I’m riding in a golf cart checking my weather app, which says it’s 100° out here in Palm Desert. I tell my buddy Neil, who’s driving, that it doesn’t feel that bad. He agrees. There’s something about being on a fairway that just makes the heat more bearable.
We’re playing our first round of the weekend at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club. When we return home to Los Angeles, we should probably buy our wives gifts for watching our kids. (We both have two.) Knowing how valuable our time is as family men, we wanted a destination that balanced all the variables: great courses, reasonable prices, reliable weather (arguably the most important), and solid dining options. After this trip, I can say that Palm Desert is that destination.
The J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club
Photo via Marriott Hotels
Getting There
Driving to Palm Desert is remarkably easy. Neil and I drove from Los Angeles, and it took just under 2 ½ hours. Other manageable starting destinations for a drive are San Diego (2 ½ hours), Phoenix (4 hours) and Las Vegas (4 ½ hours). Otherwise, fly into Palm Springs airport (PSP) and rent a car.
The inviting pool at Hotel Paseo.
Photo via Marriott Hotels
Where to Stay
If you want convenience to the heart of Palm Desert, Hotel Paseo is the place to stay. It’s where Neil and I stayed and we loved that it was right off El Paseo, the city’s shopping district that features stores like Travis Matthews and Ralph Lauren. Hotel Paseo is also a preferred partner of Desert Willow Golf Resort and offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the course.
Hotel Paseo is new—touted as “the first new luxury hotel in Palm Desert in 30 years”—and feels hip while retaining the mid-century modern aesthetic that the California desert is known for. The rooms were clean, and the staff were warm and professional. The hotel has several amenities you can enjoy between rounds, like a backyard game lawn with shuffleboard and a putting green, a pool, a day spa (House of Hudson), and the Larkspur Grill, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Desert Willow has two outstanding courses to play.
Photo courtesy of Desert Willow Golf Resort
Where to Golf
While the surrounding Coachella Valley is known for its quality of courses, the heart of Palm Desert features some fantastic ones that make getting to and from destinations as easy as an Ernie Els swing.
Desert Willow Golf Resort: I’ve played both courses here—Firecliff and Mountain View—and both are amazing. Firecliff is the more challenging of the two, with more water features and natural hazards, while Mountain View has wider fairways. But both require course management to avoid losing too many balls, and feature greens that are deceptively challenging with subtle undulations. Mountain View is unique in that there is no “turn”—the course keeps you away from the clubhouse past hole 9. It’s not a problem, as water and ice stations are well-placed and a beverage cart makes consistent rounds. If you have the time, play both.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club: Connected to the JW Marriott, a stay-and-play is possible at these two championship courses. We played The Palm course (the other is The Valley) and found that designer Ted Robinson lived up to his nickname, “The King of Waterscapes.” Water seems to be everywhere on this course, making it majestic and refreshing—while also anxiety-inducing for the less accurate golfer. (Raises hand as a 27-handicap index.) The last three holes are especially memorable. Hole 16 has Flamingo Island, named for the famous resident JW Pink Flamingos, while holes 17 and 18 had water features that bring you back to the clubhouse in stunning fashion.
Shadow Mountain Golf Club: The first ever golf course in Palm Desert, it’s been deemed a historic landmark and was designed by Grand Slam Winner Gene Sarazen. While short (par 70, 5,375 yards), it has tight fairways and challenging greens. It also has an 18-hole putting course called “Let’s Flamingo.” It’s also a two-minute drive from Hotel Paseo.
Indian Wells Golf Club: Including this is a bit of a cheat as it’s technically in nearby Indian Wells (10 min drive), but the Celebrity Course is a must-play.The spectacular views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains are seared into my memory. You’ll tee off among beautiful water features that include streams and waterfalls, requiring accuracy and making it a fun, challenging course.
Mole's signature appetizer, the Guaca-Crab “Jaracho.”
Photo courtesy of Mole
Where to Eat and Drink
Tommy Bahama Restaurant: Who knew Tommy Bahama specialized in beachwear and fantastic meals? This restaurant is walking distance from Hotel Paseo in The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert’s luxury outdoor mall. Neil and I found it to be the perfect place to unwind after our round. He was impressed that the blood orange margarita had an extra kick. The lobster spring rolls were crunchy on the outside, yet tender on the inside, while the Kona-coffee-crusted ribeye with Yukon gold mash hit the spot.
Mole: Just down the street from Hotel Paseo, Mole offers high-end Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Their signature appetizer, the Guaca-Crab “Jaracho” is a combination of guacamole topped with citrus warm lump crab, diced mango, and plantain chips, served with fresh tortilla chips. I nearly ate the whole thing myself. They also specialize in margaritas and have an extensive tequila selection.
Wilma & Frieda’s: For a hearty breakfast that powers you through your tee time, this sun-splashed brunch spot is a Palm Desert classic, featuring comfort food that will help cure any hangover or give you the sustenance to play in the heat. Their classic breakfast is playfully tiered as “Eeny,” “Meany,” “Miney,” and “Mo”—the main difference being the addition of bacon, sausage, and French toast. It gets crowded, so get there early or prepare to wait.
La Fe Wine Bar: Also conveniently located on El Paseo, this locally owned wine bar features an extensive tasting list, as well as a full bar with craft beer and cocktails. If you don’t want to drink on an empty stomach, they also have a tapas menu. And if you finish your round in time, check out their happy hour from 5-6pm.
La Quinta Brewing Co.: About six miles from El Paseo, La Quinta Brewing Co.’s brewery taproom was founded by desert native Scott Stokes in 2013 and has grown ever since. With 24 taps, as well as guest brews, ciders, and wine, they’ll have something for everyone in your party. They also have a full kitchen with offerings like burgers, wings, and nachos—brewery food. Be aware that there are two locations—the other is in Palm Springs, and does not have a kitchen.
