2026 Golfweek Senior Amateur Championship
Presented By
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Palm Desert, California
March 31 - April 2, 2026
The Firecliff Course
1500 Points
__________________NOTE: This is a qualifying site for the Senior Concession Cup_______________________
PERFECT WEATHER, AN IMPECCABLY MANICURED COURSE AND GREAT COMPETITION. WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO BE IN MARCH / APRIL 2026
Just a quick drive from the paradise of Palm Springs, you'll find Desert Willow Golf Resort’s legendary Firecliff Course—ranked among California's finest. Set against the stunning Santa Rosa Mountains, Firecliff is a course that masterfully blends lush landing areas with rugged desert roughs and artfully designed waste areas. This isn’t just target golf; it’s an immersive journey through the desert landscape, offering a thrilling, fair, and unforgettable round. Discover a course that embodies the spirit of the desert, crafted to challenge and inspire.
National Exposure - DAILY NATIONAL COVERAGE BY USA TODAY SPORTS / GOLFWEEK and other media outlets
IMPORTANT NOTE: All Golfweek senior amateur tournaments are certified WAGR counting events leading to exemptions into the 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur at Baltimore Country Club in Baltimore, MD
*** 2025 Senior Champion - Bryan Hoops ***
*** 2025 Super Senior Champion - Mark Morgan ***
*** Legends Champion - David Ujihara ***
*** Super Legends Champion - Gaylord Davis ***
Tournament Facts:
Eligibility:
- Amateur Golfers, aged 55 and over by the start of tournament play. (March 31, 2026)
- Handicap Index of 8.0 or lower
- Carts are mandatory - no caddies
Divisions:
-Senior age 55-64
-Super Senior age 65-69
-Legends age 70-74
-Super Legends 75+
Tees:
-Senior Division will play approximately 6200-6750 yards
-Super Senior Division will play approximately 6000-6200 yards
-Legends Division will play approximately 5800-6000 yards
-Super Legends will play approximately 5400-5800 yards
The yardage will be determined by course conditions and might vary from day to day.
Conditions of Play:
The current USGA Rules of Golf and Clarifications shall be in effect.
Tournament Registration $874.00 which includes:
- Three (3) tournament rounds with cart, bag storage and practice range
- Merchandise prize pool of $80.00 per player.
- Lunch following the final round.
- Awards will be presented as each division completes play.
Practice Rounds: This is a busy time of the year. Book your practice round as soon as the booking window opens.
- Tee times are available on March 30 for $180.00. Call the pro-shop at 760-346-7060 ext. 1 and identify yourself as a Golfweek contestant.
- Practice rounds prior to April 3 can be booked up to 60 days in advance on www.desertwillow.com for the prevailing rate.
Accommodations: Are not included in your entry fee. Many options are available in the Palm Desert area. You will need to research and book accommodations on your own. We encourage you to book early as rates are based on availability at the time of booking.
Tournament Schedule:
Monday - March 30
Optional Practice Rounds: Not included in registration and must be booked in advance (see above)
Monday - March 30
1:00pm-5:00pm: Tournament registration near the pro-shop.
Tuesday - March 31
7:15am & 1:15pm Double tee start in two waves.
Afternoon & Evening: On your own
Wednesday, April 1
7:15am & 1:15pm Double tee start in two waves.
Afternoon & Evening: On your own
Thursday, April 2
7:15am & 1:15pm - Double tee start in two waves.
- Awards presentation and buffet lunch immediately following the completion of each division.
- Departures
Helpful Links: Desert Willow Golf Resort
Lodging Options: VRBO,
Contact Us:
Ron Gaines, Senior Tournaments & Senior Rankings: rgaines@golfweek.com
Cancellation Policy:
Deadline to register: March 26, 2026, or until the field is full.
Prior to February 17, 2026: Full refund minus $100 cancellation fee
February 18, 2026 - February 27, 2026: 50% refund
After February 28, 2026: No Refund - Please Note: These dates coincide with our payments to Desert Willow Golf Resort so there are NO EXCEPTIONS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All withdrawals from the tournament MUST go through Ron Gaines, rgaines@golfweek.com in order to receive a refund - (if applicable) NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not withdraw yourself using the GolfGenius application as we are not notified and you are cleared from the registration portal with no way for a refund if eligible. Thank you.