A nice touch: Ted Robinson Sr.'s son spruces up his Palm golf course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California

PALM DESERT, Calif. -- The Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs was originally designed by Ted Robinson Sr. in the mid-1980s. When a touch-up of the course was needed, the resort decided to keep it in the family.

Ted Robinson Jr. retouched the Palm Course in the summer of 2011 (at a reported $15 million). The elder Robinson was known as "The King of Waterscapes," and the younger Robinson didn't adjust any of his signature water features. The Palm has water on 12 holes, so keep plenty of golf balls around.

Upgrades to the course included new tees, bunkers with crushed marble sand and greens that are now all up to USGA specifications.

The final three holes are as challenging as any you'll the Coachella Valley. The 409-yard, par-4 16th could be the best of any of the 36 on the property. The 160-yard, par-3 17th is an island green (so accuracy is key), and the 423-yard, par-4 18th features water all along the left side. It's a great finishing hole.

JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm golf course

The Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs was designed by Ted Robinson Sr. and touched up by Ted Robinson Jr.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - driving range

The driving range at JW Marriott Desert Springs resort in Palm Desert, California.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 1

A long par 5 greets players as they get ready to start their round on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - no. 1

A look at the first green and fairway on the par-5 first hole of the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 2

The par-4 second is among 12 holes with water features on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - 2nd

Here's another look at the second hole on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 3

The par-3 third hole on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs plays over water.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 4

The par-4 fourth green on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs is protected by bunkers with crushed marble sand.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm G.C. - hole 5

The par-4 fifth is the No. 1 handicap hole on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Calif.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm G.C. - 5th

The bunker on the right is almost as large as the green at the par-4 fifth on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Calif.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 6

The par-4 sixth green on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs is protected by water in front and a deep bunker in back.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm G.C. - 6th

Watch out for the pond next to the sixth green on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 7

The par-5 seventh, at 575 yards, is the longest hole on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 8

The par-3 eighth green on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs is surrounded by bunkers.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm G.C. - hole 17

The par-3 17th green on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs is protected by water and sand.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm GC - hole 18

The 423-yard par-4 18th on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs is a great finishing hole.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs - Palm G.C. - 17th

The par-3 17th is the one of the most beautiful holes on the Palm Course at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, California.

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