We will be staying at the Marriott Shadow Ridge the first week of February. I have heard that their golf course is great, but what others would people recommend? What will the weather be there at that time? Shorts for golf? Is it possible to play at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage or is that private? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've played Shadow Ridge and its a decent course..
Played La Quinta and Mission Hills..we stayed at Mission Hills so don't know since we were staying there if its private or not.
Rancho las Palmas played that a long time ago..easy course but fun.
Love playing golf in the desert.

There are 2 golf courses associated with the Westin Mission Hills, are those the ones you mean? The Pete Dye course is adjacent to the resort. The Gary Player course is up the road a bit, and according to DH, is the better of the two. They are open to the public. www.westinmissionhillsgolf.com/index.php

The Desert Willow course is just beautiful: http://www.desertwillow.com/layout10...=186&page=4160

Not likely shorts and don't get a tee time that is too early. It is chilly at night. Rain is variable but if it really is El Nino this year you might get some.

I like Shadow Ridge a lot. Fairly wide fairways for the desert but the "fun" really starts around the greens.

February golf is quite expensive. I don't know what is charged for Rancho Las Palmas but in my opinion it isn't one of the best. Too narrow and too wierd a layout.

Of the La Quinta/PGA courses I like Mountain Course and Greg Norman the best for a combination of playability, challenge and scenic value. They are probably my 2 favorite public access courses with no consideration for cost.

I used to like the Mission Hills courses but not so much now that they are lined with housing.

Desert Falls is nice if you are wanting a change from the narrow fairway/target golf syndrome.

Classic Club and Desert Willow are all good options.

If you use Standby Golf you should be able to get a significant discount.

Thanks so much for the replies! I am interested in the Mission Hills course because of the LPGA championship played there, but if it is lined with houses I am not as keen on it. Since I am from New England, I am looking forward to playing courses very different than what I am used to, and the suggestions here are great....Desert Willow looks interesting...would the Mountain View be the better option? Do most courses have GPS on the carts so I won't need my Skycaddie? I appreciate the help!

You would not be able to play the Dinah Shore (LPGA) course at Mission Hills, it's a private one.

The course that I like for views is called La Quinta Mountain Course. One of the 9's goes back up into a canyon with rock outcrops, etc.

Another one that you might want to look into is SilverRock.

Don't play the Sun City courses (Mountain Vista) kinda boring.

Desert Willow is good for the "desert feel".