Out in the desert this week for a few days and first stop is the always good Marriott's Shadow Ridge. I have always been quick to praise this great facility but right now it's quite literally in the b... Continue »

Out in the desert this week for a few days and first stop is the always good Marriott's Shadow Ridge. I have always been quick to praise this great facility but right now it's quite literally in the best shape from tee to green that I've ever seen it. It's tremendous. Fairways are lush and just perfectly maintained - not a single bad like all day. The rough is thick and lush but also still playable, while the tee boxes are perfectly set up, level and a pleasure to hit from (we played the green tees). Bunkers have very good sand in them as well and consistent throughout. The greens are tremendous right now. Just as close to perfect as you can get. They roll beautifully, no pitch marks anywhere, they're fast but fair and they hold good shots well but make you really work hard on your chips to get into the right spot. But overall, just fantastic. We caught the most beautiful and warm early winter day as well without any wind, so really couldn't ask for more. We had cart service throughout the day, and the POP was perhaps a little on the slow side due to the groups in front of us, but it was hardly a bother when playing in perfect conditions all around. Nothing can really bring you down on a day like this. The course is an absolute value for the greens fee and you're not going to find better conditions anywhere in the desert right now, although I'm looking forward to the Desert Willow GK Event this weekend to see if it can give Shadow Ridge a run for its money!