Don't get burned by the Firecliff Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, California

PALM DESERT, Calif. -- The Firecliff Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort proves the old adage true: If you play with Firecliff, you'll get burned.

The 7,056-yard Firecliff lays claim as one of the best tests of golf in the Coachella Valley. It plays longer and significantly tougher than its sister Mountain View Course. Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry -- with an assist from pro golfer John Cook -- essentially supersized all the dramatic elements that make scorecard combustion harder to contain. Firecliff features more carries and visual intimidation off the tee, more sand and larger waste areas, harsher green sites and longer par 4s than Mountain View.

Six of Firecliff's 10 par-4 holes stretch well past 400 yards from the blue tees. Water impacts the two finishing holes on each of the nines. The par 3s at no. 8 and no. 17 sit side by side, sharing the same pond.

KemperSports runs this city municipal course like a country club with an emphasis on service and conditioning.