Top Golf Desert Destinations

World-class golf has long been a hallmark of Coachella Valley and the desert. Located just 120 miles east of Los Angeles, the valley boasts a dramatic desert setting, breathtaking mountain views, and near-perfect weather. The area offers an unparalleled variety of outstanding golf and resort options. The courses right now are primed for the high-season, with the over-seeding process completed and the lush fairways and greens awaiting the golfers. Some of these courses are timeless classics that you will want to experience again and again. This time of the year, sunny days are accompanied by some crisp nights, and the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains provide an amazing view from some of the best courses in Southern California. Readers of FINE Magazine that live on the coast from San Diego to Santa Barbara have but a short drive to get to this golfing mecca in Coachella Valley.

PGA West In La Quinta

Both the TPC Stadium Course and the Nicklaus Tournament Course will play host to this year’s newly named Career Builder & Clinton Foundation Desert Classic (formally the Humana & Clinton Foundation Classic). The TPC Stadium Course, a Pete Dye design, is consistently ranked in the "Top 100 Courses in the US." On the other side of the property is the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. A true ball-strikers course in typical Nicklaus form, you will find it both very forgiving off the tee and extremely demanding around the greens. Without a doubt, these two are obligatory destinations for not only a great test of golf, but for their magnificent settings as well.

Don’t miss the clubhouse, rich in history and memory of the greats that have played there over the years, or the PGA West Golf Academy, which houses some of the finest golf instruction in the desert. The other courses that make up the PGA West family include the Greg Norman Resort Course - which is open for public play - and the three private courses, all designed by their namesakes: the Tom Weiskopf, the Jack Nicklaus, and the Arnold Palmer Private. 

PGA Boulevard, La Quinta, Ca. 

800-598-3828 

Classic Club

Certainly a must-play when coming to the desert is the Classic Club, located just off interstate 10 and Cook Road. This nationally recognized championship course (designed by Arnold Palmer and a host site of the 2006, 2007, and 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic), creates a new spin on desert golf with rolling terrain, wide landing areas, 30 acres of water features, 14 bridges, as well as an abundance of pine trees and some of the best greens in the desert. You will be treated like a "member for a day" when you arrive at the expansive clubhouse, as the valet parks your car and escorts your clubs to your golf cart.

75-200 Classic Club Blvd. Palm Desert, Ca.

760-601-3600 

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, the pride of the city of Palm Springs, offers two challenging desert courses. The Legend Golf Course is a stunning William Bell Jr. design. The Resort Golf Course, a Ted Robinson Sr. design, is the second course in Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort. Both courses enjoy terrific views of the San Jacinto Mountains and are considered to be fun, friendly, and unforgettable.

The Legend Course dates back 50 years, and the new bunkering enhances the challenge of this 6,800 yard traditional layout. The Robinson-designed Resort Course applies the philosophy of letting nature take its course. This modern desert layout rivals most other desert courses in the valley for its uniqueness, use of natural surroundings, and playability. The layout features an island fairway, multiple water features combined with flowers, and magnificent views of surrounding mountains. Come out and see what locals have known for 50 years!

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

1885 Golf Club Dr. Palm Springs, Ca.

760-328-1005   

The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa

Here are a couple of timeless classics that you will surely want to experience. This golf course has a Pete Dye layout that plays around the hotel, and a Gary Player signature design. Both are always in top condition, as is typical of Troon Management courses. Located in prestigious Rancho Mirage, you will want to check-out some of the great nearby restaurants. The Pete Dye design, as always, features the designers hidden pin placements, carries over water, pot bunkers, elevated tees, and railroad ties. The Gary Player signature course, which opened in 1991, is considered one of the best in Southern California. The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa is home to the Barry Clayton Golf Academy. Clayton has been voted by his peers as the 2003, 2006, and 2007 Desert Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year.

71333 Dinah Shore Dr. Rancho Mirage, Ca.

760-328-3198 

Indian Wells Golf Resort

This resort features two jewels. The Celebrity Course, designed by Clive Clark, features his signature undulating fairways and flowing water in the form of streams, brooks, and split-level lakes connected by striking waterfalls. The beauty of the course and the mountain views here make it hard to concentrate. The sister course to the Celebrity is the Players Course, a John Fought design that opened in 2007. Both courses play around the property’s two hotels, the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells and the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. The resort features a 53,000 sq. clubhouse where you can dine on the patio with some of the best views in the desert.

44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, Ca.

760-346-4653,  

Desert Willow Golf Resort

Desert Willow Golf Resort, located in Palm Desert, California is where you will find two of the best courses on one piece of property. The challenging Firecliff Course has been rated by Desert Golf Magazine as the number one public course in the Coachella Valley since 2012. Playing Firecliff is a true test of one’s ability, where players must navigate their way around extensive natural areas, 100 bunkers, and multiple water hazards. Step out onto the Mountain Course and you will find a slightly more forgiving golf course with wider fairways, but 98 well-placed bunkers. Both are can't-miss golf courses on any trip to the desert. The staff is extremely friendly and makes you feel welcome whether you are a resident or visitor to the desert.

38-995 Desert Willow Drive, Palm Desert, Ca. 

800-320-3323 

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort & Golf Club

Prepare to step out onto one of the desert’s best courses. It was voted "22nd best course you can play in the state of California" by Golf Week Magazine in 2014. Shadow Ridge is the only Nick Faldo design in the desert and one of the best conditioned courses all year. The staff is professional, friendly, and always accommodating. Also, you will find one of the best well-appointed pro shops in the desert.

Shadow Ridge has one of the best clubhouses and grill rooms, with outstanding food and a patio with a view of the course and mountains. On property is the Marriott Golf Academy, the ultimate environment to improve your game while enjoying the comfort and hospitality of the Marriott Vacation Club Resort. Don’t miss this one on any of your trips to the desert! 

9002 Shadow Ridge Rd. Palm Desert, Ca.

760-674-2700

SilverRock Resort

The city of La Quinta points proudly to its very own public golf course that is managed by Landmark Golf Management. The SilverRock Resorts Arnold Palmer-designed course is a challenging 7,578 yards from the back tees with massive native bunkers and stunning water features set against the backdrop and natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The course has recently undergone a redesign and is once again in pristine condition. The SilverRock clubhouse, situated in the rocky outcroppings, is a charming renovation of the former working-ranch hacienda. The course played host to the Bob Hope Classic from 2008-2011. Come play once and you will want to return again and again.

79-179 Ahmansom Lane, La Quinta, Ca. 

760-777-8884