Set in a dry, desert climate, Palm Springs is an excellent golf destination, complete with courses for all levels. Whether you desire a resort-style course, a traditional layout or a TPC course, Palm Springs will suit your golfing needs. In addition, the area has many luxury resorts that offer spas, pools and fine dining, as well as eclectic shopping in the downtown area.
Home to many professional golf events, including the Skins Game and Q School, some of golf's most famous course designers including Pete Dye, Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman have designed courses in the area.
PGA West
Likely the most well-known group of courses in the area is PGA West, with courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Pete Dye. The TPC Stadium Course, designed by Dye, hosted the 2008 Skins Game. All three courses feature spectacular views and challenges throughout. The Nicklaus course has multi-level greens, a Nicklaus trademark while the Norman course has tight fairways. The Stadium Course is tricked up with pot bunkers and plenty of side hill lies.
PGA West
56-150 PGA Blvd.
La Quinta, Calif
(800) 742-9378
pgawest.com
SilverRock Resort
Opened in 2005, this course was added to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and is one of the longest courses on the PGA Tour. Designed by Arnold Palmer, the course is challenging for the amateur golfer. Set at the base of two mountain ranges, this course is all about views and scenery.
SilverRock Resort
79179 Ahmanson Lane
La Quinta, Calif 92253
(760) 777-8884
silverrock.org
Marriott Desert Springs Course
Designed by Ted Robinson, the two 18-hole courses feature parkland layouts and are truly resort courses. With four sets of tees, these courses offer anyone a comfortable spot from which to play and are very forgiving. These fairly short courses have stunning mountain vistas and are in excellent condition.
Marriott Desert Springs
Palm & Valley Courses
74-855 Country Club Dr.
Palm Desert, Calif 92260
(760) 341-2211
desertspringsresort.com
La Quinta
Two Pete Dye-designed courses are notable for their pot bunkers and stunning views. Both courses are forgiving if played well, but getting caught in the bunkers can ruin the beautiful setting. The Desert Course is a links-style course and can be more playable than the Mountain Course, which is challenging and has tons of uneven lies. The resort is famous as an old Hollywood getaway.
La Quinta
50-200 Ave. Vista Bonita
La Quinta, Calif 92253
(760) 564-4111
laquintaresort.com
Desert Dunes
Well-known as one of the best public courses in Southern California, this Robert Trent Jones course is incredibly playable yet challenging. Errant shots are often salvageable, though fairways are tight. One of the older courses in the desert, golfers will enjoy a round in nature not surrounded by homes.
Desert Dunes
19-300 Palm Dr.
Desert Hot Springs, Calif
(888) 423-8637
desertdunesgolf.com
Cimarron Golf Resort
Notable as one of the most women-friendly courses by "Golf for Women" magazine, this course is also a pleasure for male golfers. This course combines links-style and desert golf with a pleasing result. There are plenty of challenges, especially the bunkers. Cimarron also offers an 18-hole executive layout that is equally as fun to play.
Cimarron Golf Resort
67-603 30th Ave.
Cathedral City, Calif 92234
(760) 770-6060
cimarrongolf.com
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
