Where Vision Meets the Desert Landscape
Our Story: The History of Desert Willow Golf Resort
More than just a place to golf, Desert Willow Golf Resort is a legacy of vision, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Nestled in the heart of Palm Desert, this award-winning public golf destination was built on the belief that excellence in golf could coexist with sustainable design and breathtaking desert beauty.
Built on Purpose, Backed by the City of Palm Desert
A Vision That Redefined Public Golf in the Desert
In the 1990s, the City of Palm Desert envisioned a municipal golf facility that would rival private clubs in design and service, while being accessible to the public. Their goal? To build a golf resort that elevated community recreation and celebrated the natural desert terrain.
To bring this dream to life, the City of Palm Desert enlisted:
Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA
One of golf’s most respected architects, Dr. Hurdzan is internationally recognized for his leadership in sustainable course design and environmental stewardship.
Learn More About Dr. Michael Hurdzan
Dr. Michael Hurdzan has been selected the winner of the 2002 Donald A. Rossi Award by the Golf Course Builders Association of America; he was Golf World Magazine’s 1997 “Architect of the Year;” and The Board Room Magazine’s 2001 and 1999 selection for the same honor. “Environmental Impacts of Golf Courses” for the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He is a Golf Digest panelist for their environmental awards program, a selected delegate for the “Golf and Environment” conferences, and serves on the education review committee for GCSAA.
Dana Fry, Principal
From elite player to visionary designer, Dana Fry brings artistic vision and a golfer’s passion to every course he shapes, including his celebrated partnership with Dr. Michael Hurdzan.
Learn More About Dana Fry
Dana Fry’s career in golf began as a talented junior golfer who later went on to play for the University of Arizona. During that period Dana became interested in golf course design and went to work as a shaper for Tom Fazio for five years and on sixteen golf courses before he joined Mike in 1988. It didn’t take long to recognize Dana’s genius for golf course design and in January 1997 Mike made Dana a partner in the firm. Combined with Michael Hurdzan’s technical expertise, Dana offers the eyes of an artist, and the passion of an avid golfer.
John Cook, PGA
PGA Tour professional and Palm Desert resident, who infused the design with championship-caliber insight.
Eric Johnson
Local landscape architect who curated a desert-friendly plant palette.
Together, they developed a concept that seamlessly blended form and function—where each hole respects the land, challenges the player, and frames the natural beauty of the Coachella Valley.
Environmental Leadership on the Fairway
Desert Willow was among the first public courses in California to prioritize eco-friendly golf course design. Our design incorporates:
- Native and drought-tolerant plants
- Precision water management systems
- Minimal disruption to existing landforms
- Sweeping vistas of the Santa Rosa Mountains
This commitment to sustainability has helped Desert Willow earn accolades as a model of desert golf development.
Featured in Smithsonian Magazine:
A Golf Course Rooted in Nature
In April 1997, Desert Willow Golf Resort became the only golf course ever featured on the cover of Smithsonian Magazine – “recognized for its pioneering design that blends championship golf with sustainable desert landscaping using native plants and minimal turf.”
Smithsonian Magazine
Golf Gets Back to Nature, Inviting Everyone to Play
Jay Stuller | April 1, 1997
A Lasting Legacy of Championship Golf
Since its opening, Firecliff and Mountain View courses have attracted players from around the world. Firecliff is known for its strategic bunkering and demanding play, while Mountain View offers a more forgiving layout with stunning scenery—ideal for golfers of all levels.
Together, they’ve made Desert Willow a must-play destination for golf travelers, local residents, and tournament players alike.
Powered by KemperSports Excellence
Desert Willow Golf Resort is professionally managed by KemperSports, one of the nation’s leading golf and hospitality management firms. With their support, the resort continues to deliver an elevated guest experience, both on and off the course.
Desert Willow Golf Resort is professionally managed by KemperSports, one of the nation’s leading golf and hospitality management firms. With their support, the resort continues to deliver an elevated guest experience, both on and off the course.
Read More
Desert Willow Golf Resort, a high-end daily fee golf club, is managed by KemperSports on behalf of the City of Palm Desert. KemperSports is a privately held sports, entertainment, and hospitality company that delivers operational excellence in property and experience management. Headquartered in Chicago with regional offices throughout the U.S., KemperSports manages more than 130 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues, and destination resorts nationwide. It has more golf properties named among the top 100 U.S. public access and resort courses as rated by Golfweek than any other management company. For more information about KemperSports, visit www.kempersports.com.
Experience the Legacy
“This course is beautiful and pure. We were impressed in every aspect from the time we pulled up until the time we finished on the 18th and left. The conditions were a little windy, which did affect our shots at times, but the course itself was awesome!! The carts were plush and the GPS was pretty accurate. This course (Firecliff) is challenging, especially if it’s your first time playing here, but the views, the friendliness of the staff, and the pureness of the fairways and greens make you feel special just to be able to play such a course. Highly recommend this course, and I cannot wait to return!!”
– GolfPass Reviewer
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