Golf course preference on Marriott properties

Question

I have a certificate for golf on either:

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort course

Shadow Ridge Golf Club course

Any preference on either (mid-March) and 7-8 HDCP

THANKS!

Answer

Both JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Shadow Ridge Golf Club offer quality golf experiences, but they have distinct characteristics that may influence your choice depending on your preferences and skill level (HDCP 7-8) for a mid-March round in Palm Desert.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Course

This resort has two 18-hole courses, the Celebrity Course and the Legends Course, often praised for their scenic desert landscaping with lakes, palm trees, and well-maintained fairways. The layout is designed to be enjoyable for mid- to low-handicap players, offering a mix of challenging holes without being overly punishing. In March, the temperatures are very comfortable, and the course is generally in excellent condition due to resort maintenance standards.

Scenic desert and water views throughout.
Multiple tee options to adjust difficulty.
Well-maintained greens and fairways.
Resort amenities for a full day experience, including restaurants and practice facilities.

Shadow Ridge Golf Club Course

Shadow Ridge is a public course associated with Marriott but located a bit further from the main resort area. It has a desert-style layout with wider fairways and fewer water hazards, which can be more forgiving for aggressive drives. It may play slightly easier than Desert Springs for a mid- to low-handicap golfer, making it ideal if you prefer a round that is enjoyable and less pressured. In mid-March, the course conditions are generally very good, though it can be hotter or windier depending on weather patterns.

Forgiving layout with wider fairways.
Less water hazard complexity than Desert Springs.
Good conditioning and service as part of Marriott’s network.
Suitable for a relaxed, enjoyable round without extreme challenges.

Recommendation:

If you are looking for a more scenic and iconic desert resort experience with a mix of challenge and luxury amenities, go for JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort course.
If you prefer a slightly easier round with wide fairways and less pressure but still solid course quality, Shadow Ridge Golf Club is the better choice.
Considering your 7-8 HDCP, either course is playable and enjoyable; your choice depends more on whether you value resort luxury and scenery (Desert Springs) or a slightly simpler, more relaxed round (Shadow Ridge).

Both courses are great mid-March options, and either will provide a memorable Palm Desert golfing experience.

Golf course preference on Marriott properties

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