A Gold Standard of Service:
Desert Willow Earns 59club USA Gold Flag Recognition
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
After two consecutive years of Silver recognition, Desert Willow Golf Resort set a clear intention, to reach Gold. This season, that goal became a proud reality.
Desert Willow has earned its first-ever Gold Flag Designation from 59club USA, a prestigious national honor recognizing destinations that consistently deliver the highest standards of service across every guest touchpoint. What makes this milestone especially meaningful is that it arrived alongside multiple individual manager awards, affirming that service excellence here is not limited to one department, but truly woven throughout the entire resort.
This recognition reflects years of intention, teamwork, and care behind the scenes.
Jodi Shaver
Marketing Manager
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California
A Journey Defined by Purpose
Gold Flag status isn’t something that happens overnight. It is the result of detailed, independent mystery shopping evaluations that assess the full guest experience, from the very first inquiry to the final farewell. Every interaction matters. Every moment counts.
For Desert Willow, achieving Gold represents a journey shaped by focus and follow-through. After earning Silver status for two consecutive years, leadership and frontline teams aligned around a shared goal: elevate the experience in every department, every day.
Progress of this kind is built through consistency, pride in the work, and a shared belief that details matter.
Excellence Across Every Department
What makes this achievement especially rewarding is the scope of recognition Desert Willow received at the 59club USA Service Excellence Awards. In addition to the Gold Flag Designation, several members of the leadership team were individually honored for their commitment to service excellence:
Each of these awards represents a different part of the guest journey, but together, they tell one cohesive story. From course conditions and golf operations to dining, retail, and personal interactions, this recognition reflects an organization-wide commitment to hospitality.
It is a clear example of a brand promise not just communicated, but consistently delivered.
A Culture Built on Pride and Consistency
At Desert Willow, service is not a script, it is a standard. One built through teamwork, accountability, and respect for the experience being created.
Earning Gold reflects the pride, discipline, and consistency our managers and frontline teams bring to their roles every day.
Those qualities show up in early mornings, thoughtful preparation, and the quiet confidence that comes from doing things the right way, consistently.
These efforts may not always be visible, but they are absolutely felt by guests.
Looking Ahead to the Global Stage
With this Gold Flag achievement, Desert Willow now qualifies to represent the United States at the 59club Global Awards in Portugal, joining an international group of venues recognized for world-class service.
It is an honor shared by the entire team, one that reflects not just a single moment of recognition, but years of dedication and care. Representing Desert Willow and KemperSports on a global stage speaks to the strength of the culture behind the experience.
Moments of Recognition
A look inside the 59club USA Service Excellence Awards, where Desert Willow’s Gold Flag milestone and individual honors were celebrated alongside industry leaders from across the country.
A Promise to Our Guests
Awards like this are worth celebrating, but they also serve as a reminder of responsibility.
Gold Flag status is not a finish line. It is a promise to continue delivering experiences that feel refined, personal, and genuinely welcoming. A promise that when guests arrive at Desert Willow Golf Resort, they will feel the difference in the details, the warmth of the people, and the care behind every experience.
Thank you for being part of the Desert Willow story. This milestone is proudly shared with every guest who walks through the Clubhouse.
Proud to share this milestone,
Jodi Shaver
Marketing Manager
Desert Willow Golf Resort
About the Author
Jodi Shaver, Marketing Manager
Jodi Shaver is the Marketing Manager at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, where she’s proudly spent the past 16 years bringing the story of the resort to life. An Indiana native and proud Purdue Boilermaker, Jodi is passionate about sharing the beauty, spirit, and unforgettable experiences that make Desert Willow so special. She’s grateful to share it all with you, one story at a time.
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