DESERT DUNES GOLF CLUB (1988)

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private: 18 hole -cost: $59 - $99

19-300 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

Tel: (760) 251-5366

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Often included by the large golf magazines in their national rankings, this tough layout somehow still remains undiscovered. The course is beautifully framed with sand dunes and the natural desert and is very playable, with one exception. At times Desert Dunes can be extremely windy. Carts are included and mandatory. Check their website for specials. From downtown Los Angeles (about 110 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Palm Drive, and head left over the freeway. Desert Dunes is on the right a mile or two up the road. No wind checks are allowed. That is the sign you are greeted with when you enter the pro shop. Forget about no wind checks (unless its really windy). This is a fabulous Scottish links course with hard greens and no homes. All you see is golf course and desert.

DESERT FALLS COUNTRY CLUB (1984)

DESERT REGION

Semi-Private - 18 hole -cost: $60 - $165

Desert Falls Parkway, Palm Desert, CA 92211

Tel: (760) 340-4653

Designed by Ron Fream. Desert Falls is a long, European-style course. It will give you little trouble in front of the greens, but lots of sand for those who miss left or right. Water comes into play on seven holes. On the par 3s, you will find the water around the green; on the par 5s the water will be along the fairway. Wind can be a factor in the afternoon. The greens vary in shape and size. Only members may walk. From downtown Los Angeles (about 130 miles east to the course): Take I-10 east, exit at Cook Street, and head south. Turn left on Country Club Drive and left again on Desert Falls Parkway. This receives high marks by women golfers, for good reason. The course does not penalize you with awkward landing areas when playing the forward tees.