Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff) Hole by Hole - 16th Hole
Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff), California
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Welcome to hole 16 at Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff) in Palm Desert, California. This par 4 is a challenging yet strategic hole that requires precision and careful planning.
From the championship tees, this hole measures 420 yards and has a handicap of three. The fairway width is approximately 36 yards with slight curvature towards the right, making it important to aim for the left side of the fairway off the tee.
The green area spans over 6800 square feet and has five bunkers strategically placed around it. However, only 9% of these bunkers are greenside, giving golfers more room for error on their approach shots.
For an average golfer who hits a driver ~217 yards off the tee, I recommend aiming for accuracy rather than distance on this hole. A well-placed drive will leave you with a mid-iron approach shot into the green.
In terms of approach clubs, using a pitching wedge ~120 yards or less would be ideal for most players as it allows for better control and spin on your shot. Keep in mind that altitude and weather conditions can impact ball flight here in Palm Desert throughout all four seasons.
Overall, this hole rewards strategic thinking and precise execution from both tee to green. With its challenging length combined with well-placed hazards, it's no surprise why this is considered one of Firecliff's signature holes by many top-ranked PGA Tour golfers. Good luck!
Teebox type:
Championship
Par:
4
Distance:
420 yards
Handicap:
3
Green Area:
6817
Approx Fairway Width:
36
Has Water:
False
Curvature:
Slight dogleg
Percent Bunkers Near green:
9
Bunker Count:
5
Bunkers:
Some fairway bunkers, with the majority (51%) strategically placed around the area.
Club Recommendations
1. Aim for the left side of the fairway off the tee to avoid the curvature towards the right.
2. Use a driver for accuracy rather than distance, as hitting it too far may result in being in a difficult position for your approach shot.
3. A well-placed drive will leave you with a mid-iron approach shot into the green, which is preferable over using a long iron or hybrid due to better control and spin.
4. Consider using a pitching wedge for your approach shot, especially if you are within 120 yards of the green.
5. Take into account altitude and weather conditions when selecting your clubs and planning your shots.
6. Be mindful of where bunkers are located around the green and aim to avoid them on your approach shot.
7. Keep in mind that only 9% of bunkers on this hole are greenside, giving more room for error on approach shots compared to other holes on this course.
8. Focus on strategic thinking and precise execution from tee to green rather than trying to overpower this challenging hole with distance alone.
"The most important shot in golf is the next one."
- Ben Hogan
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