TVGuy

Played solo on a Friday afternoon. Grass is green, conditions are great. Staff is super friendly. Beer / snack cart was present. Greens are rolling a little slow, and that’s really only thing that wasn’t idyllic. Great to catch this gem in mellow mode before “season” starts and opportunities like this become rare.

I played this course in mid September on a Saturday so my experience was unique. Got a super deal on GN so I went for it. Teed off solo around 2 PM and played 2 balls at a casual pace. Had a traffic jam of players ahead of me and people pushing up from behind, so it was a little hectic. It was also very hot and a little smoky, but still doable.

The course is incredible. The layout is well done and the views at the base of the Santa Rosa mountains make you feel like you’re on Mars. Because of the time of year, it was a little brown and the greens weren’t as perfect as I imagine they are in winter, but I really didn’t care. Carts are new and modern with a nice GPS system and the staff was very easy going despite how busy they were. La Quinta Resort is right next door and it’s really nice, too. Definitely check this place out but be prepared to practice patience. It’s a slow pace of play but worth it.

This hidden gem is a throwback hidden in the midst of a bunch of far more expensive and modern country clubs. I play it 3-4 times a year and enjoy it every time. It’s unnerving for folks unaccustomed to playing near houses and many stray balls end up in people’s yards, but otherwise it’s laid back and just plain fun. The staff - especially the cart guys - are always super friendly and helpful. No bad vibes here.

I had an experience here last year that was SO bad, I swore I’d never go back. Overbooked, no carts, empty lakes, rough grass, teenage staff and the guy I was paired up with from Alberta was kind of a jerk. But! Last weekend the other courses were so expensive, I gave it another try for $15 plus the GN fee. Was pleasantly surprised - got in quick, got my own cart and played solo in the late afternoon. Grass is in good shape, greens were rolling well and had a nice time. Got bunched up at the end, with 4-5 slow groups ahead of me but had cigar and a podcast playing, so took it in stride. Don’t spend more than $25 and lower your expectations and it’s really not bad.

Funny, this place is close by and always has great deals on GN but I’ve always passed it over. It’s gorgeous inside and a true Mecca for summer golf.
The course was in fantastic shape by summer standards. No massive dead patches or inconsistent greens like I’ve had at other clubs lately. There were holes from aeration but didn’t affect my play.
Played single at 11 AM on a Saturday and was all alone the entire time. Only comment is that the layout is a little old school, in that it’s flat and fairly simple. If you’ve been spoiled by undulating greens and rolling fairways, this course may underwhelm you. But! If there’s a place where you could sink a 20 foot putt, this is it!
Got up to about 104 degrees but a 10-15 mph NW breeze made it doable.
Staff was very friendly and accommodating and the overall vibe is just... nice. I’ll be back

Golfing at the Marriott in Palm Desert is just as delightful as it sounds. It’s well designed, well appointed and well staffed.

The good news is that it’s a corporate-run course. There are none of the issues you read about with struggling places. It’s impeccably kept, well irrigated, good sand and greens. It feels good to play there. Especially when holes 4 & 5 take you to the front entrance and along Cook St. Overlooking traffic, I got that feeling of “I’m golfing and you’re not!” on a Wednesday afternoon. It was nice. It undulates and the greens can be punitive to an errant putt.

The bad news is that it’s a corporate-run course. You have to factor in that a good number of players are at a convention or company-paid event and are hacking their way through a free, liquored up round. There were many unfilled divots, ball marks and unraked sand traps at 1 PM when I teed off. They fix them every day, but it adds up over time.

Still, I got a killer deal and have had fantastic rounds on both courses. Go early if you can. If you can snag it in that $30-$60 range and it’s not high season, this is a real treat.

I gave pace of play 3 stars because there was an older couple who teed off in front of me that I had to skip a hole to get around. After that, it was wide open.

I really liked the driving range too. Unlimited Taylor Made balls and a big grassy ravine to smack into.

Hidden gem. Always in great shape and a real pleasure to play winter or summer. I always score well here, as it’s very basic and straightforward. Staff is friendly. It’s NOT a high-end place, pro shop, driving range and 19th hole are very basic. No drink carts or bag drop service, but I don’t care. Lots of trees (shade in summer) and in the early AM it’s still cool and the grass is still damp. One of the first courses I played here in the Coachella Valley and will always be a sentimental favorite. For the price, it’s a steal.

This has quickly become my go-to course in the desert. It is impeccable, the conditions are prime and there’s just a wonderful vibe in this neighborhood. Even though it’s not a full-size par 72 course, there are plenty of opportunities to use your driver along with several very nice short holes. I have played Oasis four or five times already this year and will continue to go back again and again.

Got a ridiculously good deal, it was a 75 degree day and I was paired with a guy who played at a similar level so it was a pleasant experience. I’d definitely go back. Only had time for 9 on the North course. It’s a bit unconventional - playing in and around the “wash”. Hard to find the flag on a few holes but some tee boxes had tremendous grip and rip opportunities from atop a bluff. Greens played slow. Well maintained though! Friendly staff, cool adventurous vibe. No one in front or behind us the entire time. Wouldn’t pay prime $ to play here but am very much looking forward to checking out the other 2 courses.

Disclaimer - I played after 1 PM in late April and got a ridiculously good deal through Golf Now, so I may be seeing it through a different lens than others. Swooshed through check-in, clubs and cart were immediately ready to go, staff was ultra-friendly, had the Valley course virtually to myself and enjoyed it immensely. Challenging, lost a few balls and had to make a few blind shots over hills, but was in awe of the gorgeous layout and water features. If I can score more deals like this over the Summer, I’ll claim this place as my “local” course.