Driving through the Spanish countryside, you can expect many things – but hardly anyone is prepared for the moment when you suddenly drive up a long, steep mountain and discover a resort-style golf course at the top that looks like it was imported straight from Arizona. Desert Springs Golf exudes both exclusivity and sportiness from the moment you arrive. Perfectly manicured fairways, a clubhouse with international flair, and a buzz of activity everywhere: no wonder, since a professional tournament was scheduled to take place here just a few days after our visit. The people were friendly but clearly buzzing with energy – and that's precisely what gave the course its authentic tour vibe.
The course itself conveys a unique blend of elegance and challenge from the very first tee shot. Especially from the back tees, it becomes clear that Desert Springs is not a course for relaxation, but rather one that demands everything from its players. Every hazard is deliberately placed in play; every bunker, every patch of sparse rough, every waste area has a purpose: to create pressure, force decisions, and reward precision.
The round starts impressively with a par 5 that immediately demands courage. Anyone wanting to attack the green with their second shot has to cut across a row of houses – a heroic shot that sets the tone for the entire round. And that tone is: risk is rewarded, carelessness is punished.
The course's character is reminiscent of modern links courses , combined with a distinct Mexican-Arizona flair . Cacti, desert shrubs, and drought-resistant plants grow everywhere, giving the fairways a unique visual rhythm. You're not playing through a forest or park here—you're playing through a desert. And the more you accept that, the more you begin to love the course.
There's absolutely nothing to criticize about Desert Springs in terms of maintenance – quite the opposite. The course is in virtually flawless condition. The fairways are lush, the greens true and firm, and the bunkers perfectly shaped. You can immediately tell that this course regularly hosts professional tournaments.
The course demands absolute precision. Missing the fairway almost inevitably lands you in a waste area – technically not a penalty stroke, but in many cases a lie that's nearly impossible to control. The result: your driver has to be spot on, and anyone who gets too aggressive will quickly find themselves in difficult terrain. It's better to play thoughtfully – and occasionally leave your ego in the bag.
Visually, the course presents a captivating overall picture. Cacti and shrubs lend it an atmosphere somewhere between the Wild West and Mexico, complemented by strategically placed water hazards. The inspiration for the layout from desert golf in Arizona is unmistakable – except that instead of coyotes, you'll occasionally encounter friendly resort guests.
The signature hole, the 14th "Tiburon," is a spectacular par 3 that demands a precise shot. The green sits like a small island in a dry riverbed and is surrounded by numerous bunkers. A hole that perfectly combines beauty and danger.
Another highlight is hole 1 , which features a sharp dogleg to the right. Daring players can cut across houses and gardens – a shot that takes courage on the first attempt, but is rewarded with a broad grin if successful.
And of course, there was another legendary "Oh no!" moment – almost a tradition at Grab Perfect by now. Once again it was Finn, once again it was the driver, and once again he hit a different tee shot. This time, however, the players reacted calmly – the combination of a clear "FORE!", a smile, and a halved hole did the rest.
Desert Springs impresses even off the fairways. A constantly present supply cart provided us with cold canned San Miguel and small snacks at the perfect pace – a detail that made an already great round even more enjoyable.
The course is clearly aimed at ambitious golfers. From the white tees, Desert Springs becomes truly challenging; long holes, tight lines, and strategically placed bunkers ensure that only precise play is rewarded. Those who swing wildly here put their clubs at risk more often than necessary.
Ultimately, the impression remains of an extraordinary golf course that combines desert vibes, top-notch maintenance, and sporting challenges into a unique experience. Desert Springs is not a place for a quick, feel-good round – it's a demanding course that requires respect and simultaneously offers a captivating, almost cinematic setting.
Grab Perfect Rating: 🟩 Birdie – a place with a strong character, intense atmosphere and a real tour feeling.
