Desert Winds Combat Center Golf
Set amid the rugged Mojave Desert, Desert Winds Combat Center Golf offers an 18-hole course where open fairways meet natural desert terrain and persistent winds challenge every shot. With well-maintained greens and expansive vistas, it provides a distinctive playing experience tailored to a wide range of golfers.
Course Overview
Desert Winds Combat Center Golf offers a unique round of golf set against the rugged beauty of the Mojave Desert on the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. This 18-hole course commands attention with its open fairways that stretch into the desert landscape, framed by distant mountain ranges and wide, arid skies. Unlike traditional courses, sand bunkers are nearly absent, replaced instead by the natural desert terrain itself, lending a raw and unfiltered challenge to each hole.
Players encounter generous fairways that invite strategic shot placement while the desert wind acts as a constant companion, testing shot control and tempo on nearly every hole. The greens are notably well-maintained, with smooth, true surfaces that reward precise approach shots. Holes such as the 11th and 17th offer striking panoramic views, elevating both the aesthetic appeal and the sense of isolation, making solitary rounds a refreshing experience here.
The course’s layout balances challenge with accessibility. It suits a wide range of skill levels, from beginners who appreciate its forgiving fairways to seasoned players who must account for wind direction and the unpredictable bounce off native desert terrain. The absence of water hazards and traditional bunkers shifts the focus to shot accuracy and course management, rather than survival.
Amenities include a driving range with practice areas for putting and chipping, helping golfers prepare before teeing off. The atmosphere is relaxed, often quiet during weekday play, allowing for mindful engagement with the game and environment alike. Due to its location on a military base, access is subject to base regulations, and visitors should plan accordingly.
Timing your visit is crucial; early morning rounds are advisable to avoid the intense desert heat, and carrying ample water is essential. Whether you approach it as a recreational round or a tactical exercise, Desert Winds delivers an experience shaped by natural elements and the spirit of the high desert, making it a distinct destination for golfers seeking something different from the typical green fairway experience.
Course Highlights
Distinctive desert layout characterized by open fairways bordered by native desert flora and minimal sand traps. Signature vistas from holes 11 and 17 overlook rugged mountains. Greens are exceptionally well-kept, unusual for a desert course of its kind, offering smooth putting surfaces despite exposure to desert winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Heather Orton
The golf course is well maintained. We unfortunately did not have enough time to play as much of the course as we would like due to having to drive home that day, but I have no doubt the whole place is amazing. It was not crowded at all and there was lots of wildlife!
Rob Wanless
This is a good desert course on a military base. The people here are solid and hard working. The course is in the middle range of difficulty. Wind is usually a factor (hence the name) I recommend playing it twice on two different days
Jose Lara
Solid course for the price close to 1 dollar per hole. Greens are very slow. Saturdays and Sundays e1-e5 get free range tokens from 10-12. Range is okay and they have clubs you can use at the range. Also has a putting and chipping area in the back. The older lady is the most helpful.
Josh Mueller
Mark Smiley
I love visiting the kids stationed at 29 Palms Marine Corp base...as I get to play this cool golf course. It's not very challenging, there are no sand traps (except the desert) there are no water hazards, and fairways are pretty open. The greens (and fringes) are in amazing shape. They are better than greens I play in Destin, FL. As a military retiree, I play this course during the week and most of the time I have the entire 18 holes to myself. Awesome! Views of surrounding desert and mountains are worth the green fees alone. Speaking of green fees...usual play for 18 holes was $28 for retired E7. Thursdays, they run a special, $20! Not bad. The only downfall...the heat. Play early and bring alot of water. One last thing, as someone else posted, you will find more balls than you lose. Ha. Bottom line, great place, awesome staff...love it! Vistas from #11 and #17 greens are fantastic! Edit: (Oct 2022) I've read a couple recent reviews of the course and they trash its condition. Folks...it is what it is. Open course, in the desert, on a military base. If you want high end experience, then book a tee time in Palm Springs. Bottomline: this is my favorite golf course...why...solitude! (And vistas). Most of the Google online pictures that are said to be misleading of course's condition...are the ones I took. Course seemed fine to me that day!
Ryan Parker
The disc golf course is pretty good. Hole 5 has a hefty right turn toward the end and you can lose your disc's in the trees (I almost did). And hole 9 is the farthest hole. Its also interlaced with the regular golf course, so be mindful of them when playing.
Rob Wanless
This is a good desert course on a military base. The people here are solid and hard working. The course is in the middle range of difficulty. Wind is usually a factor (hence the name) I recommend playing it twice on two different days
Jose Lara
Solid course for the price close to 1 dollar per hole. Greens are very slow. Saturdays and Sundays e1-e5 get free range tokens from 10-12. Range is okay and they have clubs you can use at the range. Also has a putting and chipping area in the back. The older lady is the most helpful.
Stephanie Brunette
Julie is awesome
Jelepo Adamovic
As a beginner, I cannot really give any more constructive judgment of the quality of courses but say that my husband and I had a good time playing (despite having to skip two of the courses - one as it was closed and the other as we misread the map). What struck us as a negative was an unpleasant greeting and handling by one of the receptionists. Prior to visiting, we checked the website that showed most of the time slots open, so we didn't think there would be a problem finding a vacancy. What we didn't know is that we had to make a reservation regardless - an honest mistake. Right at the start, we were notified of the fact in a very reprimanding way, which we would've forgotten about later on had we not been ignored altogether afterwards. I suggested, as there was so much vacancy, to do it on the spot if it was mandatory (the impression I got judging the receptionist's attitude), but there was no response, she proceeded our check-in without a word. We were basically ignored from then on, not even given eye contact. As beginners, we had questions, but didn't feel comfortable asking from then on. The fellow staff member had to jump in after we started to look more uncomfortable and gave us all the information we needed, and did so very kindly. We enjoyed our time on the courses despite this experience but were nevertheless left with a bad feeling that we would much rather avoid in the future, so, unfortunately, we might not pay any more visits to the place. We sincerely hope the management takes more care and attention in the future when employing staff, making sure that they are appropriate in both appearance and behavior and equipped with the required skills to work with people.
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Course Details
Access & Location
MWR Mgmtftc Bldg 3811, Twentynine Palms, CA 92278, USA
Combat Center Golf Clubhouse with pro shop and practice facilities
Walking encouraged; terrain mostly flat with some gently rolling desert grades; sturdy shoes advised due to sandy soil.
Access requires base entry authorization or sponsorship; reservations recommended.
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