Day two out in the desert and Desert Willow's Firecliff got the call. Man, this is one tough course and you are simply not getting out here without hitting at least ten bunkers during your round. They... Continue »

Day two out in the desert and Desert Willow's Firecliff got the call. Man, this is one tough course and you are simply not getting out here without hitting at least ten bunkers during your round. They are everywhere, along with some long carries, tight landing areas and water and waste bunker areas to torment your every shot. But when you make the good ones, it's glorious.

Conditions are fantastic across the board right now. Fairways are very lush and green and pretty much perfect. The rough is thick, lush and amazingly nice to hit from - didn't find it too penal whatsoever. There are rakes again here but it seems like people got so used to not using them for the last year that they were routinely ignored! But not a big deal as the sand was very nice but the bunker complexes can be very challenging.

The greens were in great shape. A few slopes to them here or there and some tiers to contend with, but nothing gimmicky or over the top at all. They are pure rollers but they are not hyper fast by any means - not a huge issue to lock down the speed but you will get nice roll and accurate putts if you start off on the right line.

Carts have nice GPS systems and there was cart service coming around numerous times throughout the very hot day. POP was a little on the slow side with an elderly group in front of us that made us wait on a few holes, but nothing too crazy while you're navigating this beautiful property. The practice areas are also very nice and everything here is very well organized.

It's a tough place to score well for a high-handicapper like myself, but it sure is fun trying. Great facility and well worth your time and money.