A look at the best golf courses in Palm Springs
Ok, it’s time to get serious. If you like your golf, then let’s talk about the best Palm Springs golf courses. But of course we are not going to be confined to just the Palm Springs area – we’re talking the best of the entire desert (Coachella Valley).
If you like golf, you have come to the right place… Palm Springs is the number one golf hot spot on the planet bar none! With over 100 golf courses in the desert area, you have plenty of choices as to where you can tee it up – finding a golf course in Palm Springs is not a problem.
Palm Springs spawned the modern golf age with the “Pete Dye” style courses in the early 1980’s (with the completion of the PGA West Stadium Course), and the rest of the country has followed suit.
Desert golf at its best Are you looking for the ultimate Palm Springs golf vacation, the top desert golf resorts or the best golf clubs in the Coachella Valley? Then look no further; we review the best in golf that the desert cities have to offer.
In any case, these fantastic designs have changed the face of golf all over the country bringing new challenges to golf enthusiasts everywhere – but no more so that right here in our own desert golf oasis. Let’s look at the best Palm Springs golf courses.
PGA West® – The Western Home of Golf in America®
PGA West is a spectacular golf resort community in beautiful La Quinta, CA (minutes from Palm Springs) consisting of 6 championship courses designed by 5 noted golf course architects; Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and Tom Weiskopf. These courses are truly something special and for many golfers, a once in a lifetime treat.
PGA West® TPC® Stadium Course
Originally built by renowned architect Pete Dye in 1984, this legendary course still is one of the best, not only in the desert, but in the entire United States as it is consistently listed in the “Top 100 courses in the US”. The stage of many PGA tour events, what television viewer will ever forget the site of the par-3 17th “island green”?
Nicklaus Tournament Course
This is one of Jack’s best, a true delight. The scenery is spectacular, but don’t take your eye off of the ball because there is plenty of sand and water lurking on virtually every shot if you are not careful.
Nicklaus Private Course
Jack’s Private Course is simply phenomenal. Originally built for the 1988 Ryder Cup matches (although never used), this gem is tied with the Stadium course as the top 2 toughest courses in Southern California (with a slope of 151). Golf Magazine has ranked it as one of the top 100 courses in the world.
La Quinta Resort Mountain Course La Quinta Resort Mountain Course
This Pete Dye design was literally carved right out of the Santa Rosa Mountains. One of the most visually dramatic landscapes, you can never take a breather while taking in the sites or it will gobble you up! Lot’s of water, railroad ties, rock formations and elevation changes make the Mountain Course a memorable experience.
The Quarry at La Quinta
This stunning mountain design was sculpted out of an old sand quarry by Tom Fazio in 1994. It is very exclusive which means that the only way to play is with a member. There is an abundance of water streaming through many of the fairways, and many elevation changes to challenge players of all abilities.
Palm Springs Public Golf Courses
You may think that you need to be a high-powered corporate type or celebrity to play golf in the Coachella Valley. Not so! Palm Springs public golf courses are plentiful. In fact, there are nearly 40 golf courses in the desert area were the general public is welcome..
Across the Coachella Valley, there are a variety of different public golf courses and semi-private country clubs that offer reasonable greens fees to the public at large. Even many private golf resorts have reciprocal agreements with golf courses outside the area (check with your local club to find out what golf courses in Palm Springs or the Coachella Valley they have affiliations with).
Landmark Golf Club – $$
Public – 36 holes
84-000 Landmark Pkwy,
Indio, CA
Phone: 760-775-2000
Yes, you too can play at the home of “The Skins Game”. You will never find a “municiple” course like this back home! Dramatic desert landscapes carved out of the Indio Hills.
Directions: I-10 east to Golf Center Parkway exit, north one mile to Landmark Parkway entrance.
Desert Willow Resort – $$
Public – 36 holes
38955 Desert Willow
Palm Desert, CA
Phone: 760-346-7060
Centrally located in Palm Desert, Desert Willow Golf Resort boasts 36 challenging holes of golf that will measure up with the best desert courses.
Directions: Ramon Road to I-10 east to Cook Street exit. South to Country Club Drive left to entrance on right opposite Marriott’s Desert Springs Resort.
