Palm Springs Teaser continued for 2024 Golf Vacations

[vernon]

You’re killin’ me here......

[ZipinZ]

Edit to Diary .... watched Tiger & the boys for a bit, did he really 4 putt #1 ?

Don't feel so bad with my Rams Hill round, maybe I'll go back again.

Hurry Paul .... forecast is low 80's next week, make sure those grips are cleaned up.

D,

[ZipinZ]

Joshua Tree National Park - Something else to do while visiting Palm Springs.

A couple of years ago in March we went for a ride up Hwy 62 to the Joshua Tree National Park, about 1 hour north of Palm Springs to what’s considered the high desert. It was a sunny day, no wind and much cooler up there at 72F.

Arrived at the west entrance, went in the info center and spoke to a couple Park Rangers, they were very helpful suggesting a number of things to see and do. The fee was $20.00 to spend the day sightseeing some 800,000 acres of different desert landscape with numerous hiking trails, scenic views, picnic areas and a few camp grounds, Baker Dam and Lost Horse abandoned gold mine.

It wasn’t long when we seen our first Joshua tree (species of the Yucca) they only grow about 1” a year and some are over 40 ft tall, they had clusters of cream colored flowers blooming at this time of year.

The roads and trails go through a jumble of stacked rocks and boulders we went up to Hidden Valley for a picnic lunch then took a 1 mile hike through the massive boulders into a small canyon that they say was a legendary cattle rustler’s hideout. After that it was a short drive up Ryan Mountain to Keys Point, elevation about 5,200 ft, from the lookout you could see the entire Coachella Valley, including the San Andreas Fault down below. Note: P.S. is 208 ft above sea level. Drove back through Cottonwood Springs, not much to see but desert, to I10 to Indio, then home to 94F and a few bevy's.

Took a bunch of pic’s worth sharing, unfortunately, they don’t really give you an appreciation of the true beauty of the Mojave High Desert, a must see if you have the opportunity.

Enjoy .....

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[vernon]

Wow. Pretty impressive. We've talked about taking a day trip over there and to the Salton Sea as well but haven't made it to either yet.

Maybe this year with the couple extra days we have.

And, dang it David, I TOLD you about hoggin' up all the good weather before we get there!

As for the grips, they're about two scrubbings away from being worn down to the shaft from all the cleaning I've been doing the last couple of weeks in a futile attempt to alleviate pre-trip anxiety syndrome!

Guess I could go unpack my golf bag and do that over again for about the tenth time.

 

[ZipinZ]

Jan 25th … played Escena, my home course, got out at 12:30 finished in 4 hrs, joined 3 guys from Minnesota here for a conference, one was their Pres. & I was treated like one of their S. Exec, great bunch of guys & a great time. Played well on the front my swing adjustments helped, was hitting greens on Par 3’s, shot 38/42 =80, got distracted on the back 9, due to a continuous air show, what a treat. There were at 11 different WWII aircraft flying in 3 different groups flying laps around the valley, & then smokin over the Air Museum, then 3 military aircraft came in , I believe they were the Marine Ospreys from the base at 29 Palms, never-ever seen one before, very noisy birds, after that two CF18th came in & screamed out south towards San Diego.

Paul, the Men’s Locker/Wash room has a decent shower, made sure no one was inside before I took a few pic’s, didn’t want to end up in the Banning Jail.

 A few pic’s enjoy ….

D.

 

 

 

[vernon]

Good stuff David. I was monitoring the Air Museum webcam off and on yesterday (yes, it's cold, snowy and I'm bored out of my mind) and saw all of the different vintage aircraft on display and then taxiing in and out. I didn't remember seeing most of the planes previously and wondered if something out of the ordinary was going on. I even checked the website but it didn't indicate anything special.

Nonetheless, that's definitely a side benefit to playing Escena as last year when we were there the P-38, P-40 and P-51 were all out chasing each other around for most of the back nine and it was really something to see. And, not unlike you, I spent most of about six holes looking up instead of ahead and shot 43 on the back after a double three putt 38 on the front!

Beyond worth it though and I hope to be similarly distracted this year. I wish I had your knack with a camera though as we tried to get some photos and videos as well but they just didn't turn out very well. One of the many differences between an iPhone photographer and you I guess!

Also, am I correct in assuming that the shot of the shower facility is in response to my question about Escena and not the bathroom at your condo?

Thought that might explain the great deal you got on your accommodations!

[vernon]

Oops. Just realized that if my reading comprehension skills weren’t so lame I would have known the answer to that last question and could have spared the world the smartazz shower/condo comment! ?

[Socrates]

Sounds like Saturday was a good day to go to the museum. They usually don't advertise what will be flying because they just don't know if weather or mechanical difficulties will preclude certain planes from flying. Don't want to disappoint. Would have loved to see a P-38 flying around.

[isaacbm]

I am going to be in Palm Springs for 10 days at the end of February. A buddy is coming out for one day and wants to play 36 holes. Assuming we want to spend about $200-300 what do you guys think would be the best place for us to play?

We could do PGA West Stadium in the morning for $185 and then they offer a turnaround for about $75 to play the tournament course in the afternoon.

Or do you think we should go to Desert Willow and do those two courses?

A cheaper deal would be Tara Lago...?

what do you think would be the best 36 hole day?

[Double K]

I just got back and stayed at Desert Willow.

 

The courses are in amazing shape. Didn't play PGA west, too pricey for my budget.

[ZipinZ]

 

If you plan on playing PGA Stadium in the morning & the tournament course in the afternoon, I would strongly recommend you consider Desert Willow "Firecliff" over Tara Lago North, it's 10 times better, closer drive & if it's a windy day Desert Willow it's too bad.

I posted the discount coupon earlier, take advantage of it.

D.

 

 

[ZipinZ]

Pleased you got that right ... as well, I wouldn't leave a dozen hotel towels out, they'd vanish.

82F & 84F in forecast for early February, no winter here.

The boys were out again today, pic's from our pool.

D.

 

[Socrates]

Since you are a former Pro, you might have more interest in playing two current PGA courses (Stadium & Nicklaus Tournament). Especially with your new sticks. I personally like both of them from more sane tee boxes.

Along with the two Desert Willow courses, you could consider Classic Club in the morning and DW Firecliff in the afternoon. They aren't more than 10 minutes apart. Another option are the Indian Wells Celebrity and Player courses (although they might be over your given price range).

[ZipinZ]

 

Watching the Grammy's & surfin a bit, just booked PGA West Stadium Course for a 1:48 pm tomorrow for only $60.00 on Golf Now, never played this course before doubt I would finish but should come close it's dark by 5:45 pm, hell for the price, it should be fun.

Anyone play it lately ?

Edit: .... just did a website fly over, note to self: bring another sleeve of balls.

D.

 

 

[Ninja]

Stay right with your approach on #16.....you can thank me later!

[jarederco]

Very good experience. I would try to show up early and tip the starter, he may pair you up with an earlier group and you can get in all 18 holes. The 17th hole is the island green...

[sethdavidsdad]

Heading out tomorrow, playing Stone Eagle, The Lakes, Indian Wells both courses, and last day is undecided Possibly Silver Rock.

[isaacbm]

lol if we were to do classic club and then fire Cliff, could probably get a decent afternoon rate at fire Cliff...

[mikedejong33]

Classic Club and Firecliff are 2 awesome courses. I don't love doing 36 at Desert Willow because I think the second course there is just average (Mountainview of something like that). You could always do Firecliff or Classic Club in the morning, then rip down the 10 to Eagle Falls for the afternoon. That course is nice and it will be likely half the price of the others, maybe cheaper than that in the afternoon. Just my thoughts. We typically skip Mountainview.

[Socrates]

Currently, $113 after 1 pm at Firecliff. Drops to $70 at 2:30.

[ZipinZ]

Jan 27th ... Sometimes "Too Good to be True", is really a good deal. Booked a 1:48 pm T-Time at PGA West TPC Stadium Course on GolfNow for $60.00, arrived early and was welcomed by everyone from the guys at the front door to the Pro-Shop staff & Starter, they were more than accommodating. Got hooked up with a 3 some from Minneapolis went out at 1:30 pm, we finished at 5:08 pm, what an amazing course & experience, played from the Whites they were difficult enough, lost 2 balls #6 in water & #15 in yard/bushes, made 2 birdies, had 3-3putts, shot 40/42=82, had to pinch myself more than once to make sure I wasn't dreaming, a really fun day on a tough course, that the Pro's recently made the game look easy!

Took lots of pic's need to sort them out & will post a bunch.

Cheers

D.

GolfNow has some amazing deals, don't overlook the Hot Deals Tab, the people I golfed with paid $130.00/ea.

 

I have never been in a 20-30 ft deep green side bunker in my life until #16 the San Andreas, today!

 

Was hitting my Driver really well, pretty pleased with my round & the price was right!

 

[vernon]

 

Well done David! Man, you're driving the bejeezus out the ball this year. Probably about time for a new driver and put a stop to that crap!

And you hit eleven greens on THAT golf course?

That's pretty good stuff.

Looking forward to the photos as always.

Keep 'em comin'!

[Ninja]

I have never been in a 20-30 ft deep green side bunker in my life until #16 the San Andreas, today!@ZipinZ can't say you weren't warned.....how many shots to get out?

[ZipinZ]

Ninja .... I hit Driver - 3 wood, hit the side hill & rolled down the 30 ft bank just before the green, hit 60*, ended up just off the far fringe, poor chip, then 2 putt for 6.

The other 2 guys I was with were putting for Eagle, both made Birdie.

You need Mountain Goat genes to get back up the bank.

D.

Not my ball, someone just left it behind .... see.

 

[ZipinZ]

Paul, .... I was playing from the Whites with the other fellas & didn't get into much trouble, the G80 defaults GIR, perhaps I didn't change a few, but had a number of Birdie opportunities, and still 3 putted 3 times, those greens were fast, too.

D.

[Ninja]

Looking to book one more round (< $100) and would appreciate any advice on the following:

The S at Rancho Mirage

Terra Lago north

Indian Canyons

 

[ZipinZ]

 

Never played Rancho Mirage, perhaps someone here can comment.

Played Terra Lago North see page 2 Post # 54 for some of my pic's, the course is on the south side of the I10 at one of the highest elevations, the view from the 7th tee box is a complete panoramic view from the east end of the Coachella Valley. As well, there's lots of elevated shots up & down into the greens, my favorite is #15 the Island Green. Make sure you have a spare sleeve, I recall loosing a few balls in the scrub bush because of bad bounces, or bring a ball retriever so you don't get scratched up.

Indian Canyons "South" not the "North" is another favorite of mine, it's close to home & not far from downtown Palm Springs, it's tucked up against the Mountains with very few homes to worry about, if it windy this course is protected with no issues. When the sun goes over the Mtn, it gets dark here quick, booking a late afternoon T-time you may not finish. See page 3, post # 73, for some pic's.

Which ever you pick, I'm sure you'll enjoy either.

D.

[bb123]

I don't know anything about The S at Rancho Mirage, but they have a 2 player for $170 deal at Underpar.com .. says Private course, so guessing it's not bad?https://www.underpar.com/courses/the-s-at-rancho-mirage

Terra Lago North is a bit of a b**ch .. some good nice views, but is the harder of the two courses and isn't really that fun if you are spraying it. I would play Eagle Falls down the street for $95 in a heartbeat over Terra Lago.

[ZipinZ]

Further to my post, here’s a few pic’s of the PGA West TPC Stadium course, as mentioned I was fortunate to get a GolfNow T-Time at 1:48 pm for $60.00, the ProShop radio’d the Starter & thought they could get me out earlier. Went to the range, it was nothing special, got warmed up a bit & off to see the Starter, very friendly fellow who said I would be moved up to 1:30 pm, went to putting green, it was very fast, but said to myself, not as fast as Rams Hill.

When I arrived for my t-time met the 3 some from Minneapolis, the Starter & Marshall advised us we would be going off the back nine, we played from the Whites, there was only 1 group of 3 guys in front of us, no one following & we should have no trouble finishing before dark … bonus!

I found the course very challenging but didn’t get into too much trouble, there’s lots of water & bunkers, lost 2 balls, made 2 birdies, 3-3 Putts & shot 82, which I was very happy with.

Two years ago, the Mrs & I spent the Saturday of the tourney following Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson & Jon Rahm then we sat in the stands on 18 and watched them come in, this time I was on the 18th coming down the fairway, hit driver, 8 iron to green & 2 putted for Par …. very special!

If you have the opportunity put this course on your bucket list.

A bunch of pic’s …. Enjoy!

D.

 

Checked in & exited the Pro-Shop, the view from the back patio. 

 Had my own Cart, comes with GPS & Ice Bucket with 2 bottles water.

 

 The crew was in the process of taking down the various Bld’s & Grand Stand for the past PGA event.

 

Got started on Whites - Hole #10 - "Quarry"

  

Good Drive, that's my ball, needed P/W to green.

 

I'm the closer of the two, missed Birdie, made Par.

 

That's me on green first 3 putt .... sucks!

 

No Sign Post - Hole #13 - Par 3 - "Second Thoughts"

 

Never seen a Cart Path go through a bunker before.

 

 

 

Don't be left, otherwise you'll end up down here with me.

 

This it what you'll find behind the Green, not my ball, someone abandoned it, perhaps because it 30 feet down.

 

Made the turn no one home at the Snack Shack, found Hole #1.

 

My Drive above, wedge to green, tap-in Birdie.

Lots of water but no trouble here, Driver - 3 Hybrid to back fringe of green - wedge to 3 feet, made Birdie.

 

Hole was playing 189 yds missed the green to the right by a couple of feet, first ball in water, hit from drop area to 18" pin, for Bogey.

 

Lost the sun over the Mtns.

 

First time we seen the guys in front was on our last hole

 

Lots of trouble here .....

 

I was the only one on Green in reg & 3 putted it.

 

Started at 1:30 pm finished at 5:08 pm.

 

If I didn't 3 putt 3 green it would of been a great round ..... but that's golf!

 

If you played this course before ..... bet these pic's bring back a few memories!

 

 

[Socrates]

Really like playing the Stadium Course (and the Nicklaus too). Might need a couple more rounds on it to get good at it. There are some subtle things to take in so that you hit it in the right spot to set up the next shot or putt. I've played it 2x and I'm 0-2 on #17 for getting it on the green. It's simple shot and yet scares the shite out of you. On 16, the 1st time I hit it to where you see that abandoned ball. Pin was at the back. Hit a nice LW that landed on and rolled off the back. Got it up and down for a 6. 2nd time, I hit the green in 2 (big drive and hybrid) to about 20 ft. Barely got my eagle putt to within 3 ft and made birdie. I actually might have shanked my first putt. YIPE!

Jealous of you being down there for so long. My week long sojourns just aren't enough.