How to Practice Your Golf Game at Shadow Ridge

Brett M. discovered the game of golf as a child.

Memories of practicing with his father and playing throughout his school years flood back during our interview.

“At a somewhat early age I knew this is what I wanted to do,” he says while reminiscing. As a freshman, Brett played on the varsity golf team in high school. The experience helped him decide to enter a newly adopted professional golf management program at Penn State University.

Today, as director of golf at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, Brett oversees a championship course, along with a dedicated team of associates who help with its everyday maintenance and service.

He joined Marriott’s Shadow Ridge as head golf professional in 2002—just two years after the course opened—and was promoted to director of golf in 2006.

The course celebrated its 25-year milestone in December 2025.

“Golf is a big part of what this valley is all about,” he says. “It’s very competitive in nature, and we’ve been able to endure and continue to be at the forefront 25 years later, so that’s exciting and it’s something worth celebrating.”

Brett, a modest individual who credits his team always before himself, attributes its success to the institutional knowledge his team of associates share.

According to him, five groundskeepers celebrated 25 years this year, a shop associate surpassed 30 years with the company, and two outside service attendants recently marked more than 25 years.

“We’ve got a very tenured team, and I’m just a small part of that,” Brett explains.

Most mornings, Brett begins his day at 6:30 a.m., looking out from his office as the service team greets guests with high-fives and laughter. He says that energy serves as a reminder of how passionate his team is about delivering an exceptional resort-level golf experience.

“There are very few days that go by where I don’t see them hugging an Owner who’s arriving or departing,” Brett says. 

His team enjoys getting to know Owners and new guests and makes it a point to remember the ones who return. 

Brett says he likes to follow the core philosophy and guiding principle of Marriott International’s founder, J. Willard Marriott: “If you take care of the associate, the associate will take care of the guest, and the guest will come back again and again.”

What many guests may not realize about Brett is that his passions go far beyond golf. He loves skiing and never misses a chance to catch live music—so much so that he’s seen one band over 90 times. Which band? You’ll have to ask him yourself.

Here’s the Q&A chat with Brett where he shares his expert tips on how Owners can play the golf course like a pro. Along with tips and tricks for savings.*

1. From your perspective as director of golf, what makes this Palm Desert course uniquely challenging and rewarding for both seasoned players and enthusiastic beginners?

Brett: Marriott’s Shadow Ridge is Sir Nick Faldo’s first U.S. design. His approach reflects how he played the game: wide, generous fairways paired with severely sloped, challenging greens and an impressive 89 bunkers throughout the course. Each hole offers a mix of yardage, encouraging players to use every club in their bag.

It’s a true championship course that will test low handicappers, yet with five sets of tees, it remains enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

2. If someone wants to “play it like a pro,” what strategic tips would you give for navigating the course’s signature holes?

Brett: Most fairways are wide and forgiving, except for the final hole, so there’s some leeway off the tee. The real challenge comes with approach shots. Position yourself for comfortable distances because any miscalculation will be penalized around the greens.

3. Considering the local environment and weather, are there any adjustments golfers should consider, like club selection or swing approach?

Brett: The desert floor sits at sea level, so golfers accustomed to higher elevations may notice the ball doesn’t travel as far. Turf conditions also play a role: Our base is heat-tolerant bermudagrass, but during peak season (winter and spring), we overseed with ryegrass. Even then, bermudagrass remains underneath, so grain affecting putts is relevant year-round.

4. Are there any lesser-known course features or hidden nuances that regulars know to take advantage of and that first-time players might overlook?

Brett: The Indio factor! Local lore says putts tend to break slightly toward Indio, one of the easternmost cities in the Coachella Valley. If a putt looks straight, chances are it will drift east.

5. For Marriott Vacation Club Owners, what are the best ways to access exclusive golf discounts, preferred tee times, or other perks during their stay?

Brett: Owners enjoy exclusive privileges, including a 90-day advanced booking window, discounts on greens fees, practice facilities, and golf shop retail. Many also use the Explorer Program, surrendering unused [Club] Points for Golf Certificates. Resort Credit at year-end is another smart option—Owners can apply it toward their accommodations, golf rounds, or shop purchases.

6. Are there seasonal promotions, midweek advantages, or loyalty benefits for frequent guests?

Brett: Absolutely. We currently offer an annual membership for frequent players and a Summer Access Pass during the offseason (June–September), which pays for itself after just a few rounds. Plus, our golf shop runs regular sales on apparel, equipment, balls, and accessories.

7. What conveniences—like equipment services, transportation options, tech upgrades, or preround amenities—should guests take advantage of elevating their golf day?

Brett: Start with our app. It provides up-to-date information, weather, specials, and GPS for the course and practice facility. For travel convenience, we have an arrangement with ShipSticks, so guests can ship clubs round trip. We’ll receive them, have them ready on arrival, and handle return shipping. And don’t miss our food and beverage team—The Bunker offers excellent breakfast sandwiches and a mean bloody mary, with the same menu available on the beverage cart.

8. If someone wants to improve quickly while on vacation, what resort-based training, clinics, or one-on-one coaching do you recommend?

Brett: The on-site Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, founded by world‑renowned instructor David Leadbetter, offers daily clinics, private lessons, and multiday game‑improvement retreats. Learn more at lgapalmdesert.com.

9. Looking ahead, what innovations or enhancements are you most excited about to make the golf experience even better for returning Owners and new guests?

Brett: We celebrated 25 years of Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club on December 12, 2025, which is incredible. Future capital projects will focus on greens and tee boxes. Our goal remains the same: Deliver the best golf experience daily in a competitive market. Our grounds team ensures pristine conditions, while our operations team provides a warm, country-club-level welcome.

WHERE TO STAY

Sitting under the California sun, the Palm Desert region has an adventure for everyone. Bring your clubs and have a golf escape at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge. When it comes to Palm Desert, there is no wrong way to vacation.

Owners may redeem Club Points for a certificate that is valid for one round of golf at the Shadow Ridge Golf Club, as well as at a dozen other Marriott-managed golf destinations. 

Visit the contact us page online to exchange your Club Points for Golf Certificates. Owners may also redeem Club Points for Resort Credit that can be applied at the Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Contact the resort Concierge for more information.