Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff course): Desert Willow's two championship golf courses can stand alongside any of the top-name offerings in the Palm Springs/Desert area. Scenic, challenging and beautifully laid out, this handsome pair have much in common with each other. For many local golfers, the Firecliff may just get the edge over the also excellent Mountain View course. Real estate is scarcely seen from either, while both are framed by fabulous mountain scenery, and desert vistas closer at hand. The Firecliff arguably has some of the most memorable holes, not least the closing holes on each nine and an exquisite collection of par-3's. The long par-4 9th and par-5 18th holes finish in front of the impressive clubhouse on either side of a small lake, while the 8th and 17th, two stunning par-3's, are also played on either side of a small and very picturesque lake. Tall palms stand sentinel behind both greens, with all manner of bunkering to be avoided en route to the large and sloping putting surfaces. Beyond the Firecliff's generally good-width fairways and more clinging first cut of rough, the swathes of desert terrain are attractively adorned with all manner of indigenous flowering shrubs and cactus. The hallmarks of this excellent Hurdzan design are to be found in the fusion of the natural desert terrain with skilfully created holes, copious and very stylish bunkering and occasional, but seriously threatening water hazards.