Looking for an early December golf and shopping destination

[jjfcpa]

What is your advice for not getting bogged down by slow play in Palm Springs. Any of these courses play faster than others?

[davep043]

> @jjfcpa said:

> What is your advice for not getting bogged down by slow play in Palm Springs. Any of these courses play faster than others?

 

I've been going every year in January for the last 5 years or so. I've always been pleasantly surprised, I don't remember any round taking much more than 4 hours to play. We rarely look for early times, 9 to 10 AM is our normal booking, so its not like we've been anything close to first off the tee. Now if they've overseeded recently, you may be "cart path only", which will slow things down.

[mikedejong]

Palm Springs is not very large.. We have found that you can drive to essentially any course in 15 to 20 minutes really. That casino is right on the freeway, so super easy access to anywhere. I agree with all the courses suggested: my personal favorites are the two at Indian Wells, Desert Willow Firecliff, Classic Club, and Eagle Falls. At PGA West we have played Stadium, Nicklaus and Norman, all were good. I do not personally like the La Quinta Resort courses (Mountain and Dunes). I think you can do better than those. Escena is the perfect course if you are flying in or out, it is right beside the airport and it is not bad.

[bulls9999]

Here you go. My in-laws used to live there and wife and I went there every year for 7-9 days and played golf every day. Brother-in-law worked in construction and would have 'markers' he'd call in and get us 4-somes at PGA West (Nicklaus course), LaQuinta CC, others. I miss that....need to re-visit the brother-in-law out there. I remember my father-in-law lived on a course and he was the perfect distance off the tee, we'd go in for lunch and come out and find 3, 4, 5 balls in the pool. I never felt comfortable laying on a float in that pool. I remember teeing off on his hole and he says "now don't hit that guy's house with the spanish tile roof....he's complained that golfers broke 6 shingles in 6 days". No sooner did I tee off, I turn around and said "uhm, make that 7 shingles in 7 days!". I do remember one par 3 that had small bungalo's (condominium units?) lined up in a scalloped fashion along the right side of the par-3 hole with not much room for error.....and every unit had their double glass sliding doors facing the tee box.....ugh, 15 units in a row of double glass sliding doors....and I pull a line drive to the right.....seemed like I watched that ball for minutes before it narrowly missed the glass and got embedded in the stucko of the wall next to the door. Or the time I'm out in the desert looking for my ball and I yell back what's at that rattling sound I hear and my father-in-law says "could be rattle snakes" and I high stepped out of there, would have made a running back proud.

 

[https://golfnow.com/tee-times/search#qc=GeoLocation&q=&sortby=Facilities.Distance.0&view=Course&date=Nov+11+2019&holes=3&radius=50&timemax=42&timemin=10&players=0&pricemax=10000&pricemin=0&hotdealsonly=false&longitude=-116.54529&latitude=33.8303](https://www.golfnow.com/tee-times/search#qc=GeoLocation&q=&sortby=Facilities.Distance.0&view=Course&date=Nov+11+2019&holes=3&radius=50&timemax=42&timemin=10&players=0&pricemax=10000&pricemin=0&hotdealsonly=false&longitude=-116.54529&latitude=33.8303 "https://golfnow.com/tee-times/search#qc=GeoLocation&q=&sortby=Facilities.Distance.0&view=Course&date=Nov+11+2019&holes=3&radius=50&timemax=42&timemin=10&players=0&pricemax=10000&pricemin=0&hotdealsonly=false&longitude=-116.54529&latitude=33.8303")

 

> @jjfcpa said:

> Palm Springs here we come. My wife likes to gamble and I saw that there is a Harrah's Casino there and she made the call, got us a room at a ridiculous price and I booked the flight.

>

> Now I just need to figure out what courses to play during our 7 day stay. Any recommendations?

 

 

[Georgewang]

> @MaxBuck said:

> Fashion Island shopping center is a couple of hours away in Newport Beach, and it's got an incredible array of stores. I'm not a shopper, but that place impresses me.

 

Fashion island is MEH. Lots of places like that in California...

[tarheel golf]

Orlando or Naples

[mallrat]

As far as play start with the Classic Club. Just a really good course. Next i’d Look at Desert Willow, I believe Firecliff is more highly rated. If you are up for something different go play under the lights at The Lights at Indio.

 

The Cabazon Outlet Mall is actually pretty friggin cool and HUGE.

 

Make sure you have a mellow night and go get some pizza at Billy Q’s. A local joint with the best pizza in the valley. Casuelas is a really popular Mexican place and pretty good.

[HackerDave]

Naples or Scottsdale. Cant go wrong with either.

[HackerDave]

Oops. Posted without reading to the end. Have a great trip

[bulls9999]

Just got this in my email.... packages in Palm Springs :-) (they like to tease me)

 

https://usa.golfbreaks.com/palm-springs/

[jjfcpa]

To all that have responded... thank you. Perhaps I can solicit a little more info and suggestions.

 

Here is what I have so far:

 

HOTEL:

Aqua Caliente

 

GOLF COURSES:

Classic Club

Silverrock

Mission Hills

Shadow Ridge

Indian Wells

Desert Willow

Firecliff

Eagle Falls

PGA West (3 courses – Stadium, Nicklaus, Norman)

Escena (near airpor)

The Lights at Indio (lighted course)

 

 

RESTAURANTS:

Billy Q’s (pizza)

Casuelas (Mexican)

 

 

SHOPPING (wife):

Cabazon Outlet Mall

El Paseo

 

SHOPPING (me):

PGA Superstore

Roger Dunn’s

Pete Carlson’s

 

 

Any other restaurants to consider. Price is not a factor as long as the quality of the food and service are good.

 

I have quite a few golf courses and I'd like to prioritize the ones I'd like to play. Realistically, I can probably only play 4 times during my 7 day stay. I think the Classic Club was recommended by multiple people so I'll definitely play there. Can you suggest 3 other courses that you would recommend?

 

[Socrates]

> @jjfcpa said:

> To all that have responded... thank you. Perhaps I can solicit a little more info and suggestions.

>

> Here is what I have so far:

>

> HOTEL:

> Aqua Caliente

>

> GOLF COURSES:

> Classic Club

> Silverrock

> Mission Hills

> Shadow Ridge

> Indian Wells

> Desert Willow

> Firecliff

> Eagle Falls

> PGA West (3 courses – Stadium, Nicklaus, Norman)

> Escena (near airpor)

> The Lights at Indio (lighted course)

>

>

> RESTAURANTS:

> Billy Q’s (pizza)

> Casuelas (Mexican)

>

>

> SHOPPING (wife):

> Cabazon Outlet Mall

> El Paseo

>

> SHOPPING (me):

> PGA Superstore

> Roger Dunn’s

> Pete Carlson’s

>

>

> Any other restaurants to consider. Price is not a factor as long as the quality of the food and service are good.

>

> I have quite a few golf courses and I'd like to prioritize the ones I'd like to play. Realistically, I can probably only play 4 times during my 7 day stay. I think the Classic Club was recommended by multiple people so I'll definitely play there. Can you suggest 3 other courses that you would recommend?

>

 

Classic Club is going to be Cart Path Only until the 18th. Course will likely be good, but that can make for a slower round.

Check out [standbygolf.com](https://standbygolf.com/images/sbg-overseeding-2019.pdf "standbygolf.com") to see what other courses are closed for overseeing or have just come out of it. Best to avoid less than ideal conditions with so many good courses.

 

You can add Stuft Pizza to you food list. I could eat their ribs until I have to buy bigger pants. 2 locations (la Quinta is better ambience but busier).

[mallrat]

We’ve had a couple really good meals at Sullivan’s Steakhouse and Spencer’s is kind of a staple in Palm Springs for the last 30+ years.

[RMACHADO]

> @jjfcpa said:

> The wife agreed to leave the midwest for a week to go some place warm where I can gold and she can shop. Any suggestions for suitable destinations?

 

Hello JJFCPA why not head to Lisbon, Portugal for a change? Direct flights from Chicago, over 10 championship golf courses within a radius of 30 minutes of (small) city centre, and plenty of shopping & culture for your wife - plus fantastic bars and restaurants for both of you after your hardworking day on the links....

[davep043]

> @jjfcpa said:

 

>

> Any other restaurants to consider. Price is not a factor as long as the quality of the food and service are good.

>

La Qinta Cliffhouse has a cool setting and pretty good food. I know you said price isn't a factor, but they do an early fixed price "Sunset Dinner" that's a great deal. Happy hour also has looked to be popular, with food specials in the bar, but I've never done that.

https://www.laquintacliffhouse.com/

 

The Nest feels like a walk back in time, very old-style Palm Springs, with pretty good food, and a very busy bar scene.

https://www.gotothenest.com/

 

Not far from Eagle Falls and Terra Lago is a nice deli, a good lunch stop:

https://www.tkbbakery.com/

 

 

 

[jjfcpa]

> @Socrates said:

> > @jjfcpa said:

> > To all that have responded... thank you. Perhaps I can solicit a little more info and suggestions.

> >

> > Here is what I have so far:

> >

> > HOTEL:

> > Aqua Caliente

> >

> > GOLF COURSES:

> > Classic Club

> > Silverrock

> > Mission Hills

> > Shadow Ridge

> > Indian Wells

> > Desert Willow

> > Firecliff

> > Eagle Falls

> > PGA West (3 courses – Stadium, Nicklaus, Norman)

> > Escena (near airpor)

> > The Lights at Indio (lighted course)

> >

> >

> > RESTAURANTS:

> > Billy Q’s (pizza)

> > Casuelas (Mexican)

> >

> >

> > SHOPPING (wife):

> > Cabazon Outlet Mall

> > El Paseo

> >

> > SHOPPING (me):

> > PGA Superstore

> > Roger Dunn’s

> > Pete Carlson’s

> >

> >

> > Any other restaurants to consider. Price is not a factor as long as the quality of the food and service are good.

> >

> > I have quite a few golf courses and I'd like to prioritize the ones I'd like to play. Realistically, I can probably only play 4 times during my 7 day stay. I think the Classic Club was recommended by multiple people so I'll definitely play there. Can you suggest 3 other courses that you would recommend?

> >

>

> Classic Club is going to be Cart Path Only until the 18th. Course will likely be good, but that can make for a slower round.

> Check out [standbygolf.com](https://standbygolf.com/images/sbg-overseeding-2019.pdf "standbygolf.com") to see what other courses are closed for overseeing or have just come out of it. Best to avoid less than ideal conditions with so many good courses.

>

> You can add Stuft Pizza to you food list. I could eat their ribs until I have to buy bigger pants. 2 locations (la Quinta is better ambience but busier).

 

Thank you for the link. Not sure I know how to read it though. For example, Classic Club is closed from 10/14/2019 - 11/15/2019 and it's cart path only until 12/16/2019? That will eliminate a lot of courses if I want to avoid CPO.

[Socrates]

> @jjfcpa said:

> > @Socrates said:

 

> >

> > Classic Club is going to be Cart Path Only until the 18th. Course will likely be good, but that can make for a slower round.

> > Check out [standbygolf.com](https://standbygolf.com/images/sbg-overseeding-2019.pdf "standbygolf.com") to see what other courses are closed for overseeing or have just come out of it. Best to avoid less than ideal conditions with so many good courses.

> >

> > You can add Stuft Pizza to you food list. I could eat their ribs until I have to buy bigger pants. 2 locations (la Quinta is better ambience but busier).

>

> Thank you for the link. Not sure I know how to read it though. For example, Classic Club is closed from 10/14/2019 - 11/15/2019 and it's cart path only until 12/16/2019? That will eliminate a lot of courses if I want to avoid CPO.

 

They re-open approx. Nov. 15 for play. Up until Dec. 16 or so, it is CPO. When it is CPO, it means that they are pounding the water to the course and it's going to be soft and many times the grass will be longer than usual. Not always as they get closer to the end of CPO. Just don't expect pristine conditions. It does eliminate some courses depending on your dates of playing.

 

One caveat... The Standby Golf Schedule isn't always correct. For example, they have Firecliff and Mtn View closures reversed. Always check the course website or call them.

[68bronco]

Orlando, FL

Also Streamsong has some good stay & play rates going now.

[jjfcpa]

> @Socrates said:

> > @jjfcpa said:

> > > @Socrates said:

>

> > >

> > > Classic Club is going to be Cart Path Only until the 18th. Course will likely be good, but that can make for a slower round.

> > > Check out [standbygolf.com](https://standbygolf.com/images/sbg-overseeding-2019.pdf "standbygolf.com") to see what other courses are closed for overseeing or have just come out of it. Best to avoid less than ideal conditions with so many good courses.

> > >

> > > You can add Stuft Pizza to you food list. I could eat their ribs until I have to buy bigger pants. 2 locations (la Quinta is better ambience but busier).

> >

> > Thank you for the link. Not sure I know how to read it though. For example, Classic Club is closed from 10/14/2019 - 11/15/2019 and it's cart path only until 12/16/2019? That will eliminate a lot of courses if I want to avoid CPO.

>

> They re-open approx. Nov. 15 for play. Up until Dec. 16 or so, it is CPO. When it is CPO, it means that they are pounding the water to the course and it's going to be soft and many times the grass will be longer than usual. Not always as they get closer to the end of CPO. Just don't expect pristine conditions. It does eliminate some courses depending on your dates of playing.

>

> One caveat... The Standby Golf Schedule isn't always correct. For example, they have Firecliff and Mtn View closures reversed. Always check the course website or call them.

 

Thank you again for the information. I will definitely call before going there. One last question, any of those courses have really nice practice areas... driving range, chipping greens, etc? Sometimes, I like to get some practice in before booking a tee time. Especially since I've only been able to play about once a week the past few weeks. I do have a hitting bay in my basement so I've been hitting a few balls daily, but hitting off a mat is different from hitting off grass.

[Socrates]

> @jjfcpa said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > > @jjfcpa said:

> > > > @Socrates said:

> >

> > > >

> > > > Classic Club is going to be Cart Path Only until the 18th. Course will likely be good, but that can make for a slower round.

> > > > Check out [standbygolf.com](https://standbygolf.com/images/sbg-overseeding-2019.pdf "standbygolf.com") to see what other courses are closed for overseeing or have just come out of it. Best to avoid less than ideal conditions with so many good courses.

> > > >

> > > > You can add Stuft Pizza to you food list. I could eat their ribs until I have to buy bigger pants. 2 locations (la Quinta is better ambience but busier).

> > >

> > > Thank you for the link. Not sure I know how to read it though. For example, Classic Club is closed from 10/14/2019 - 11/15/2019 and it's cart path only until 12/16/2019? That will eliminate a lot of courses if I want to avoid CPO.

> >

> > They re-open approx. Nov. 15 for play. Up until Dec. 16 or so, it is CPO. When it is CPO, it means that they are pounding the water to the course and it's going to be soft and many times the grass will be longer than usual. Not always as they get closer to the end of CPO. Just don't expect pristine conditions. It does eliminate some courses depending on your dates of playing.

> >

> > One caveat... The Standby Golf Schedule isn't always correct. For example, they have Firecliff and Mtn View closures reversed. Always check the course website or call them.

>

> Thank you again for the information. I will definitely call before going there. One last question, any of those courses have really nice practice areas... driving range, chipping greens, etc? Sometimes, I like to get some practice in before booking a tee time. Especially since I've only been able to play about once a week the past few weeks. I do have a hitting bay in my basement so I've been hitting a few balls daily, but hitting off a mat is different from hitting off grass.

 

Practice Facilities:

 

Shadow Ridge - Really Good PF - driving range, short game area, bunkers, separate putting green(s) and then another area for "lessons"

Likely the best PF in the area. Decent balls for the most part. $20-30 gets you a day pass for range and I've used it many times.

 

Classic Club - Good Practice Facility (PF)

Silverrock - PF is mundane - long way from clubhouse

Mission Hills Players Course - It has one -nothing special

Indian Wells - Terrible PF weird angles and you hit into the drainage canal.

Desert Willow - Pretty decent PF

Firecliff

Eagle Falls Ok PF - wouldn't want to hit balls here all the time though

PGA West (3 courses – Stadium, Nicklaus, Norman) - Good PF - kinda basic though

Escena (near airport) - No PF just has driving nets

[fore_life]

Another good site for current conditions

 

http://www.greenskeeper.org/southern_california/golf_courses/

[jjfcpa]

Arrived in Palm Springs last night.

Today it rained all day so we settled for some shopping; but we did have lunch at Billy's Pizza (not Billy Q's Pizza) and it was some of the best pizza we've ever had. Absolutely delicious and we'll be going back there again before we leave. I can't imagine Billy Q's being any better. Billy's Pizza is in Palm Desert. My wife and I couldn't figure out why this place wasn't packed for lunch. I'm kind of a pizza aficionado since I make my own pizza and I know how fresh ingredients can enhance the flavor. This was definitely some of the best I've ever had.

Tomorrow I have a tee time at Tahquitz Credit Golf Resort. It was recommended to me by the Concierge. Green fees include breakfast and lunch and 2 drinks... $ 79 for senior. This was not one of the recommended corses so I'll report back after I finish.

I did manage to go to both Roger Dunn Golf Shop and PGA Tour Superstore and they were huge and had great selections. Picked up a few essentials... glove and 2 Travis Matthews shirts. What also caught me off guard was the number of customers in both stores. Obviously, I'm in golf mecca.

 

 

[darpar1]

You also might want to ch.out Mission Lakes CC or Desert Dunes (a links course) both in Desert Hot Springs.

[jjfcpa]

I played Tahquit golf course today. It was actually a fun track and the weather was fabulous. Not a particularly challenging course, but since I haven't been playing due to weather back home, I was happy with my less than stellar performance. 44 on the front 9 and 43 on the back 9. Pricing was $ 91 which included breakfast and lunch, plus 2 drinks, a logo ball and a medium bucket of range balls.

A great little Italian restaurant was recommended to me by my playing partners named LaBell Cucina. It's located in a strip mall and there is no atmosphere but the food was excellent. Started with a small Italian salad that included a very tasty Italian Vinaigrette dressing. We then had an order of fried zucchini. It was delicious. Then we had a half order of spaghetti with meat sauce. The meat sauce was unlike any other that I've had, but very tasty. All reasonably priced at $ 42 for the two of us.

Tomorrow I'm playing Escena golf course. It was recommended by another golfer that I was talking to today. It's a Jack Nicholas course so probably a little more challenging.

[sharkiesj]

Jack did not design Escena. Nicklaus Design group is responsible for the layout which means Jack had nothing to do with it. NDG is one of his kids or some random people “in the business” who designs courses. When Jack designs a course, the course is labeled a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. I know I’m nit pickin’ but just thought I’d clear the air.

[jjfcpa]

Thanks for clearing that up. It's just what was told to me by the guy who recommended it.

At any rate, it's a beautiful course and is much better organized than Tahquitz. Hardly any delays in playing 18 holes and finished in 4 hours where as Tahquitz took 5 hours. The course, especially, the greens, were in excellent shape. Bunkers were challenging.

Scenery was exquisite. Almost breathe taking. I may try to play it again before we leave.

My playing partners today recommended a course name Eagle Falls. They have a home here but are from an island off the coast of Vancouver. He's an avid golfer and a 7 handicap. His wife was not too bad either.

The one thing that I've been told is that all the over seeding is done. A lot of the courses have two 18-hole courses and they close one while they over seed and keep the other one open, then switch. Thus far, I've yet to run into any problems with seeding or restrictions.

[sharkiesj]

Eagle Falls is a nice course. I believe the pro shop is a trailer still but I could be wrong. So no nice amenities.

[teejaywhy]

I take it you have never been to Vegas! lol

 

[davep043]

We should note that the OP has already taken his trip and returned home by now. BTW, @jjfcpa , did you play Eagle Falls? How did you like it?