One of the things I love most about golf is the traditions that bring people back year after year.

For many of us at Desert Willow, Memorial Day Weekend means it’s time for the City of Palm Desert Championship. It’s a weekend I look forward to every year, not just because of the competition, but because of the people. We see familiar faces returning to play with longtime friends, father-and-son teams teeing it up together, and new competitors experiencing the event for the first time.

Before the desert sun rises over the Santa Rosa Mountains, the clubhouse is already buzzing. Golfers are grabbing breakfast, checking in with their partners, and sharing stories from previous championships. The practice greens fill up, the nerves start to kick in, and you can feel that excitement that only tournament golf seems to bring.

As someone who grew up around the game and has spent the last 18 years at Desert Willow, those moments never get old.

This year marked the ninth City of Palm Desert Championship, and once again, the players made it a weekend to remember.

Two Courses. One Championship.

One of the things that makes this event unique is the opportunity to compete on both of Desert Willow’s championship courses.

Saturday’s round on Mountain View rewarded patience, strategy, and smart decision-making. Sunday’s final round on Firecliff asked players to dig a little deeper, execute under pressure, and trust their game when it mattered most.

The combination creates a great test of golf because it challenges teams in different ways. No matter your playing style, both courses ask you to stay committed to every shot.

Over two days of Best Ball and Scramble competition, teams battled for Gross and Net titles, and as always, the leaderboard stayed competitive right to the finish.

Championship Moments

One of the things I enjoy most about tournament golf is watching how a championship unfolds over two days. Momentum can shift quickly, and every shot has the potential to make a difference.

This year’s City Championship was competitive from start to finish, with teams battling through two very different tests on Mountain View and Firecliff. As always, the leaderboard remained tight throughout the weekend, and several teams put together impressive performances when it mattered most.

In the A Flight Gross Division, Len Komar and Chris Campbell put together two outstanding rounds, posting scores of 67 and 63 for a two-day total of 130 to earn the Gross Championship. Their consistency, teamwork, and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities set them apart in a talented field.

The A Flight Net Championship was claimed by Denis Hagarty and Robert West, who delivered steady play throughout the weekend on their way to an impressive net total of 127.

In B Flight, Gabriel Esquer and Paul Carrasco turned in one of the strongest performances of the tournament, posting a remarkable two-day net score of 121 to capture the B Flight Net Championship.

Congratulations to all of our champions and to every team that competed. Tournament golf has a way of bringing out the best in players, and this year’s field showcased the sportsmanship, competitiveness, and passion for the game that make this event so enjoyable year after year.

More Than a Competition

While champions are crowned each year, the true success of the City of Palm Desert Championship is measured by the experiences shared along the way.

It’s the longtime friends who reunite each Memorial Day Weekend. The father-and-son teams creating new traditions. The first-time participants who discover what makes tournament golf so rewarding. The conversations after the round, the stories shared during lunch, and the memories that stay with players long after the final scores are posted.

Those moments are what continue to make this event one of my favorite weekends of the year.

As tournament coordinator, I am fortunate to witness firsthand the passion our players bring to the game and the sportsmanship they demonstrate throughout the competition. Whether competing for a championship or simply enjoying the experience, every participant contributes to the welcoming atmosphere that defines this event.

A Team Effort Behind the Scenes

A tournament like this doesn’t happen without a lot of great people working behind the scenes.

I’d like to personally thank our Golf Operations team, Course Maintenance staff, Food & Beverage team, tournament volunteers, and every Desert Willow team member who helped make the weekend such a success. From preparing the courses and coordinating logistics to serving breakfast and lunch with a smile, every detail matters.

One of the things that makes me proud to be part of Desert Willow is how many people come together to create an exceptional experience for our guests. It’s a true team effort, and I’m grateful for the dedication and professionalism everyone brings to the event each year.

Their hard work helps deliver the level of service our guests have come to expect while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that makes Desert Willow feel like a “Country Club for a Day.”

Honoring the Meaning of Memorial Day

While we’re celebrating another great championship, it’s also important to remember why we gather on Memorial Day Weekend.

This holiday gives us the opportunity to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We’re grateful for the freedoms that allow us to spend time with family, friends, and fellow golfers doing something we love, and we recognize those who made those moments possible.

Looking Ahead

The City of Palm Desert Championship continues to grow because of the incredible golfers who choose to make it part of their Memorial Day tradition.

To everyone who joined us this year, thank you. Your enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and love for the game are what make this event so special. Whether you were competing for a championship or simply enjoying a weekend of golf with friends, you helped create another memorable chapter in this tournament’s story.

Congratulations once again to our 2026 champions:

A Flight Gross Champions: Len Komar & Chris Campbell
A Flight Net Champions: Denis Hagarty & Robert West
B Flight Net Champions: Gabriel Esquer & Paul Carrasco

I already find myself looking forward to next year’s event. We can’t wait to welcome back familiar faces and meet new competitors as this tradition continues to grow.

After all, the best part of this championship isn’t just the scores or the trophies, it’s the people who make it special year after year.