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Digging Deeper: How We’re Restoring Mountain View’s Greens for Peak Performance

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Behind the Scenes

Digging Deeper: How We’re Restoring Mountain View’s Greens for Peak Performance

Inside the precision process behind healthier turf, smoother greens, and a better game ahead.

This behind-the-scenes blog post highlights the summer restoration work on Mountain View’s greens and fairways. Featuring a detailed look at verticutting, aerification, and fraize mowing, the post explains how these turf management practices are improving playability and setting the stage for a stronger season ahead.

Chris Bien
Superintendent
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California

There’s something quietly satisfying about the hum of heavy equipment just after sunrise. The first rays of desert light stretch over Mountain View, and all you hear is the rhythmic buzz of verticut blades meeting soil, a sign we’re on the right track.

This July, following the seasonal closure of our Mountain View course, we undertook an intensive greens recovery initiative focused on removing the mutated turf areas that had limited our ability to mow to our standard heights. These problematic patches led to scalping and inconsistent playability, two things no superintendent wants on their greens.

The Process: Precision Meets Purpose

Our team performed eight passes of verticutting at 1/4″ depth, followed by a 1/2″ solid tine aerification and heavy topdressing. This comprehensive approach was designed to remove the thatch and mutated growth, open the soil profile, and prepare a fresh surface that could eventually be mowed uniformly and maintained at optimal conditions.

We repeated this exact process just ten days ago. The results? Remarkable. As of this morning, the greens are nearly ready for their first mow, an important milestone that confirms our timeline for full recovery is right on track.

Fairway Transformation: The Power of Fraize Mowing

This maintenance window also gave us the opportunity to rejuvenate fairway turf using fraize mowing, which removes the upper layer of thatch and lateral growth, encouraging denser, healthier turf.

The comparison between July 14th, fraize mowing day, and July 31st speaks for itself. The photo progression on #1 fairway shows not just regrowth, but revitalization. Within 17 days, the surface has gone from raw and exposed to vibrant and playable. It’s a visual reminder of what turf can do when given the chance to reset.

(Left) Hole 1 Mountain View Fairway on July 14 on Day One of Fraize Mowing. (Right) Hole 1 Mountain View Fairway on July 31 on Day 17 of Fraize Mowing.

Looking Ahead

Our goal with these maintenance practices is simple: deliver the premium playing surfaces our guests expect while staying ahead of long-term turf challenges. These processes are labor-intensive and require patience, but they ensure that Mountain View’s greens and fairways will return stronger, smoother, and more consistent than ever.

I invite you to watch the behind-the-scenes video of our verticutting in action. These snapshots don’t just show grass, they show progress. ↗

We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and even prouder of the experience it will create for you this fall.

Warmly,
Chris
Superintendent, Desert Willow Golf Resort

2 responses to “Digging Deeper: How We’re Restoring Mountain View’s Greens for Peak Performance”

  1. John Barr Avatar
    John Barr

    Patsy and I, each year, visit Palm Desert for the month of February. We stay at Shadow Ridge. Desert Willow is our preferred golf destination in the entire valley. Both courses provide an unmatched experience in terms of quality, challenge and beauty. None of that just happens. It takes dedicated leadership and determination to reach for perfection knowing that sharp attention to all details, large and small, will produce excellence. Few of us really appreciate or know what it takes to create and maintain golf courses at the level of Firecliff and Mountain View. Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Neil Donnelly Avatar
    Neil Donnelly

    Hi Chris,
    As a guy who plays your course allot I must congratulate you and your team on an Excellent job. Both courses are a treat to play because you do such a great job.
    Thanks very much,
    Neil

    Reply

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About the Author

Chris Bien, Superintendent

Chris Bien is the golf course superintendent and regional agronomist at Desert Willow Golf Resort. A graduate of Cornell’s Turfgrass Maintenance program, Chris brings over a decade of desert golf expertise to his work. Known for his hands-on approach and dedication to excellence, he leads with a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and playability across all playing surfaces.

Tacos, Beer, and a View: Your New Summer Ritual

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Tacos, Beer, and a View: Your New Summer Ritual

Bold Flavors. Cold Beer. No Better Bite.

Some meals are just meals. Others leave an impression.

At The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort, our new Taco + Beer Summer Special is the kind you’ll think about long after the last bite. It’s three tacos, each one loaded with bold, crave-worthy flavor, and a cold draft beer, all served with a view that stretches across the Firecliff fairways to the Santa Rosa mountains beyond.

It’s simple. It’s satisfying. And it’s quickly becoming everyone’s favorite excuse to linger a little longer this summer.

Let’s dig in.

Jodi Shaver
Marketing Manager
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California

The Taco + Beer Combo You’ll Crave All Summer

There’s nothing complicated about it, just bold flavor, fresh ingredients, and an ice-cold beer that hits the spot.

This summer at The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort, we’re serving up a seasonal special that’s quickly becoming a guest favorite: three street-style tacos and a draft beer for just $15. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back.

Each taco is loaded with your choice of protein:

  • Carne Asada: chargrilled and juicy, with that signature smoky depth
  • Al Pastor: tender, marinated pork with just a touch of sweetness and spice
  • Chicken: flavorful and savory, perfectly seasoned and grilled

Each taco arrives tucked in a warm, soft corn tortilla, ready to be devoured. As you take that first bite, the layers of flavor unfold: juicy meat, fresh chopped onion and cilantro, and tangy pickled red onion. It’s savory, it’s mouthwatering, and it’s got just the right amount of crunch.

Adding a squeeze of lime is a must, bringing everything together and really wakes up the flavors. Now, let’s talk about the two house-made salsas. One is smooth and creamy, adding richness and depth. The other brings bold heat with a fiery finish. Whether you drizzle them on top or dip between bites, they’re the finishing touch that makes each taco uniquely yours. One bite, and you’ll understand why this combo is a summer essential.

Whether you’re grabbing a bite after your round or simply looking for a great meal with a view, this is the kind of special that doesn’t overcomplicate things, it just delivers.

Ready to taste your new summer favorite?

Swing by The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort and treat yourself to the Taco + Beer Special, where bold flavor, handcrafted salsas, and an ice-cold draft come together for just $15. Available all summer long.

No reservation needed, just an appetite.
Served daily at The Terrace.

Come hungry. Leave obsessed.

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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 15 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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Subscribe to The Desert Willow Experience

On the Course
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Step inside the story of Desert Willow Golf Resort.

From championship rounds and player reflections to sun-drenched meals and unforgettable celebrations, The Desert Willow Experience blog offers a deeper look at what makes our resort more than a destination, it’s a state of play.

When you subscribe, you’ll be among the first to explore new stories as they’re published, highlighting the beauty, character, and moments that define life at Desert Willow.

What to Expect:

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  • Highlights from across the resort: golf, dining, instruction, and events
  • Behind-the-scenes insights and seasonal storytelling
  • Invitations to share your own Desert Willow story

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Share Your Story

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Be Part of The Desert Willow Experience

Did you sink the perfect putt, play your best round yet, or finally hit that effortless draw after a breakthrough lesson? Maybe you teed off just after sunrise and watched the morning light stretch across the fairways, one of those rounds where everything just felt right.

Perhaps you gathered with friends for breakfast or lunch overlooking Firecliff’s 18th green, where each dish, thoughtfully crafted by our culinary team, mirrored the setting’s beauty. From the first bite to the final toast, the flavors were vibrant, seasonal, and created to be savored as much as the view itself.

Or maybe you celebrated something extraordinary, an anniversary, a wedding, an evening under the stars that felt like pure magic.

Whatever your Desert Willow moment was, we’d love to hear about it.

The Desert Willow Experience is more than a place, it’s the stories we carry with us long after the day ends. Your memory might inspire another guest, bring a smile, or be featured in our Guest Reflections blog series.

Share a photo, your images help bring your story to life.

Share Your Story

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Guest Reflections

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Real Guests. Real Moments.

Guest Reflections at Desert Willow Golf Resort

Every visit writes a story. Share yours and revisit the moments that made Desert Willow unforgettable.

At Desert Willow Golf Resort, we believe the most meaningful stories aren’t the ones we tell, but the ones our guests carry home.

From unforgettable rounds and celebratory toasts to early morning tee times warmed by desert light, every visit leaves an imprint. In this curated collection of Guest Reflections, we invite you to experience Desert Willow through the voices of those who’ve lived it—travelers, friends, couples, families—all sharing the moments that moved them.

This is more than memory; it’s a mosaic of experiences that bring the Desert Willow spirit to life.

We invite you to share your story.
Whether it’s a snapshot of joy, a moment of triumph, or a tradition worth passing down, your reflection might just inspire the next unforgettable visit.

What You’ll Find:

  • First-hand guest reflections that reveal the spirit of Desert Willow
  • Stories of memorable rounds, early tee times, and special traditions on the course
  • Personal milestones, weddings, anniversaries, and once-in-a-lifetime celebrations
  • Dining moments that pair seasonal flavor with stunning views
  • Family memories made through instruction, tournaments, or multi-generational experiences
  • A behind-the-scenes glimpse at how each visit becomes part of a personal story

Because when the desert connects us, the stories stay with us.

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YOUR story belongs here

Share Your Desert Willow Experience

From breakthrough lessons and unforgettable rounds to celebratory meals and sunset vows, every moment adds to the story we’re proud to tell.

Tell Us Your Story

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Culinary Moments

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Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl

Savor the Story Behind Every Dish

Culinary Moments at Desert Willow Golf Resort

Where Flavor, Craft, and Setting Come Together

At Desert Willow Golf Resort, every meal tells a story. From the first spark of a seasonal menu idea to the final plate presented beneath the desert sky, our culinary team creates more than just cuisine, they create experiences.

“Culinary Moments” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, precision, and inspiration that fuel our kitchen. Whether it’s a n alfresco dinner during Music & Dining Under the Stars, a Chef’s Tasting Menu crafted for a private event, or the morning rituals that bring our brunch to life, these stories celebrate the artistry behind every bite.

Step into the world of our chefs and hospitality team as they share seasonal ingredients, creative challenges, wine pairings, and personal reflections on what it means to feed the soul in a place as stunning as Palm Desert.

What You’ll Discover

  • Seasonal menu inspirations and chef insights
  • Stories from our special events and terrace dinners
  • Ingredient spotlights and local sourcing stories
  • Culinary team profiles and reflections
  • Crossovers with wine, golf, and guest experiences

Because great food doesn’t just happen, it’s crafted, curated, and shared.

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Student Spotlight: JT Cochrane

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Student Spotlight: JT Cochrane

A Legacy in Motion: From First Swings to Championship Wins

From first swings to championship wins, JT Cochrane’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of great instruction. As part of our Youth Golf Week celebration, we’re proud to spotlight this rising junior star and share how Desert Willow Golf Resort has helped shape his path, both on and off the course.

Jodi Shaver
Marketing Manager
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California

JT Cochrane

Some stories begin quietly – early morning range sessions, a borrowed club, a kid trailing behind his dad and uncle, soaking in the rhythm of the game. For JT Cochrane, that’s where it all started. And today, just a few years later, JT is stepping into the spotlight as one of Southern California’s most promising junior golfers.

A freshman from the San Diego area, JT has spent the past three years training here at Desert Willow Golf Resort’s Palm Desert Golf Academy, where his work ethic, humility, and hunger to grow have stood out from day one. Earlier this year, that focus translated into two impressive victories on the Toyota Tour Cup, a highly competitive junior circuit that showcases the region’s elite young talent.

Yet, for JT, the game isn’t just about scorecards or trophies, it’s something deeper.

“My family has always inspired me to play, as they were the ones who introduced me to the game,” JT shared. “My uncle in particular has helped develop my interest in competitive golf.”

JT Cochrane

That sense of belonging, to both the game and to those who first put a club in his hands, is what makes JT’s journey so compelling. His love for golf isn’t fleeting; it’s woven into his every day.

“I love that there is always something for me to be working on, and I can always get better,” “You can really spend all day at the course practicing and still feel like there’s more to do.”

JT Cochrane

It’s that mindset, equal parts discipline and wonder, that shapes him into more than just a skilled player. JT approaches each round, each lesson, each quiet moment on the practice green, not as a task, but as an opportunity.

Recently, he’s been perfecting his knockdown shots, those low, controlled trajectories that demand both finesse and precision.

Watch JT in action as he works with Paul Bucy, Director of Instruction, to fine-tune this advanced technique.

Watch JT demonstrate how to hit a knockdown shot →

His family’s connection to Desert Willow spans nearly three decades, and now, JT is building a legacy of his own, carried by both heritage and heart.

“Desert Willow has been at the heart of our family’s golf story for three decades, and Paul’s junior program has taken that legacy to another level,” his family shared. “The combination of elite instruction and a genuinely welcoming culture has helped JT grow from a little kid tagging along with his dad and uncle to one of the top juniors in Southern California. We couldn’t ask for a better place to learn, compete, and fall in love with the game.”

-Courtney Cochrane

At the Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort, we believe in developing complete golfers, athletes who understand the game’s nuances, respect its traditions, and embrace its challenges with character. JT Cochrane is the embodiment of that mission, and we are proud to support him on this exciting path.

JT Cochrane

Recent Highlights

  • Two-time Champion | 2025 Toyota Tour Cup
  • Current Freshman | San Diego, CA
  • Training Ground | Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort

Continue the Journey

Follow more student stories, instructional insights, and moments of growth right here on The Desert Willow Experience Blog.

Warmly,
Jodi
Marketing Manager, Desert Willow Golf Resort

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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 15 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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Instruction & Insights

On the Course
Instruction & Insights
Culinary Moments
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Learn. Improve. Play Better.

Instruction & Insights from the Palm Desert Golf Academy

Expert tips, training stories, and performance insights to help you elevate your game – one swing at a time.

Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or looking to shave a few strokes off your handicap, the path to better golf starts here. Instruction & Insights is your inside look at the knowledge, coaching, and philosophy behind the Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

Go behind the lesson tee with our PGA professionals, explore proven practice routines, and discover the mindset strategies that turn players into performers. From short game drills to full-swing analysis, this blog category is designed to inspire, inform, and improve your experience on the course.

What You’ll Discover:

  • Practice drills and at-home routines
  • Coaching philosophies from our PGA professionals
  • Academy updates and new program spotlights
  • Mental game tips and course strategy
  • Student success stories and junior highlights
  • Real results from golfers of all levels
  • Student Spotlight: JT Cochrane

    Student Spotlight: JT Cochrane

    Student Spotlight: JT Cochrane A Legacy in Motion: From First Swings to Championship Wins From first swings to championship wins, JT Cochrane’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and

    Read More

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Events & Celebrations

On the Course
Instruction & Insights
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Events & Celebrations
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The Story Behind Every Celebration

Celebrations Worth Remembering

Discover how our most memorable moments come to life – one gathering, one toast, one perfect detail at a time.

At Desert Willow Golf Resort, we believe every event is a story waiting to be told. Whether it’s a golden-hour wedding ceremony, a twilight golf event, or an intimate gathering under the stars, our resort is a place where celebrations take on a life of their own.

The Events & Celebrations blog category captures the beauty, planning, and behind-the-scenes magic of life’s most meaningful moments at Desert Willow. From menus and décor to music and mountain views, step inside the celebrations that define our resort’s spirit of connection and joy.

What You’ll Discover:

  • Wedding inspiration and real love stories
  • Seasonal event recaps and photo highlights
  • Private event features and venue spotlights
  • Culinary pairings and chef-curated menus
  • Planning insights from our events team

Because at Desert Willow, every celebration is an experience worth sharing.

  • Elevating Events: Inside the Catering Sales Department

    Elevating Events: Inside the Catering Sales Department

    Elevating Events: Inside the Catering Sales Department How passion, experience, and people-first hospitality make every celebration unforgettable. In this behind-the-scenes look, Catering Director Robbie Lomes shares how her East Coast

    Read More

  • Desert Vows & Unforgettable Views

    Desert Vows & Unforgettable Views

    Desert Vows & Unforgettable Views Janine and Jason’s Wedding at Desert Willow Golf Resort A live painter, sunset vows, and a celebration beneath the palms; see how this Palm Desert

    Read More

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On the Course

On the Course
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Where Desert and Design Meet

The Game Lives Here

Discover the rhythm of the round, from signature holes and player reflections to the art of course care.

At Desert Willow Golf Resort, every round is shaped by the rhythm of the desert, the way the morning sun paints the fairways, the challenge of a well-placed bunker, the quiet focus on the tee box. On the Course brings you stories that capture what makes playing here so special.

From hole-by-hole highlights and tournament recaps to course maintenance insights and seasonal playing tips, this blog series takes you into the heart of the Firecliff and Mountain View courses. Whether you’re a weekend player or a lifelong golfer, you’ll find inspiration in the beauty, precision, and personality of the game at Desert Willow.

What You’ll Find

  • Signature hole spotlights and strategy breakdowns
  • Player stories and memorable round recaps
  • Course updates and behind-the-scenes turf care
  • Seasonal playing conditions and pace of play tips
  • Tournaments, twilight rounds, and moments worth remembering

Step onto the fairway. See the course from a new perspective.

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