Marriotts Desert Springs Resort, Palms Course

Guest (cart included), played on Friday, March 2019 at 1:10 AM

Day 1 - 100 days, 100 courses (Thursday, March 14, 2019)

Having to wait until 1:00 was a little painful. (If you don't know me, patience and waiting and two things that I struggle with). The course appeared pretty busy, so we got ready for a slow round with lots of waiting.

Charlie Meister joined me for a quick pre-round lunch and we got to meet our playing partners, Chuck and Jen sitting in their carts by the practice green. At 1:10 our names were called, and the delay did not bode well for the anticipated pace of play.

My nerves were settled after bombing a drive straight down the fairway. This is going to be fun. My big concern was satisfying everyone to whom I had promised something: TeeOff wanted a picture of me with the TeeOff towel, Marriott Golf wanted pictures out on the course, and my big fear was forgetting to play the purple ball on number 3.

It all turned out well. The course was in really nice shape. Playing the blue tees nothing seemed too intimidating on paper. The challenge came from the sloping fairways and the elevated greens. The course was rated 70.5/127, and I shot a 97. Not what I was hoping for, but on the plus side, my drives were generally good. The biggest challenge that I had was my chipping. I was within 50 yards on one hole, and it took me three horrendous chips to get onto the green. It was an elevated green, and if you missed it, the ball rolled back to your feet.

The second challenge was that I lost two balls IN THE FAIRWAY. How does this happen? Everyone agreed that the ball should be right THERE! Oh well, onto PGA West Stadium Course.

So if you are keeping score at home 97 strokes and two lost balls.

$26 (cart included), played on Tuesday, April 2016 at 9:00 AM

fantastic condition. staff extremely friendly and helpful. marshall passes out complimentary apples and bananas and is always nearby keeping course running smooth. 4 sets of tees to accomodate all players. beverage carts always available and snack bars on both courses with fast and efficient service so as not to slow play. girlfriend took lesson on range and also on course at competitive prices. would recommend to everyone!

$76 (cart included), played on Thursday, April 2014 at 8am

The greens were truly awful. Very disappointing for a course like this. Manner bare spots and a cutting that left lines on the green. The rest of the course was awsome. Would love to play again IF the greens were up to par. Got a reduced rate through golfnow. If i would have paid full price I would have asked for my money back.

$56 (cart included), played on Friday, October 2013 at 10am

For high handicappers it has two over the water par 3s that are a challenge. However, fairways are generous in width the ambiance is great. Despite being a desert course they have lots of undulation and no (or very little) waste areas with natural desert area, as many desert coursed do.

Guest (cart included), played on Monday, July 2013 at 8am

Overall experience great.

$66 (cart included), played on Tuesday, October 2012 at 8am

Course in fine shape with good bunkering and forgiving fairways. Greens somewhat difficult to read but challanging. I have played this course several times and will play again when I return to Palm Desert. I found the staff cheerful and helpful. Though the pro shop is limited in size, it seemed to be well stocked. The course also offers Taylor Made fitting and swing analysis facility.

$126 (cart included), played on Saturday, February 2010 at 10am

This course is always priced on the high side because it is located at a five star resort. OK if you are staying there and want the convenience. Very pretty and mostly forgiving. Staff has always been a little snooty and the pro shop is small, but the course is enjoyable and always in great shape. there should be a better price for timeshare and hotel guests who are staying there.

$26 (cart included), played on Saturday, September 2010 at 8am

Got a really good rate because the group of guys i played with were staying at the villas. Not a really difficult course but was enjoyable. This course is not like a lot of the desert courses i played where anything off the fairway was desert. Staff was great in getting you on and keeping pace of play moving - we actually never had to wait at any hole - not bad for a saturday am round.

$76 (cart included), played on Monday, April 2010 at 8am

I have played both the Valley and Palm courses. I prefer the Valley course because of the elevation changes and views. Staff is outstanding.