice
2010 Top 50 Public Courses
CV Weekly
2014 Best Public Golf Course
Desert Sun
2016 Best Public Course
Desert Golf Magazine
2014 Best Public Golf Courses in the Coachella Valley
Desert Golf Guide
2013 Top 100 Holes
Golf for Women Magazine
2005 50 Best Courses for Women
Fairways and Greens
2005 Best Par 5 in the Valley
Palm Springs Life
2006 Best Public Course

in the media

  Smithsonian Magazine
"Golf Gets Back to Nature, Inviting Everyone to Play"

Jay Stuller | April 1, 1997

April of 1997, Desert Willow Golf Resort graced the cover of
Smithsonian Magazine (the only golf course to be so honored). 

"...architect Michael Hurdzan created a public course that's every bit
a part of its desert enviroment by using plants native to the desert valley and limiting the grassy areas to a scant 75 to 80 acres."


CLICK HERE to read the full article

  Golf Digest
"The golf trips we’re dreaming about taking this winter"
Jared Goldstein and Stephen Hennessey | November 6, 2021

"Public golfers should absolutely consider Desert Willow, which has 36 holes, and its Firecliff course ranking among Golf Digest’s best 30 public courses in California."


CLICK HERE to read the full article

  Golf Digest
"How golf is doing more to protect wildlife than ever before"
Emma Francois | December 10, 2021

“There was nothing but mesquite, a few rabbits, few snakes,” he says. “Nothing appreciable because nothing wanted to live there.” Once his firm revegetated the area, it burst alive with hummingbirds, rabbits, coyotes and reptiles, none of which could have survived before. “By adding a golf course,” he says, “we made it extraordinarily rich.” - Dr. Michael Hurdzan -


CLICK HERE to read the full article

  FORE Magazine 
"Desert Delight At Desert Willow"
Ken Van Vechten | 19th Hole - Summer 2021

"Sit a spell with a bite and a drink, whether you played 18, all 36, or have never snap-hooked a driver in your life....This ain’t granddad’s muni."

CLICK HERE to read the full article

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