Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs: A Golfer’s Dream Guide (Because Sometimes, You Just Need to Escape Reality… and Hit a Tiny White Ball)
Palm Springs. Just the name conjures up images of sunshine, palm trees, and… golf courses? You bet! This desert oasis isn’t just a haven for celebrities and snowbirds; it’s also a golfer’s paradise. With over 100 courses nestled amidst stunning mountain backdrops and lush desert landscapes, Palm Springs offers a golfing experience unlike any other.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Linda, isn’t Palm Springs just a bunch of sand traps and cacti?” And you’re partially right, my friend. But trust me, there’s more to this desert oasis than meets the eye (and the occasional sunburn). Palm Springs boasts some of the most prestigious and challenging golf courses in the world, designed by legendary architects like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer.
So, grab your clubs, your sunscreen (because that desert sun can be brutal), and maybe a bottle of Chardonnay (because who doesn’t love a post-round drink with a view?), and let’s tee off on a tour of the top 10 best golf courses in Palm Springs.
Why Palm Springs is a Golfer’s Paradise
Before we dive into the specific courses, let’s talk about why Palm Springs is such a golfer’s dream destination.
- First of all, the weather. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to play golf in the rain (unless you’re one of those die-hard golfers who enjoys a good mud bath… or maybe you just lost a bet). Palm Springs boasts sunny skies and warm temperatures year-round, making it the perfect place to escape those dreary winter months and work on your swing (or just work on your tan… no judgment here).
- Secondly, the scenery. Forget those boring, flat courses with nothing to look at but the occasional squirrel or stray dog. Palm Springs golf courses are surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, lush palm trees, and sparkling lakes (or at least strategically placed water hazards… which can be just as scenic… as long as your ball doesn’t end up in them).
- And lastly, the variety. Palm Springs has courses for every skill level, from challenging championship layouts that will test even the most seasoned pros to more forgiving courses that are perfect for beginners (or those of us who’ve had one too many glasses of wine and are feeling a bit… unsteady).
Related: The 21 Best Golf Courses In California
The Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs
Now, for the main event: the courses themselves. Here are ten of the best golf courses in Palm Springs, each with its own unique charm and challenges:
1. Classic Club
Located in Palm Desert, Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the Classic Club is a masterpiece of desert golf. This par-72 course features rolling terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning mountain views. It’s a challenging but fair course that will test your skills without making you want to throw your clubs in frustration (or at least not too often).
Why you’ll love it:
- Scenic beauty: The Classic Club is known for its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.
- Challenging layout: The course features a variety of holes that will test your accuracy and shot-making abilities.
- Impeccable conditions: The course is meticulously maintained, with pristine fairways and smooth greens.
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
Desert Willow Golf Resort is a golfer’s paradise in Palm Desert California, featuring two championship courses designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.
- Firecliff Course: This challenging course is known for its dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It’s a true test of golf that will leave you feeling exhilarated (or maybe just exhausted… depending on your score).
- Mountain View Course: This course offers a more forgiving layout, with wider fairways and fewer hazards. It’s a great option for golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging but enjoyable round of golf.
Why you’ll love it:
- Two distinct courses: You can choose between two championship courses, each with its own unique challenges and scenery.
- World-class amenities: The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a luxurious clubhouse, a pro shop, and a practice facility.
- Stunning desert setting: The resort is surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes, making it a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
3. Indian Wells Golf Resort
Indian Wells Golf Resort is another gem in the Palm Springs golf scene, featuring two championship courses designed by renowned architects.
- The Celebrity Course: Designed by Clive Clark, this course is known for its forgiving layout and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging but enjoyable round of golf.
- The Players Course: Designed by John Fought, this course is a bit more challenging, with narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. It’s a true test of golf that will reward accuracy and strategic play.
Why you’ll love it:
- Variety of challenges: You can choose between two championship courses, each with its own unique challenges and scenery.
- Luxurious amenities: The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a pro shop, and a practice facility.
- Impeccable service: The staff at Indian Wells Golf Resort is known for their exceptional service and attention to detail.
4. PGA West
PGA West is a legendary golf resort in beautiful La Quinta, home to six championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf architecture.
- The Stadium Course: Designed by Pete Dye, this course is a beast. It’s known for its dramatic elevation changes, treacherous bunkers, and island greens. It’s a challenging course that will test even the most seasoned pros (and maybe even make you question your life choices… or at least your choice of golf course).
- The Nicklaus Tournament Course: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course is a bit more forgiving than the Stadium Course, but still offers a challenging and rewarding round of golf. It features wide fairways, undulating greens, and stunning mountain views.
Why you’ll love it:
- Variety of courses: With six championship courses to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your skill level and preferences.
- World-class amenities: The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a luxurious clubhouse, a pro shop, and a practice facility.
- PGA Tour history: PGA West has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, including the American Express (formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic).
5. SilverRock Resort
SilverRock Resort is another gem in La Quinta, featuring an Arnold Palmer-designed course that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. The course features wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great option for golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging but fair test of golf.
Why you’ll love it:
- Scenic beauty: The course is set against a backdrop of stunning mountain vistas, making it a truly picturesque golfing experience.
- Challenging layout: The course features a variety of holes that will test your accuracy and shot-making abilities.
- Celebrity sightings: SilverRock Resort is a popular destination for celebrities, so you might just spot a few famous faces on the course (or at least in the clubhouse bar).
6. Escena Golf Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Escena Golf Club is a desert golf masterpiece. The course features dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a challenging but fair course that will reward strategic play and accurate shot-making.
Why you’ll love it:
- Unique design: The course features a distinctive desert style, with natural landscaping and native vegetation.
- Challenging layout: The course offers a variety of challenges, including elevated tees, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers.
- Stunning views: The course offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape.
7. La Quinta Resort & Club
La Quinta Resort & Club is a golfer’s paradise, featuring five championship courses designed by renowned architects like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman. Each course offers its own unique challenges and scenery, from the rugged beauty of the Mountain Course to the strategic layout of the Dunes Course.
Why you’ll love it:
- Variety of courses: With five championship courses to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your skill level and preferences.
- Luxurious amenities: The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a world-class spa, multiple restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities.
- Historic charm: La Quinta Resort & Club has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s.
8. Rancho Las Palmas Country Club
Located just outside of Palm Springs in beautiful Rancho Mirage California, Rancho Las Palmas Country Club is a hidden gem in the Palm Springs golf scene, featuring 27 holes of challenging and scenic golf. The course is known for its well-maintained greens, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Why you’ll love it:
- Variety of layouts: With three distinct nine-hole courses, you can mix and match your rounds for a unique golfing experience.
- Challenging design: The course features a variety of challenges, including water hazards, doglegs, and undulating greens.
- Relaxed atmosphere: Rancho Las Palmas Country Club offers a more laid-back atmosphere than some of the other high-end resorts in the area.
9. Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Another Palm Desert Gem, Shadow Ridge Golf Club is another great option for golfers looking for a challenging and scenic round of golf. Designed by Nicklaus Design, the course features dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Why you’ll love it:
- Challenging layout: The course offers a variety of challenges, including water hazards, doglegs, and undulating greens.
- Scenic beauty: The course is set against a backdrop of stunning mountain vistas, making it a truly picturesque golfing experience.
- Excellent value: Shadow Ridge Golf Club offers a great value for your golfing dollar.
10. Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Indian Canyons Golf Resort is a hidden gem in the Palm Springs golf scene, offering two championship courses nestled amidst the stunning San Jacinto Mountains.
- The North Course: This classic desert course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. It’s a true test of golf that will reward accuracy and strategic play.
- The South Course: This course is a bit more forgiving than the North Course, with wider fairways and fewer hazards. It’s a great option for golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging but enjoyable round of golf.
Why you’ll love it:
- Scenic beauty: The courses are surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, making it a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
- Challenging layouts: Both courses offer a variety of challenges, including water hazards, doglegs, and undulating greens.
- Historical significance: Indian Canyons Golf Resort is located on the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the courses incorporate elements of the tribe’s history and culture.
Golfing Tips and Essentials
Now that you’ve got a taste of the best golf courses in Palm Springs, here are a few tips and essentials to help you make the most of your golfing adventure:
Golfing Etiquette and Rules
Golf is a game of tradition and etiquette, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and customs before you hit the course. (Nobody wants to be that golfer who’s holding up the group or annoying everyone with their cluelessness.)
- Respect the Course: Replace your divots, repair your ball marks, and rake the bunkers. (It’s like cleaning up after yourself… but with grass and sand.)
- Respect Other Golfers: Be quiet when others are hitting, don’t walk in their line of putt, and keep up with the pace of play. (It’s like being a good neighbor… but on the golf course.)
- Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules of golf, including penalties for out-of-bounds shots, water hazards, and other golfing faux pas. (It’s like knowing the speed limit… but with golf balls and clubs instead of cars.)
Nighttime Golfing in Palm Springs
If you’re looking for a unique golfing experience, try nighttime golfing at The Lights at Indio GC, the largest fully-lit par-3 course in the nation. It’s like playing golf under the stars… but with more lights and less chance of getting eaten by a mountain lion (or at least that’s what I tell myself).
Conclusion: Palm Springs – A Golfer’s Paradise
Palm Springs is a golfer’s dream destination, offering a diverse range of golf courses and experiences. From the challenging fairways of PGA West to the scenic beauty of Indian Wells, each course provides a unique challenge and a memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Palm Springs has something for every golfer.
So, pack your bags, grab your clubs, and head to this desert oasis for a golfing adventure you won’t soon forget. And don’t forget to pack your sense of humor (and maybe a bottle of wine)… because golf, like life, is full of surprises (and occasional frustrations… and maybe a few too many sand traps).