JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Let me first say, I won’t be able to fully give an accurate review of the course condition due to the greens having been punched a week or so before coming. There was a noticed posted online before I chose the tee time, so I was aware of the condition before I booked and it didn’t bother me to show up and have them tell me they might be a little bumpy. Based on the other parts of this course, I would believe their greens to be most often in great shape.

When you arrive you have to enter through a gate and take a parking ticket. However, take your ticket into the pro shop and they will validate your parking so you don’t have to pay another $10 to park.

They have a nice range, putting and chipping areas. Although, there are some areas reserved for members only so make sure you’re paying attention.

The staff was friendly and nice gave accurate and good directions on how to find the first tee. The pro shop was very nice and had lots of great stuff. The wildfire logo is really cool if you ask me. Worth taking home a souvenir from the shop.

My only complaint would be the resort amenities and condos around the course take away from the beauty of the place. Big multi level condos. Large water park slides, and pools. Just not the best things to be looking at when you play a beautiful golf course.

Lastly, I assume this was only an issue because we teed off before 7am—-but the course was wet!! Some areas of the fairways and around the greens were squishy under foot meaning we played lift, clean and place on a course that hasn’t seen rain in a long time. Not the worst thing in the world, but just surprising given how hot and dry the desert is.

All in all I would encourage you to try this place. Friendly staff, good course condition, and 2 courses in case you and your buddies want to get in 36—make this a great stop for any golf trip.

Good course. Lots of sand traps. Greens are slow, bumpy, in a few months, they will be back to normal.

I don’t remember paying $10 for parking in any of the courses.

It was a great total experience except for having to pay for parking. That’s crazy.

Overall I like the course. The greens were punched 2 weeks ago, we were told. Looks like it may have been more recent than that because I would think after 2 weeks they would have been in better shape. Still very very bumpy. My biggest complaint was that EVERY SINGLE PIN was either right on the edge or on a ridge. Some were on pretty significant slopes, which was ridiculous. When the pin was front, it was probably 3 feet from the front. Same with the back tees. Honestly, worst pin locations for every hole. 18 holes. And 18 terrible pin positions. Almost like trying to putt into the clowns mouth. Overall the facility is nice and the course is fun.

This course has a great layout with plenty of bunkers to make you think about your shot. We enjoyed but would have been better if the greens weren't aerated. Putts were really difficult to make. Will be great to play there again, but only after the greens grow in completely.

Awesome layout, one of my favorites I've played in the Phoenix area. However, not sure if the grounds crew was having a bad day or simply found joy in placing every single pin 3 paces on, often on slopes. It's a great design so the questionable pin placements made it less enjoyable. Would still recommend this course -- hoping to play again and maybe pins will be more accessible / less gimmicky.

Great shape, great summer rate, and overall a fun course

Great course first time playing they have nice little touches like free range balls, bottle water and ice towels on the 10th hole to cool you down.

From tee to green, Palmer GC was in good playing condition. Of course with the desert heat, it is necessary to water routinely; however, the front of most greens were heavily watered (as were some adjacent traps), stopping the ball in its tracks, which was not my intention, when I was expecting a roll-out. Pace of play was good (less than 4 hours), as was value (thank you, TeeOff). Enjoy this course (and its sister) while summer rates are in place.

really fun desert course..conditions were good ..greens tricky fast at times