Home >> DL Index >> DWGC Article

.:A Desert Lifestyle Article:.

There's Nothing Like Teeing Off Next to a Howitzer
By: Rachel Sandlin

Did you know that the Desert Winds Golf Course aboard MCAGCC is the only regulation 18-hole golf course in the Morongo Basin?  Our course boasts 6,930 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72 and is rated “challenging” by several course rating firms.  In addition to the designed difficulty of the course, golfers also play against the often inescapable desert wind, an exciting challenge for many avid golfers.

The original nine holes were constructed in 1962 by Lawrence Hughes.  The design and construction for the additional nine holes was completed in 1997 by Jeffrey Young.  Interestingly, the course is currently played with Young’s holes as the front nine and the original nine holes as the back nine.

Seeing the opportunity for improvement, Desert Winds was closed for renovations and remodeling in October 2007.  New bunkers and acclaimed Augusta White Sand were added to improve playability.  Additional cosmetic changes include spectacular landscaping upgrades and a new entrance sign.  Another exciting change is the installation of formally used military equipment throughout the course adding to the atmosphere of playing on one of the nation’s finest military installations. driving range

The entire clubhouse, pro shop and Duffer’s retreat were also renovated in 2007.  Patrons at the clubhouse now enjoy new furniture, aesthetic golf displays, picturesque views of the course and two new flat screen TVs with satellite hookups.  Adding to the allure of Desert Winds is the extensive menu now available at Duffer’s Retreat.  Even if golf isn’t your game, come out and allow yourself to escape in the pristine design and delicious food at the clubhouse. 

In early 2008 the course was opened to the general public.  Word is getting out down the hill and Desert Winds is quickly growing in popularity among affordable and challenging courses in the Hi-Desert.

Desert Winds is open for a casual round of golf year round, but if you are up for the challenge, the course also hosts a number of non-traditional events for eligible patrons.  This month, for example, Desert Winds will play host to the Independence Day 4-Person Scramble (pending approval) and the first in a series of Summer Glow Ball Outings.  These events and others like Speed Golf and Cross Country Golf, stray from the standard nine or 18 hole golf outing and are designed to bring out new golfers and those athletes who need a little more excitement in the game. 

In a golf scramble a designated number of golfers play the course as a team.  Everyone hits the ball and then you play off the best shot.  You continue this process until you putt into the hole.  “The scramble is fun for everyone, even those who don’t know much about golf,” assured Todd Wade, Golf Pro and Manager at Desert Winds.

putting”Speed Golf is for the lowest score and the fastest time,” explains Wade, “It is a fun event for our Marines because they are so into physical fitness.  They just grab their clubs and they’re off.”  The winner is determined by both swings and time, and endurance definitely plays a part.  If Speed Golf isn’t quite your… speed, then how about giving Cross Country Golf a shot.  In this event golfers are allowed and expected to cut corners, play across greens and through the rough.  The goal: to get to the hole the fastest way possible.  There are only six holes, but be prepared for a par 10.  That’s right some holes are 1000 yards!

With summer in full swing, Desert Winds is offering the all-hands summer rate of $10, July 5th through August 31st, and half-price Twilight Golf, after 2:30 p.m.  Any way you slice it; Desert Winds Golf Course has something for you.