Player Development Month at Desert Willow Golf Resort
Growing the Game. Inspiring the Next Generation. Creating Stories Worth Sharing.
June is Player Development Month
At Desert Willow Golf Resort, player development is more than instruction, it is about creating opportunities, building confidence, fostering community, and helping golfers of all ages discover a lifelong connection to the game.
As part of KemperSports’ annual Player Development Month initiative, we are proud to celebrate the programs, partnerships, and championship events that help make golf more welcoming, engaging, and accessible throughout our community.
From introducing military veterans to the game through PGA HOPE to supporting aspiring junior golfers and hosting some of the nation’s most prestigious amateur and collegiate competitions, Desert Willow continues to play an important role in shaping the future of golf in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
Whether you’re taking your first swing or competing at the highest level, every golfer’s journey matters, and every story starts somewhere.
PGA HOPE: Serving Those Who Served
One of the most meaningful programs we host each year is PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military golf initiative of the PGA of America.
This spring, Desert Willow Golf Resort proudly completed another six-week PGA HOPE program, concluding on May 16. Through golf instruction, camaraderie, and community support, the program provides veterans and active-duty military personnel with opportunities to improve their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through the game of golf.
Watching participants gain confidence, build friendships, and embrace the game reinforces why player development extends far beyond the scorecard.
What is PGA HOPE?
PGA HOPE introduces veterans and active-duty military members to golf through a welcoming, adaptive, and supportive learning environment led by PGA Professionals.
Developing Junior Golfers Through PGA Junior League
Golf’s future is bright, and nowhere is that more evident than with our PGA Junior League players.
The Desert Willow Bobcats Team provides young golfers with an opportunity to learn, compete, and develop teamwork skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Through coaching, mentorship, and friendly competition, participants build confidence on and off the golf course while creating lasting friendships.
PGA Junior League helps young players experience golf as a team sport while developing the fundamentals that support long-term growth in the game.
Why PGA Junior League Matters?
- Builds confidence and sportsmanship
- Encourages teamwork and social connection
- Creates a fun introduction to competitive golf
- Develops skills for lifelong enjoyment of the game
Stay tuned for additional Bobcats Team highlights and player stories throughout the season.
Summer Golf Camps: Building Skills and Confidence
Summer at Desert Willow brings new opportunities for young golfers to learn, grow, and enjoy the game in an engaging environment.
Our Summer Golf Camps introduce juniors to golf fundamentals while emphasizing sportsmanship, confidence, course etiquette, and fun. Led by experienced instructors from the Palm Desert Golf Academy, campers develop skills through hands-on learning and interactive instruction designed for all experience levels.
For many participants, summer camp becomes the first chapter in a lifelong golf journey.
NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship Host
Desert Willow Golf Resort was honored to host the NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship, bringing the nation’s top collegiate golfers to Firecliff for five days of championship competition.
The event showcased the highest levels of skill, sportsmanship, and perseverance, highlighting the ultimate result of years of player development. Emory University captured its second consecutive national championship while setting a new NCAA Championship scoring record with a four-round total of 1,154.
As a resort dedicated to growing the game, we are proud to host events that inspire the next generation of golfers and demonstrate the opportunities that exist along every player’s journey.
Toyota Tour Cup Host Venue
Desert Willow is also proud to host Toyota Tour Cup events, recognized as one of Southern California’s premier junior golf tours.
These tournaments provide elite junior golfers with opportunities to compete against top-ranked players while preparing for collegiate and national competition. By welcoming these events, Desert Willow helps create meaningful pathways for young athletes pursuing their goals both on and off the course.
Why Player Development Matters
Every lesson taught, every junior golfer encouraged, every veteran welcomed, and every championship hosted contributes to a stronger future for the game.
Player Development Month reminds us that golf is more than a sport. It is a lifelong journey that creates confidence, connection, wellness, and community.
At Desert Willow Golf Resort, we are proud to support that journey at every stage.
Whether introducing new players to golf, helping juniors reach their potential, supporting veterans through PGA HOPE, or hosting future collegiate and professional talent, we remain committed to growing the game and creating experiences that inspire the next generation of golfers.
Join Us in Celebrating Player Development Month
Throughout June, we invite you to follow along as we share stories from our instructors, participants, junior golfers, veterans, and championship events.
Together, we’re helping make golf more accessible, more enjoyable, and more welcoming for everyone.
Let’s All Play.
#MakeGolfCool #LetsAllPlay
Frequently Asked Questions About Player Development at Desert Willow Golf Resort
Player Development Month is a KemperSports initiative celebrating golf programs, instructors, and events that help introduce new players to the game and support golfer development at every level.
Desert Willow supports PGA HOPE for veterans, PGA Junior League, Summer Golf Camps through the Palm Desert Golf Academy, and championship events including the NCAA Division III National Championship and Toyota Tour Cup.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military golf program of the PGA of America that introduces veterans and active-duty military members to golf in a supportive environment.
Yes. Desert Willow hosts PGA Junior League activities, Summer Golf Camps, and Toyota Tour Cup tournaments that help young golfers develop their skills and competitive experience.
Player development creates opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities to learn, improve, compete, and enjoy the game while helping ensure the future growth of golf.
