Hole 3 at Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff)

Par 3 • 194 Yards • Palm Desert, California

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Tough

The 18th handicap hole at Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff) proves that even the "easiest" par 3 demands respect. This 194-yard test presents a deceptively straightforward challenge, requiring golfers to carry their tee shot across desert terrain to a small, well-protected green. The absence of major hazards might suggest a gentle introduction, but the compact target and desert surroundings create their own intimidation factor. Club selection becomes critical as the small green offers little margin for error on approach shots that come up short or long. What makes this hole memorable is its honest simplicity – pure golf execution rewarded, with no tricks or gimmicks to hide behind.

Tees:

194y168y139y127y107y

Green:28y × 20y

6 Bunkers dogleg

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Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff)

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Hole Stats

Par: 3
Yardage: 194 yds
Green: 3246 sq ft
Bunkers: 6
Course Slope: 138
Course Rating: 73.6

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Recommended Gear

Dial in your mid-irons — accuracy is everything on a short par 3.

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Strategy Tips

tee shot

This 194-yard par 3 demands precise club selection and committed swing - there's no bailout area as the fairway width is 0 yards at both 200 and 250 yards, meaning you must carry your tee shot all the way to the green.

hazard warning

Beware of bunkers positioned at 205.8 yards from the tee - since the hole plays 194 yards, these greenside bunkers will catch any shot that's slightly long or off-target.

green

The green measures 28 yards deep by 20 yards wide (3,246 sq ft total), providing a relatively narrow target - aim for the center of the green and let the pin position dictate your strategy on subsequent rounds.

approach

With no landing zone available from the tee (0 yards), this is a true target golf hole - take one extra club to ensure you clear any fronting hazards and reach the putting surface.

tee shot

On this par 3, course management is critical - the combination of 194 yards to a 3,246 sq ft green with no fairway means precision trumps power every time.

train this shot at home

This par 3 is ideal for working on your mid-iron. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.

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Scoring Tip

Short par 3s reward precision. Pick the right club for the front-center of the green and trust your swing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What club should I use on this par 3?

At 194 yards, most golfers will need a long iron or hybrid (5-iron to 6-iron) to reach this green. Adjust for elevation, wind, and pin position.

How difficult is hole 3?

This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: small green.

How big is the green on hole 3?

The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

What's a good score on hole 3?

This hole is a challenging par where bogey is acceptable. This longer par 3 will test your long iron or hybrid game. Par is a good score.

Can I practice hole 3 on a golf simulator at home?

Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff). You can play this exact par 3 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →