Overview
Ted Robinson's waterscape masterwork inside a Marriott resort
18 Holes
72 Par
6,761 Yards Black tees
132 Slope Rating 72.7
Ted Robinson Sr. earned his 'King of Waterscapes' reputation on courses like this one, where water isn't an occasional feature but the defining element of the entire experience. The Palm Course routes through an estate-scale resort property with infrastructure — waterfalls, reflecting pools, cascading streams — that most standalone golf courses couldn't replicate, and the design uses it with genuine strategic intent rather than decoration. The island-green 17th is the most photographed hole on the property, but the real test is the final four holes where water borders every line of play and rounds are either finished or unraveled. The railroad-tie bunker edging adds a period-appropriate texture that grounds the course in early desert design era without feeling dated. As a JW Marriott resort course, conditioning is maintained to a standard that standalone public courses rarely sustain.
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Before You Play
At Desert Springs – Palm Course
Caddie's Notes
4 things worth knowing before your round — from tee selection to where to eat when you're done.
01
Course Character & Design
Ted Robinson Sr. wove the Palm Course through 450 acres of the JW Marriott Desert Springs property, putting 35 acres of streams, lakes, and cascading waterfalls into play on a layout that demands respect from the tee. Robinson's trademark railroad-tie bunkers add a Dye-era visual intensity to what is fundamentally a resort design. The course is the more challenging of the two Marriott layouts, with water featuring on the majority of holes and a four-hole closing stretch that can turn a good round sideways quickly.
02
Signature Holes
The island-green par-3 17th is the headliner — a Robinson hallmark that plays shorter than it looks but punishes anything offline. The closing four holes run along the resort's most dramatic water features, with cascading waterfalls and split-level lakes creating both visual spectacle and genuine strategic pressure. Club selection on these approach shots is the difference between a strong finish and a card-wrecking one.
03
Course Conditions
TifEagle Bermuda greens are maintained to resort standards befitting the Marriott brand. The course benefits from a full grass range and short game area for pre-round preparation. Both Desert Springs courses overseed with ryegrass November through March — winter conditions are consistently lush, but expect some variability during the October/November and March/April transition windows.
04
Before You Play
Carts are required — no walking on the Palm Course. Hotel guests receive preferential booking windows and package rates, but the course is open to public tee times. If you're playing both Desert Springs courses, start with the Valley Course to calibrate — the Palm is the more demanding round. Rockwood Grill in the clubhouse is the dining option. The JW Marriott property makes this a natural stay-and-play, with the resort's gondola ride from the lobby a novelty worth experiencing even if you're not staying overnight.
Course Details
The Essentials
Designer Ted Robinson
Opened 1986
Access Resort
Course Type Desert
Walking Cart only
Caddies Not available
Greens TifEagle Bermuda
Fairways Bermuda
Short Game Area Yes
Driving Range Grass
Club Rental Available
GPS Carts Included
Golf Trail Palm Desert & Indian Wells
Instruction Available
Dining Rockwood Grill
Lodging JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
Green Fees $69 – $275
Best Months November-April
Peak Season January-April
Nearest Airport PSP · 25 min
Notable Features
Ted Robinson Sr. 'King of Waterscapes' design woven through 450 resort acres at the JW Marriott Desert Springs; 35 acres of streams, lakes, and cascading waterfalls frame nearly every hole; island-green par-3 17th and a four-hole water-lined closing stretch are the course's signatures; railroad-tie bunkers add Dye-era texture to the resort setting.
Tee Information
Scorecard
| Tee | Gender | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | M | 72 | 6,761 | 72.7 | 132 |
| Black/Blue | M | 72 | 6,510 | 71.6 | 129 |
| Blue | M | 72 | 6,381 | 70.9 | 127 |
| Blue/White | M | 72 | 6,238 | 70.3 | 125 |
| White | M | 72 | 6,143 | 69.9 | 124 |
| Red | M | 72 | 5,492 | 66.8 | 117 |
Ratings and yardages are approximate and may vary by season. Verify with the pro shop before your round.
Photo Gallery
Desert Springs – Palm Course in Pictures
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Getting Here
Location
Desert Springs – Palm Course
74855 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260
✈ PSP — approx. 25 min Palm Desert
⛳ Desert Springs – Valley Course — Less than 1 mile away
FAQ
Common Questions
No — the Desert Springs courses are open to public tee times, though hotel guests typically receive preferential booking windows and package rates. Check directly with the resort for current pricing tiers.
The Palm Course is the more demanding of the two — more water in play, a more dramatic finish, and a higher degree of difficulty throughout. The Valley Course is more forgiving off the tee and recommended as the starting point for first-time visitors to the property.
Yes — both courses overseed with ryegrass November through March. Winter playing conditions are lush and consistent; expect variable turf during the changeover windows in late October/November and March/April.
