The desert has a way of shaping people, just as it shapes the land. Each sunrise over Firecliff and Mountain View brings with it not only a new day for our golfers but also a reminder of the people who make these courses thrive. For me, few individuals embody that spirit more than Raul Melero.

Raul has been here since the very beginning, before the first putt dropped, before the first fairway stripe. He was part of the grow-in, part of the foundation that has made Desert Willow what it is today. Over nearly three decades at our resort, and 48 years in the industry, Raul’s steady hand and quiet leadership have shaped both turf and team alike.

Raul’s journey began in 1977, when his uncle brought him to the United States. The very next morning, he went to work at Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs. From that day forward, golf course maintenance became his life’s work.

He started here at Desert Willow as an irrigator and, by 1999, had earned the role of Assistant Superintendent. Ask Raul what he loved most in those early years and he’ll tell you: the irrigation. But with time, his answer evolved: the people.

“That’s Raul in a nutshell: someone who mastered the technical side but found his greatest fulfillment in relationships.”

Chris Bien

Superintendent

In our conversation, Raul shared a sentiment that still makes me smile:

The reality, of course, is far from that. Golf course maintenance is a craft, one that demands knowledge, vigilance, and resilience. And Raul’s advice to younger superintendents cuts to the heart of it: “It’s a bigger job than what I thought going into it. Make sure that you enjoy it.”

When I asked Raul about the achievements he’s most proud of, he didn’t point to a single project. Instead, he spoke about the professional relationships he’s built and the lessons he’s learned from the superintendents he’s worked alongside at Desert Willow. That humility is part of what makes him so respected.

Still, his contributions this past year cannot go unmentioned. Raul played a central role in our turf reduction efforts and in leading an aggressive verticutting program on Mountain View Greens, work that will ensure healthier playing surfaces and stronger transitions for years to come.

While Raul embraces new tools, like moisture meters and refined overseeding practices, what stands out most is his belief in treating people fairly and with respect. That principle may not be “innovative” by today’s standards, but in truth, it’s timeless. It’s also the foundation of a healthy team, and a lesson worth carrying into the future of our industry.

Raul doesn’t play golf himself, but he finds joy in something deeper: the satisfaction of seeing golfers enjoy the courses he has poured his life into. That, to me, is the heart of a superintendent’s calling. It’s not about our own rounds of golf; it’s about creating the best possible experience for every guest who walks these fairways.

I couldn’t agree more. Raul’s story is a reminder that behind every beautiful sunrise tee time and every seamless round of golf are people like him, dedicated, skilled, and deeply human. It has been my privilege to work alongside Raul and to learn from his quiet example.

As we celebrate Thank a Superintendent Day, I can’t think of a better moment to highlight Raul’s extraordinary contributions. His work, his character, and his unwavering dedication reflect the very best of what it means to be a superintendent.

Join us in celebrating Thank a Superintendent Day by sharing your thanks for Raul and our Desert Willow team in the comments.