Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

If you’ve never been to Palm Springs to play golf, let me tell you a little bit about it.  It’s the West Coast version of Hilton Head.  As you fly into the airport and crest the mountains into the heart of the Coachella Valley, you see two colors – the brown of the desert and the emerald green of more golf courses than you can count.

Living in Phoenix, I’m lucky to get to Palm Springs more often than a lot of people.  And yes, whenever I go, my golf clubs are in tow.  One of our writers escapes the cold Oregon winters every year too, for a visit to Palm Springs.  Between us, we’ve played a good number of the public courses in the area.  With his help, and in conjunction with our readers, we’ve compiled our top ten list for this golf mecca.

 

1

The Stadium Course at PGA West

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The PGA West’s Stadium Course offers an iconic and bold golfing adventure in Palm Springs, designed by the renowned Pete Dye and featuring the famous par-3 island green known as Alcatraz. It’s ranked among the 100 Greatest Courses in the U.S. by Golf Magazine, a testament to its exceptional design and challenge.

The course gained further notoriety as the host of the Bob Hope Classic, drawing in top players such as Arnold Palmer. As you tee off, you’ll be greeted by stunning mountain views, adding to the allure of this championship course.

The Stadium Course isn’t for the faint of heart, with its strategically placed water hazards and large boulders surrounding the green, creating a unique and challenging obstacle for golfers.

From the back tees, the course measures an impressive 7,300 yards, while from the front tees, it offers a different, yet equally compelling, 5,092-yard golfing adventure.

This course is a must-visit for those seeking a memorable and demanding round amidst the beauty of Palm Springs.

 

2

Desert Falls Country Club

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Take shelter amidst the stunning desert scenery of Palm Springs, Desert Falls Country Club beckons golf fans with its bold course and picturesque surroundings. This renowned club offers a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, known for its well-maintained and diverse layout.

The Desert Falls Country Club stands out in the Palm Springs area for its top-notch facilities and unique desert-style course design. Whether you’re a beginner or a trained golfer, you can revel in the scenic views and the club’s tranquil atmosphere. The course’s stunning desert flowers and captivating landscape add to the overall experience.

Desert Falls Country Club is a must-visit for golfers seeking a memorable round in the Palm Springs area. With its exceptional course and serene ambiance, it’s no wonder that this club has garnered a strong reputation. When in Palm Springs, don’t miss the opportunity to tee off at Desert Falls Country Club and immerse yourself in its captivating desert golf event.

 

3

Indian Palms Country Club

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Amidst the tranquil desert oasis of Palm Springs, Indian Palms Country Club invites golf lovers to experience its captivating 27-hole course and beautiful surroundings.

The club offers a challenging 27-hole course suitable for golfers of all skill levels, set against a stunning view with mountain views and lush green fairways. Golfers can enjoy a relaxing day of golf amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings of Indian Palms Country Club, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and competitive play.

The well-maintained courses and excellent facilities provided by the club enhance the overall golfing adventure, ensuring that players have everything they need for a memorable day on the course. Additionally, Indian Palms Country Club is known for its friendly staff and attentive service, further contributing to an enjoyable golfing event for all visitors.

This classic golf resort, set down in the desert of Palm Springs, has a rich history and has been frequented by notable figures such as Bob Hope, adding to its allure and charm.

4

The Lights at Indio Golf Course

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As you explore the diverse golfing offerings in Palm Springs, the allure of The Lights at Indio Golf Course beckons with its promise of an enjoyable and demanding event suitable for golfers of all skill levels. This course, nestled in the stunning Coachella Valley, offers well-maintained and charming surroundings. The layout includes a variety of holes, featuring water hazards and strategically placed bunkers that add excitement to your game. The friendly and professional staff at The Lights at Indio Golf Course ensures a warm welcome for all visitors, enhancing the overall experience. Conveniently located and offering reasonable rates, this course provides excellent value for golfers seeking a round of golf in Palm Springs.

Designed by renowned golf architects Pete Dye and Bob Hope, The Lights at Indio Golf Course provides a unique golfing encounter with stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this course offers something for everyone. With its combination of demanding holes and scenic beauty, it’s no wonder that The Lights at Indio Golf Course has become a treasured gem in the Palm Springs golfing landscape.

5

Soboba Springs Golf Course

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Soboba Springs Golf Course offers golfers a bold and scenic 18-hole layout, featuring rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and stunning water features against the backdrop of the picturesque San Jacinto Mountains.

Here’s why you should visit:

  • Rich History: The course has a rich history, hosting legends like Bob Hope and designed by renowned architect Pete Dye. It’s a place where golf followers can walk in the footsteps of the greats.
  • Stunning Scenery: Situated near the Santa Rosa Mountains, the course provides breathtaking views of the scenic mountain ranges, creating a serene and beautiful golfing environment.

Soboba Springs Golf Course stands out as a prime destination for golfers seeking a blend of challenge and natural beauty. Whether you’re a skillful pro or new to the game, this course offers an unforgettable event. With its well-maintained greens and top-notch facilities, it’s a must-visit when exploring the Palm Springs golf scene.

And if you’re looking to extend your golfing adventure, it’s conveniently located near other notable courses like PGA West and La Quinta Resort.

 

6

Palm Royale Country Club

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Golf courses don’t have to be long and tough to be fun to play.

That’s precisely the case at Palm Royale Country Club.  This executive course is a hidden secret that locals love for a quick round with friends or to work on their game. 

Even though most of the holes are on the shorter side, plenty of water and bunkers lurk so you’d best be precise.

Rates are more than fair considering the quality of this course.

Quick, fun, and well taken care of.  A great spot for a warmup round or fun time with friends.

 

7

The Classic Club

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The Classic Club might be the most underrated high-end public facility in all the Coachella Valley. 

Formerly home to the Bob Hope Classic, this course has it all.

Wide fairways and slick, manicured greens are punctuated by lots of trees and numerous bunkers that keep you honest.

You’ll want to make time to enjoy all the amenities at the Classic Club.  Multiple dining options, opulent locker rooms, and perfect practice facilities make the experience here complete.

 

8

Mountain View Course at Desert Willow

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The two courses at Desert Willow are arguably the very best in all of Palm Springs. 

It costs a pretty penny if you’re from out of the area to play here but, it’s more than worth it.

Having played both courses, it’s a tossup as to which one is my favorite.  I mentioned the Firecliff Course in another review so let’s focus on the Mountain View Course. 

Sprawled out amongst the native rolls and arroyos of the desert, each hole makes you feel like you’re a long way from anything else.

While the fairways are expansive, wayward shots are likely to end up in water hazards or amongst the prickly vegetation of the desert. 

Always in great shape and treat to play.  Worth the price and do some shopping ahead of time if you can.

9

Hawk’s Landing Golf Club

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If you find yourself at the north end of the Coachella Valley and are looking for a fun round at a great price, put Hawk’s Landing on your schedule. 

Even though the course is only 12 holes, it’s a treat to play and you won’t get bored.  Here, you have the option of playing six, 12, or 18 holes.  This makes the course a great option if you’re in a time crunch but still want to get some swings in. 

For a little extra excitement during your round, try out one of the course’s golf boards.

10

Mesquite Golf and Country Club

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If pace of play and value are important factors for your round of golf, Mesquite Golf and Country Club is calling your name. 

Here, it’s understood that everyone should have fun, but a round of golf shouldn’t take you all day. 

Are you from Canada and looking to get warm during the winter?  You’ve come to the right place as Mesquite is a favorite venue for Canucks.  You betcha, eh?

All the amenities you’ll need, reasonable prices, and fast place of play.  Sounds like a winning combination to me.

Conclusion

When it comes to quantity and quality of golf, there’s no concentration of courses like the one in the Coachella Valley.  I try to play some place new every time I go and it’s never a problem. 

With so many options to choose from, you’ll be golfed out by the time you leave.  These are just a few of the best spots in Palm Springs; there’s many more that belong on this list.  What are some of your favorites?  Let us know in the comments and thanks for reading!

 

  

Paul Liberatore
Paul Liberatore

As the Founder of Golfers Authority Paul Liberatore Esq. has spent the last 7+ years writing about the best golf equipment or instruction from the top golf instructors in the world. He has been a contributing writer for Sports Illustrated Golf and GolfWRX. After graduating with honors from Purdue University, he realized that he had a passion for the golf business and the law. When he's not practicing law, or creating golf content on YouTube, he can be found on his syndicated Behind the Golf Brand podcast both on Apple and Spotify talking with the most prolific leaders in the golf industry. 

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