Palm Springs Teaser continued for 2024 Golf Vacations

[davep043]

For all of you experienced in the Palm Springs area, do you have any suggestions for an instructor?  A friend of mine will be there (in La Quinta) for the next month or more, and is considering taking some instruction for the first time in his life.  He's a good player, 3 or 4 handicap, natural athlete, hoping to upgrade his swing.  Thanks

[Titleist_242]

Hi guys, which terra lago course is better, and is that a better choice over LQ mountain?

[vernon]

On 3/5/2021 at 3:34 AM, Titleist_242 said:

Hi guys, which terra lago course is better, and is that a better choice over LQ mountain?

Haven't played Terra Lago but in my opinion the only course I have played out there that's worse than LQ Mountain is LQ Dunes. 

 

I'd play either course at Terra Lago or pretty much anywhere else in the area before I'd spend another dime at Mountain or Dunes.

 

Obviously a lot of people will disagree with me but those two courses are so overpriced in my opinion that it's ridiculous.

 

We found conditions to be mediocre at best, houses and condos everywhere, more canals in play than I can count and too many blah holes combined with too many goofy holes.

 

Lots of better and cheaper options I think.

[Titleist_242]

1 hour ago, vernon said:

Haven't played Terra Lago but in my opinion the only course I have played out there that's worse than LQ Mountain is LQ Dunes. 

 

I'd play either course at Terra Lago or pretty much anywhere else in the area before I'd spend another dime at Mountain or Dunes.

 

Obviously a lot of people will disagree with me but those two courses are so overpriced in my opinion that it's ridiculous.

 

We found conditions to be mediocre at best, houses and condos everywhere, more canals in play than I can count and too many blah holes combined with too many goofy holes.

 

Lots of better and cheaper options I think.

This is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. Thank you 

[Titleist_242]

Which is a better play? Silverrock or Escena?

Edited March 6, 2021 by Titleist_242

[vernon]

47 minutes ago, Titleist_242 said:

Which is a better play? Silverrock or Escena?

Again, only my opinion but it used to be Silverock by a long shot.  In fact Silverock  was one of our absolute most favorites prior to the renovation to make room for the new conference center, resort hotel, etc.  

 

However we've been once since the redo and won't be back.  Opinion again but I think they ruined it and the 18th is now one of the worst finishing holes ever.

 

If you search some old Palm Springs review threads there's quite a few detailed and varying posts about Silverock in particular.  Some guys still really like it - I'm just not one of 'em.

 

Escena on the other hand is much less expensive and we think is a lot of fun to play.  Relatively open and pretty much everything is right there in front of you.  Conditions have always been good when we've been there.  Be advised that there's no driving range if that's important to you although they have a pretty decent mat and net setup for getting loose prior to play.

[manku]

9 hours ago, vernon said:

Haven't played Terra Lago but in my opinion the only course I have played out there that's worse than LQ Mountain is LQ Dunes. 

 

I'd play either course at Terra Lago or pretty much anywhere else in the area before I'd spend another dime at Mountain or Dunes.

 

Obviously a lot of people will disagree with me but those two courses are so overpriced in my opinion that it's ridiculous.

 

We found conditions to be mediocre at best, houses and condos everywhere, more canals in play than I can count and too many blah holes combined with too many goofy holes.

 

Lots of better and cheaper options I think.

LQ Mountain doesn’t have a canal or condo on the front nine.  10-12 are pretty dull par fours through condos, but 13-17 are fantastic again. 18 is a little weird and jammed in, but so is 18 at Cypress and Olympic!  It’s hands down my favorite non private course in the area.  

 

As for price, last time I played a few years ago I got a 10:00 am tee time in late November for $19.99 each on golf now!   

[blakej824]

On 3/5/2021 at 1:34 AM, Titleist_242 said:

Hi guys, which terra lago course is better, and is that a better choice over LQ mountain?

North > South

 

Both great tracks, one of if not the best deals in PD.

[Smurr]

Headed out to Palm Springs end of March for a buddies 30th birthday party and we're planning to get 2 rounds in. Can we go wrong at PGA West both rounds (mixing up courses of course), or is there somewhere else people would recommend this year? We do not make it a habit of coming out here so likely the only time I'm there for the forseeable future... thanks! 

[erichake]

On 4/22/2020 at 3:25 PM, vernon said:

This is nuts and getting out of hand. When it's all said and done poverty and the associated ills (alcoholism, drug abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, depression, suicide, etc.) will have killed way more people than the damn virus.

Take precautions to protect the most vulnerable and get on with it.

those things aren't contagious, however, so not a good comparison.  500k dead, and growing, can't be overlooked.

[vernon]

19 hours ago, erichake said:

those things aren't contagious, however, so not a good comparison.  500k dead, and growing, can't be overlooked.

But the increase in the overall death rate has remained virtually unchanged.

 

It's just that nobody died from anything but Covid in the past year.  

 

Flu deaths down 98%?

 

Cause of masks I guess.......

 

And dying from something that's not contagious probably doesn't make the dead guy feel any better.

[Socrates]

10 hours ago, vernon said:

Flu deaths down 98%?

 

Cause of masks I guess.......

 

Masks, less international travel are likely 2 key components. 

Edited March 11, 2021 by Socrates

[ZipinZ]

Today we had a chat with the owner of the condo we rent in P.S. & we booked it again for just over 3 months for next winter ..... hoooray!  The owner raised the price marginally due to covid losses & extra cleaning, which we felt was fair & reasonable all things considered. We stay at the Desert Princess G&CC it's a nice gated complex with approx 1100 homes & 27 hole course about 10 min from the airport. We were told you still can't eat inside the club house most restaurants are take out. The COD Market was still closed but some outdoor farmers markets maybe opening soon. They sure miss all the Cdn's snowbirds & we sure missed hiding from winter in the desert this year.  Looking forward to some normal & getting back into desert golf and contributing to this thread. Also looking forward to hooking up with some of the fellas I met here for a round golf & beers, too.

 

Edit: Since we didn't travel south that justifies upgrading to a new Ping G425 driver, perhaps the Max, anyone upgrade to the G425 Max yet?

 

Cheers

 

David

Edited March 13, 2021 by ZipinZ

[RSinSG]

On 3/10/2021 at 8:04 PM, ZipinZ said:

Today we had a chat with the owner of the condo we rent in P.S. & we booked it again for just over 3 months for next winter ..... hoooray!  The owner raised the price marginally due to covid losses & extra cleaning, which we felt was fair & reasonable all things considered. We stay at the Desert Princess G&CC it's a nice gated complex with approx 1100 homes & 27 hole course about 10 min from the airport. We were told you still can't eat inside the club house most restaurants are take out. The COD Market was still closed but some outdoor farmers markets maybe opening soon. They sure miss all the Cdn's snowbirds & we sure missed hiding from winter in the desert this year.  Looking forward to some normal & getting back into desert golf and contributing to this thread. Also looking forward to hooking up with some of the fellas I met here for a round golf & beers, too.

 

Edit: Since we didn't travel south that justifies upgrading to a new Ping G425 driver, perhaps the Max, anyone upgrade to the G425 Max yet?

 

Cheers

 

David

Guvner Newsome is feeling the heat from the recall effort as they now have 2M signatures so he may be hastening the reopening efforts. Now all dining in Riverside County is outside only. Exception is the casinos restaurants which have been open for inside dining for a while. 

[ASN21]

On 3/9/2021 at 11:34 AM, Smurr said:

Headed out to Palm Springs end of March for a buddies 30th birthday party and we're planning to get 2 rounds in. Can we go wrong at PGA West both rounds (mixing up courses of course), or is there somewhere else people would recommend this year? We do not make it a habit of coming out here so likely the only time I'm there for the forseeable future... thanks! 

Stadium Course, SilverRock and Fire Cliff are what I would recommend. 

[ZipinZ]

This is good NEWS from Escena  .... The Grill is open for indoor dining (limited to 25% capacity), or you can choose to enjoy the great outdoors. Live music outside on Wednesdays, new menu items and spring weather has arrived.  Sure miss the sunset view from their patio.

 

D.

 

 

Edited March 17, 2021 by ZipinZ

[jdhallissey]

On 3/9/2021 at 11:34 AM, Smurr said:

Headed out to Palm Springs end of March for a buddies 30th birthday party and we're planning to get 2 rounds in. Can we go wrong at PGA West both rounds (mixing up courses of course), or is there somewhere else people would recommend this year? We do not make it a habit of coming out here so likely the only time I'm there for the forseeable future... thanks! 

Play stadium over nick tourney. Nick tourneys greens are brand new and absolutely rock hard. (played it right after the tournament). Norman course is always a fun time. I am playing stadium on Sunday so I can give you a update on its shape but this is still prime time for the desert. I would not play mountain course again even if you payed me. Classic club is a great course if there is zero wind. 

[ZipinZ]

Some Palm Springs NEWS ...

 

 

Spectators will return to the American Express golf tournament in 2022.

 

Tickets are now on sale for the 2022 American Express, the Coachella Valley's PGA Tour golf event. The tournament will be held from Jan. 19-23, 2022 at the PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta.

 

With the border now open to vehicle traffic, were going back for 3.5 months, I plan on attending this year, may even volunteer if they need people, look forward to some fun in sun.

 

Cheers

 

David

 

https://kesq.com/sports/american-express/2021/11/08/2022-american-express-golf-tournament-tickets-now-on-sale-live-concerts-will-return/

 

 

Edited November 9, 2021 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Dec 02nd - Submitted my newbie volunteer info for the 2022 American Express tourney, this was my first & second choice's, if accepted I get assigned to a group & walk 18 holding a score card with names/scores for 4 days at either the Nicklaus or the La Quinta tracks. It comes with some benefits, but had to pay for my matching swag so I don't look like an out of place Cdn looking for autographs. Edit: Not sure which course the round of golf certificate is for, or if it's free, guess I'll find out.

 

Anybody here ever volunteer at one of these events, what was your experience ?

 

Cheers

 

David

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 3, 2021 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

That didn't take long, was notified today by the AMEX Tourney Committee that I'm accepted as a Walking Scorer for the Nicklaus course from January 20th - 23rd as noted below.

 

Kinda exciting & looking forward to it .... should be fun.

 

D.

 

---

The job of a walking scorer is to walk with a group and keep their score and specific statistics. You will be assigned to a group in the pro-am and the tournament. It is important that the walking scorers have an understanding of the game of golf, and are accurate with every player in the group. This volunteer role is expected to walk all 18 holes over sometimes very hilly terrain. You will be issued equipment which includes a handheld device. You will also have a voice radio that enables you to be in constant communication with the ShotLink staff.

 

At the completion of 18 holes, the walking scorer will accompany his/her group to the scoring tent, and if asked, read back the scores to the players in groups of three. The walking scorers should then proceed to the volunteer area to return their equipment.

 

.

[vernon]

13 hours ago, ZipinZ said:

That didn't take long, was notified today by the AMEX Tourney Committee that I'm accepted as a Walking Scorer for the Nicklaus course from January 20th - 23rd as noted below.

 

Kinda exciting & looking forward to it .... should be fun.

 

D.

 

---

The job of a walking scorer is to walk with a group and keep their score and specific statistics. You will be assigned to a group in the pro-am and the tournament. It is important that the walking scorers have an understanding of the game of golf, and are accurate with every player in the group. This volunteer role is expected to walk all 18 holes over sometimes very hilly terrain. You will be issued equipment which includes a handheld device. You will also have a voice radio that enables you to be in constant communication with the ShotLink staff.

 

At the completion of 18 holes, the walking scorer will accompany his/her group to the scoring tent, and if asked, read back the scores to the players in groups of three. The walking scorers should then proceed to the volunteer area to return their equipment.

 

.

Sounds like fun David!  Can't wait to hear all about it.

[J_Birdie]

Played Escena and Classic Club this weekend. Both in great shape. I was really impressed with Classic Club. Towel, lunch, divot fixer, ball mark, sleeve of ProV1x for $200 at 8am on a Sunday! Great value! The course was in great shape, and it is fun layout. 

[ZipinZ]

Jan 08^th …. Three days of driving & 1,650 miles later we made it to Palm Springs on Thursday. Last year our trip was put on hold due to Covid & the USA/CDN border being closed.  Rented the same condo at the Desert Princess G&CC in Cat City were here until April 10^th.  Made a grub/booze run to Costco, prices are so cheap here a box of 36 beers for $22.00, a big Rot. Chicken for $4.99. Calif gas prices are the highest, most corner stations are over $4.20 gal, Costco gas was cheapest at $3.98/gal.

 

Bought a short stay membership at Escena & dropped by the club this afternoon. The rain they got earlier this month sure helped, the course is in awesome shape. Noticed their rates have gone up slightly as well most other courses in the area have increased their rates, too.

 

I still had a basket or two of range balls stored away in the garage here, went down to hit a few this afternoon, it’s a 5 min walk from our condo, even it looks better this year than previous years. The last time I hit a ball was mid-October, my swing needs some WD40, had to remind myself to make a full shoulder turn. Back to the range tomorrow.

 

For my first warm up round I found a cheap rate for Monday at 1:30 pm on Tee Off golf for a single at the Weston Mission Hills – Pete Dye course for $36.99 all in. My next round will be at Escena, get 1 free round under my membership, otherwise my prime time rate would be $90.00 the published rack rate is $137.00.

 

Next week I’m scheduled for a training session and pick up my matching uniform for being a volunteer at the PGA American Express tourney in LaQuinta, I was bumped as a Walking Score Keeper now to a Standard Bearer in other words I get to hold a sign the says Phil Mickelson is +/- whatever, I’m on the Nicklaus track. I’m looking forward to it, should still be an interesting experience. In addition to the free parking, concert tickets for me & Mrs, I get a golf shirt, hat & jacket & I’m still hoping to get a round on one of the PGA tracks out there.

 

Will continue to update answer any Q's others may have & share lots of pic's.

 

Edit: It's freezing cold back home, temps were in the -30 to -40, it was 74F today forecast is the same for next week or more.

 

Some pic’s from today.

 

Cheers

 

David

 

 

Edited January 9, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Jan 09th .... back to the range this afternoon, better today but always room for improvement. Gained some S/S but my tempo needs work.  Does anyone have a good drill for improving tempo?

 

On the way home I stopped at a few fruit trees on the golf course, nothing like freshly picked grapefruit, oranges and a few Meyer lemons with your vodka.

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

Edited January 11, 2022 by ZipinZ

[GolfCarl]

On 1/8/2022 at 10:21 PM, ZipinZ said:

Jan 08^th …. Three days of driving & 1,650 miles later we made it to Palm Springs on Thursday. Last year our trip was put on hold due to Covid & the USA/CDN border being closed.  Rented the same condo at the Desert Princess G&CC in Cat City were here until April 10^th.  Made a grub/booze run to Costco, prices are so cheap here a box of 36 beers for $22.00, a big Rot. Chicken for $4.99. Calif gas prices are the highest, most corner stations are over $4.20 gal, Costco gas was cheapest at $3.98/gal.

 

Bought a short stay membership at Escena & dropped by the club this afternoon. The rain they got earlier this month sure helped, the course is in awesome shape. Noticed their rates have gone up slightly as well most other courses in the area have increased their rates, too.

 

I still had a basket or two of range balls stored away in the garage here, went down to hit a few this afternoon, it’s a 5 min walk from our condo, even it looks better this year than previous years. The last time I hit a ball was mid-October, my swing needs some WD40, had to remind myself to make a full shoulder turn. Back to the range tomorrow.

 

For my first warm up round I found a cheap rate for Monday at 1:30 pm on Tee Off golf for a single at the Weston Mission Hills – Pete Dye course for $36.99 all in. My next round will be at Escena, get 1 free round under my membership, otherwise my prime time rate would be $90.00 the published rack rate is $137.00.

 

Next week I’m scheduled for a training session and pick up my matching uniform for being a volunteer at the PGA American Express tourney in LaQuinta, I was bumped as a Walking Score Keeper now to a Standard Bearer in other words I get to hold a sign the says Phil Mickelson is +/- whatever, I’m on the Nicklaus track. I’m looking forward to it, should still be an interesting experience. In addition to the free parking, concert tickets for me & Mrs, I get a golf shirt, hat & jacket & I’m still hoping to get a round on one of the PGA tracks out there.

 

Will continue to update answer any Q's others may have & share lots of pic's.

 

Edit: It's freezing cold back home, temps were in the -30 to -40, it was 74F today forecast is the same for next week or more.

 

Some pic’s from today.

 

Cheers

 

David

 

 

Thanks for sharing.  Palm Springs in the winter is magical.

[ZipinZ]

Jan 10th ... went out to the Weston Mission Hills – Pete Dye, Paid $36.99 all in for a 1:30 t-time, arrived early and was asked if I would join another single who had his own personal cart, got my own cart & we were off about 30 min early.

 

My partner Mike was great company, a Dentist from L.A who owned his own practice & recently purchased a condo on the course, got lots of first hand info on the track/property. They made lots of improvements since I played here 5-6 years ago, however, their bunkers need more work & some maintenance. Greens were in good shape & not lightening fast which I enjoyed.

 

After the first couple of holes we caught up to the other groups & it was slow play after that. Mike quit after 9 and I carried on by myself. It was getting dark at just after 5:00 pm, finished # 15, time to pack it up.

 

Was pleased with my first round, made 3 Birdies a bunch of Par's/Bogies, didn't hit any houses, came home with the same ball.  

 

A few pic's of the Par 3's these will give you an idea on course conditions, I would play here again.

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

Hole # 3 - 145 Yds

 

 

 

 

Hole #8 ... 170 Yds

 

 

Made Birdie

 

 

 

Gallery .... liked my shot, got a standing ovation.

 

 

 

Hole #11 - 168 Yds

 

 

Made Birdie ...

 

 

 

A few Nice Homes .... to hit.

 

 

 

 

 

Local Varmints .... needed a 22-250.

 

 

See that White thing ... that's my Taylormade TP5!

 

 

 

 

Skinny Yotes !

 

 

Edited January 11, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Jan 12th .... playing Escena this morning, looking forward to the free round.  Going to be a BTY warm day 79F & the next few days look great, with little to no wind.

 

D.

 

 

 

Edited January 12, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Jan 12th .... played Escena got hooked up with 2 Doc's from LA, they were good company. Had a 11:00 am TT, got out a bit early, finished in just under 4 hours.  The people I chatted with were wrong, the greens on a few holes were not in great shape, some were patchy & struggling, I've seen them in much better shape in the past.  It's been 2 years since I played this track, they did a lot of scrub bush clean-up around the entire course, the ground squirrels & rabbits lost a lot of hiding places.  Home sales must be doing very well, Toll Brothers are building condo's on a number of holes but still far enough away for me.

 

Shot 35/42 = 77.  Put 2 in water on the back, made 3 Birdies, more Par's than Bogies and no 3 putts, was very happy with my round.

 

A few pic's of the new construction, the rest of the course hasn't changed all that much.

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

[ZipinZ]

Found the following promos at PGA Superstore & Pete Carlson's golf.

 

D.

 

 

 

Save 10% on round at Firecliff .....

 

 

Edited January 15, 2022 by ZipinZ

[vernon]

22 hours ago, ZipinZ said:

Found the following promos at PGA Superstore & Pete Carlson's golf.

 

D.

 

 

 

Save 10% on round at Firecliff .....

 

 

Seems like that’s a week earlier than usual for the Expo. That was oftentimes our first stop after picking up the rental vehicle. Was always a good way to get the trip started!  From there it was go to the house to get unloaded and then head to Costco for “provisions”. 
 

Hope you have great weather this year. You certainly deserve a break or two!