Palm Springs, California, is a renowned golf destination, offering a combination of stunning desert landscapes, year-round sunshine, and some of the best golf courses in the country. Whether you are a seasoned golfer looking for a challenging round or a casual player seeking a relaxing day on the greens, Palm Springs has a course to suit your needs. Here’s a look at some of the top golf courses to play in Palm Springs.
1. PGA West – Stadium Course
The Stadium Course at PGA West, designed by the legendary Pete Dye, is one of the most famous and challenging courses in the Palm Springs area. Located in La Quinta, this course is known for its dramatic landscape features, including deep bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens. The signature 17th hole, known as “Alcatraz,” is a par-3 with an island green that challenges even the most skilled golfers. PGA West has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the PGA Tour’s CareerBuilder Challenge, making it a must-play for serious golfers looking to test their skills on a world-class course.
2. Indian Wells Golf Resort – Players Course
Located in the heart of Indian Wells, the Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort is a favorite among golfers for its stunning design and scenic beauty. The course offers a challenging yet fair layout, with wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water features that add both beauty and difficulty. The Players Course provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lush landscaping, and pristine conditions. Paired with its sister course, the Celebrity Course, Indian Wells Golf Resort is a top destination for golfers looking for an exceptional golf experience in a picturesque setting.
3. Desert Willow Golf Resort – Firecliff Course
The Firecliff Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort is another standout in the Palm Springs golf scene. Located in Palm Desert, this course is known for its challenging design, which features over 100 bunkers, desert waste areas, and water hazards that test golfers’ precision and shot-making abilities. The course is beautifully integrated into the natural desert landscape, with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Desert Willow also offers the Mountain View Course, which provides a slightly more forgiving layout, making the resort a great choice for golfers of all skill levels.
4. Escena Golf Club
Escena Golf Club combines modern architecture with classic golf course design, offering a unique and enjoyable golfing experience. Located in Palm Springs, Escena is known for its wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. The course is set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing stunning vistas that enhance the overall experience. With its well-maintained fairways and greens, as well as a contemporary clubhouse and restaurant, Escena Golf Club is a popular choice for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a round of golf in style.
5. Classic Club
Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, the Classic Club in Palm Desert offers a premier golf experience. This championship course features rolling terrain, pine trees, and several water features, including lakes and streams, creating a unique and challenging layout. The course’s signature hole, the par-5 9th, features a double fairway split by a lake, providing a memorable challenge. Classic Club has hosted the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, adding to its prestige and reputation. With its beautiful setting and outstanding facilities, Classic Club is a must-play for anyone visiting the Palm Springs area.
6. Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
For those looking for a more accessible yet still enjoyable golf experience, Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort is an excellent option. Located in the city of Palm Springs, Tahquitz Creek offers two 18-hole courses: the Legend Course, a traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and classic greens, and the Resort Course, a more modern design with water features and wide fairways. Both courses provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and are known for their friendly atmosphere and well-maintained conditions. Tahquitz Creek is a great choice for golfers looking for a quality round at a reasonable price.
Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise, with an impressive array of courses that cater to every level of play. From challenging championship courses like PGA West Stadium Course to the beautiful and accessible Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, there’s a course for every golfer in this desert oasis. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor looking to experience the best of Palm Springs golf, these courses offer exceptional play, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences.
