This is a novel experience for the modern golfer that I would recommend to anyone. Designed by Gene Sarazen, the course is less than 6000 yards but still plays as a par 70. I don't think there is a par 4 that even plays to 400 yards. The challenge at Shadow Mountain is in the tightness. I do not like playing golf amongst houses, but I do find these mid century style homes charming. It's quite easy to see into people's backyards on many of the holes, especially from 2-7. The mountains surround you on that stretch and the views are sensational.
I played there in the summer and it was hot as Hades. Perhaps due to the heat, the grass on the greens was allowed to be quite long. I rolled in 5 birdies that day, but I also left a few surprisingly short. It's hard to adjust to how hard you have to hit some putts just to reach the hole. Again, this was a summer round. The other course conditions overall are good, with not much barren area in the play areas.
The course is centrally located in Palm Desert and one of the less expensive "full" courses in the Valley. I've played the course twice. It's a good sign when I return to a course in the Valley because there are so many great options.
I recommend Shadow Mountain to higher handicap players because it's short and more manageable for them. I also recommend it to low handicappers who have seen it all. This will be something new, a glimpse to how golf was played before modern equipment changed the game. At times the course can be frustrating because it is short and requires precise shot making to score well. But those same players may shoot their first sub 80 round or even sub 70 round there!

From the first hole to the last, I was impressed and quite pleased. The course conditions are very good, although when I played it in June 2021, several greens were diseased and quite sick looking. Such a shame and sad, but I was told they will recover. The course is set beneath a magnificent mountain, and some holes play right up against it; spectacular views abound. There are several lakes. One par 5 on the front is especially awesome and difficult. The second shot has to carry water, and the lake plays up the left side of the fairway all the way to the green. Very dangerous! I found the front nine to be superior to the back 9. With the exception of a few holes, the back plays pretty tight, so that can feel a little uncomfortable at times. i think it's a matter of the lack of usable space constricting the holes, that I didn't feel on the front.
Aside from the golf, which I highly recommend, the clubhouse is just a trailer. and then the drive to the first tee takes a couple of minutes. It's a tad peculiar for the first tee to be so far from the check in area. The 18th green is similarly far from "home". It's just odd to me, though not necessarily bad. As of August 2021, it appears there will be massive development of hotels and/or houses on the course. I can't say that will improve the experience for golfers. For me, I absolutely do not like playing golf holes with homes lining them. for now, there are no homes so I guess I better get my rounds in there while I can, haha
I recommend Silverrock as a high end and memorable round of golf.

This is one of my favorite courses to play in the Coachella Valley because its top notch in every respect. It's what you hope for when you pay a premium green fee. I think the clubhouse is grand, marvelous, and modern, and the golf shop is spacious and fully stocked with gear and apparel. The staff is also extremely courteous and helpful, from the bag drop, to the check-in, to the first tee welcome, to the welcome back after your round.
Then, there's the course! The conditions are as close to perfect as one could reasonably expect. There are always going to be some brown spots in a fairway or on a green somewhere along the way, but that's easily forgiven, especially in summer.
"Players" is a championship style course. I play the middle tees at 6500 yards, but the back tees are over 7300. It's a good assortment of par 3's ( 4 of them) and par 5's (4 of them). I do not like playing golf holes lined by houses, and this resort doesn't have any! There are a few "waste" areas that catch really errant shots that are staked as "do not play,Indian burial ground, free drop" So if you hit a ball in there, i would just drop a new ball and move on. I wouldn't want to disrespect any Indians buried in there by accidentally walking on their grave.
There isn't nearly as much water on "players" as "celebrity", but i can think of 4 awesome holes with water to avoid. There's a lot of challenging bunkering, and the sand is very playable; not too soft and not too bare. "
There are several water and comfort stations on the course, and the beverage cart has keg beer!
"Players" is a challenge and definitely a premium golf experience in the Valley. Highly recommended!

This is my favorite course to play in the Coachella Valley because its top notch in every respect, which is what you hope for when you pay a premium green fee. The clubhouse is grand, marvelous, and modern, and the golf shop is spacious and fully stocked with gear and apparel. The staff is also extremely courteous and helpful, from the bag drop, to the check-in, to the first tee welcome, to the welcome back after your round.
Then, there's the course! The conditions are as close to perfect as one could reasonably expect. There are always going to be some brown spots in a fairway or on a green somewhere along the way, but that's easily forgiven, especially in summer. "Celebrity" features bogonvia bushes, that have red flowers. So there are splashes of wonderful color throughout the course. And there are lots of mature trees, beautiful and shady. And if you keep your ball somewhat in control, you won't find yourself with annoying tree trouble very often. I haven't played out of the bunkers much haha, but they can be deep. The sand isn't too thick, but there is sand in them. I don't actually like really soft sand, so these are good for me.
The layout is terrific. One thing I absolutely do not like is playing holes lined by houses. This is pure resort golf...no houses! There is a good variety of holes; doglegs, long and short par 4s. Some shots play up or downhill, but not too much, maybe 5 yards up or down on a few shots.
The back nine is particularly exquisite. After 12 (a drivable par 4) , you start a stretch of golf that is absolutely fantastic. There are numerous lakes, waterfalls, and even a stream weaving throughout until hole 17, and each hole is different. 13 is a short par 4 with a forced carry over water on the tee shot, then water green-side. Its not a real hard hole, but you can make a big score too, haha. Then the par 5 14th plays directly toward Mt Eisenhower. Epic back drop! There's a charming stream that winds about, and also makes the second shot layup a little tricky! Definite photo op on this hole. 15 is tough! It's a long par 4 with a lake that a long drive may run all the way through the fairway and go in. Beware! And then the second shot is pretty long, I think about 150 minimum to the center of the green, because remember that lake forces you to stay back somewhat off the tee. The 16th is a medium length par 3 with a waterfall green-side. So attractive! 17 is a long par 4 guarded by water greenside, and yes, there is a waterfall behind the green as well! I always think as I'm driving to 18 tee, how sad it is when a round on "Celebrity" ends.
There are several water stations and comfort stations, to serve your needs. The beverage cart has keg beer!
I highly recommend this course.

I came here because the SCGA MAGAZINE rated this as one of the best public courses around. During my fourth round, I finally decided it would be my last. They book five somes pretty close together and I just can't abide that. There are two par 3s back to back and it's just aggravating to sit for so long waiting. 5-6 hour rounds on the weekends are all I've experienced at rio hondo. The managers think they're making more money by overbooking. Guess what? You lose customers that way too. I'm sitting on number 10, waiting on TWO five somes already here and write this unfavorable review because I have the time. So, in a way, you created the opportunity for me to throw shade on you, rio hondo. You get what you deserve