Decisions, Decisions.....Palm Springs Options

[C. Spackler]

Hi All, will be out in the desert in late January and have already booked a 3 night "Stay and Play" at La Quinta with unlimited golf on all 5 courses (Stadium, Nicklaus, Norman, Dunes and Mountain). My question is, are all the courses worthy play or should I venture off the resort and play 1 or 2 others? I see that many have named Silverrock, Firecliff, Eagle Falls and Celebrity as some of the "must plays."

 

Between those listed, or any others you might suggest, what 2 would be the best alternatives? I prefer not to be routed through neighborhoods and condos if that helps.

 

A final question, whats the weather like in late January (25-29)? I'll hang up and listen to your response. Thanks! :wave:

[whysguy]

Love the palm springs area.
Get to spend 2nd half of Dec there every year and play golf most every day.
Have to say that your post has the majority of the "must play " courses.
Not so sure I would even tell you that it makes sense to go out and pay for others unless your playing 36 a day.
If you are, outside of the resort your at, Silverrock is really great, maybe a bit overreated tho.
I really like both courses at Desert Willow, firecliff and mountain. Firecliff gets more attention.
Indian Wells, celebrity is beautiful. Target golf.
I often play Terra Lago, and since re-opening, Encena is extremely well kept and awesome staff. Its out by the airport and not very close to LaQuinta however
Eagle Falls is a great track, doesnt get overplayed and I often play there in under 3hrs.
End of January shouldnt be an issue, but ask about overseeding.
They do get frost delays on occasion, chilly morn, quick to mid/upper 60's into low 70's sometimes.
The surrounding mountains with snow capped peaks and palm trees on the course is stunning. I show pics to many. Its a treat.
Enjoy.

Not sure your age or evening activities, but The Yard House at the River is fun, and the Crab Pot, where they pour your food choices out on the table is a blast, and good eats.

[jdhallissey]

those courses are fantastic. I will toss in silverrock over la quinta mountain and desert. Silver rock can be played for 75 dollars on golfnow in dec. So I am figuring that same price can be found at the end of january. Classic club is another fantastic track on the other side of the 10. I can go on and on and on with courses.

[bradski]

for sure silverrock. to me it was a way better version of the mountain course. Btw the La Quinta resort is very fun. I was just there. I would also recomend Arnold Palmers restaurant which is right in that area.

[C. Spackler]

Thanks for the good feedback, guys. Especially The Crab Pot tip. .....

[Pepperturbo]

We regularly visit Rancho Mirage / La Quinta and PGA West tracks. We're likely to be there in Dec. At PGA West, my favs are JN and AP private, followed by JN Tournament, Indian Wells, celebrity and SilverRock, and a few others. Enjoyment will depend on the level of your game and the tees you choose, but you know that. By the way, I wouldn't venture east of the 10 for golf - the winds can come up fast and ugly. The area around Rancho Mirage/LaQuinta is somewhat protected under normal weather conditions. DEC/Jan/Feb is prime time - should be voondabar. Enjoy.

[ALPINE240]

i would skip the Dunes and/or Norman course and play Silverrock and Desert Willow Firecliff

[isaacbm]

Play Vintage, The Palms, and The Quarry..... of course you might have to call in a few favors to get in the gates but it's worth it.... And the Quarry has it's own runway and heli landing pad so that adds convenience to your travel plans...

Back to reality.....

Silverrock is good and right next door to where you're staying. Play the Stadium and the Nicklaus tournament because you get to see those courses at q school every second year and it's fun to watch the pro's play courses you've been on yourself.

Also, Hit up McCormick's in Palm Desert for Karaoke and general old school insanity Not sure how old you are but let's just say there's some interesting older ladies hanging out there... Nick's steak house is best place for steak in the desert. Best Night club is in the Marriot Desert Springs. Bring a $1000 though $15 shots can add up...

Anymore questions? I lived there for 10 years when I was single and in the service industry so I might have a few answers. Cheers!

[TMBob]

[quote name='ALPINE240' timestamp='1320553111' post='3764969']
i would skip the Dunes and/or Norman course and play Silverrock and Desert Willow Firecliff
[/quote]

Excellent suggestion if your not watching your greens fee rates to closely.

"if" you can catch The Classic Club on a calm day, it is very nice also.

I enjoy Eagle Falls as suggested also and if you can get lucky with a Golf Now, Indian Wells Players course can be the best bargain out there even if you only get 16 holes in because of darkness.

Food wise, close by The Cliff House for Happy Hour, Jackalopes, Papa Dan's for Pizza and salad, and Castelli for large grilled Pork Chops are a few that I will always stop by when in town.