The 10 Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs
Palm Springs is one of the top golf destinations in the world. No matter if your looking for a par 3 course, or one of the top golf courses in the country, Palm Springs has it. With over 100 different golf courses in the Palm Springs area, it can be difficult to know where to start. We are here to help. Browse our list of the Top 10 Palm Springs Golf Courses or feel free to give us a call and ask for our recommendations.
1. PGA West
The La Quinta Resort and Club and PGA West houses five amazing golf courses that provide an experience for golfers of all levels. There is a Mountain Course for those who want a look at the desert landscape, while the Greg Norman Golf Course provides solitude for those who are seeking some peace and quiet. For those looking for a real test, there is also the PGA West TPC Stadium Course, which is considered to be one of the most difficult golf courses in the entire country.
2. Classic Club Golf
The Classic Club Golf in Palm Desert is an Arnold Palmer design that puts a unique twist on desert golf. It features rolling terrain and wide landing areas, along with several acres of water, 14 bridges and plenty of pine trees. This course hosted the Bob Hope Classic from 2006 to 2008, and has achieved the designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. It has achieved several accolades, including “Best Places to Play” by Golf Travel Annual and “America’s Top Golf Courses” by Zagat Survey. Along with a beautiful course, there are private rooms, a banquet hall, and a Tuscan-inspired clubhouse, along with full service golf shop.
3. Desert Willow Golf Resort
At the Desert Willow Golf Resort, you can find the Mountain View Course and the Firecliff Course, both of which are some of the most beautiful courses in the state of California. The Mountain View Course is the more forgiving of the two courses, while the Firecliff course provides more challenging green structures. Desert Willow Golf Resort is located within the city of Palm Desert.
4. Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Designed by Nick Faldo, winner of six major championships Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert, which opened in 1999, is his first course in the United States. The views surrounding the course are incredible, with the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains in the background. The 18-hole course draws inspiration from sand-belt courses found in Australia. Faldo himself has called the fairways generous and the bunkering bold, with subtle undulations in the greens. Because of this, they encourage a variety of different shots. Open to the public, the course features a clubhouse, pro shop, a practice facility, and instruction from Nick Faldo himself.
5. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
The Desert Springs Golf Club at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort is one of the premier golf destinations in Palm Desert, California. There are two 18-hole championship golf courses, with a gorgeous view of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Both courses, which were designed by Ted Robinson, feature streams, lakes, waterfalls, palm trees, pot bunkers and large sand traps. There is a double-sided practice facility, golf shop, professional instruction, and several options for dining.
6. Rancho Las Palmas Golf Course
The Rancho Las Palmas Golf Course, located in Rancho Mirage, is part of the Omni Hotels and Resorts. With 6,400 yards, there are 27 holes divided into three distinct different courses, the North Course, the South Course and the West Course. As you play, you wind through tree lined fairways with beautiful views of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains surrounding you. Six lakes, as well as bunkering characteristic of the designer Ted Robinson, create a challenge for players of all skill levels. While it is a semi private golf course, there are tee times that are also open to the general public, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the course.
7. The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort
Located in Rancho Mirage, the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort is one of the top 50 golf courses according to Golf Digest. It offers two separate courses, the Pete Dye Course and the Gary Player Signature Course. The Pete Dye Course is 6,706 yards, and features water, pot bunkers, and railroad ties all set against beautiful mountain views. The Gary Player Signature Course is longer, at 7,062 yards, and sits against a desert background. It is said to be both difficult as well as enjoyable. Both courses are suited for players of all levels.
8. Indian Canyons Golf Course
Within the city limits of Palm Springs is the Indian Canyons Golf Course. This gorgeous golf course is located in the south end of Palm Springs. Originally opened in 1961 as the Canyon Country Club it is currently owned by Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. They keep this course in top-notch condition and is a favorite in the Coachella Valley.
9. Indian Wells Golf Resort
One of the most popular golf courses in Palm Springs is Indian Wells Golf Resort. This resort is home to the challenging Indian Wells’ Players Course as well as the picturesque Celebrity Course. Both courses are considered to be can’t-miss course when in the area.
10. Escena Golf Club
Conveniently located near the Palm Springs International Airport, the Escena Golf Club opened in 2005, and the first new golf course to be built in Palm Springs since 1986. The 18-hole course, designed by Nicklaus Design, is laid out in 7,173 yards and provides gorgeous views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains while you play. There are plenty of palm trees around as well as beautiful waterscapes. The course is notable for its unobstructed sightlines as well as its strength of design. While there are plenty of challenges, you also have the space to decide how to deal with them. There are four sets of tees, so you get a decent say in just how much of a challenge you get.
Bonus: Heritage Palms Golf Club
The Heritage Palms Golf Club is located in Indio, just south of Palm Springs. Designed by Arthur Hills, this 18-hole, 6,722-yard course is designed with golfer pleasure in mind. This semi-private course, part of a retirement community, features four large lakes and plenty of bunkers, and is both challenging as well as rewarding. The course also features a rather expansive clubhouse, a traditional golf shop, a conference center, a practice facility and a restaurant. No two holes on the course are alike. With snow-capped mountains as your backdrop, you are sure to have both an enjoyable and a memorable time on the course.
Bonus: SilverRock Resort
The SilverRock Resort in La Quinta was the host of the Bob Hope Classic from 2008 to 2011. This course, which sits along the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains offers one of the most impressive terrains. It is also one of the longest courses in southern California.
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