Palm Desert, CA - Where to stay & play

[mringwelski]

I've lived in the desert here for the last 3 winters. The options are almost endless and they are all great facilities. Here of my top public tracks in no particular order.

La Quinta Resort/PGA West
Classic Club
SIlverrock
Marriot Shadow Ridge
Desert Willow
Indian Wells
Westin Mission Hills

If you get a chance to partake in the private scene a little bit, that's where the desert really shines.

[mikes919]

What's the most scenic or unique course in Palm Springs? Coming from the flat Midwest on vacation, looking for something with a "wow" factor. I decided against TPC West Stadium, it's too early in the season to punish myself like that.

[justin10784]

Have to recommend Stone Eagle. It's private, but if you're a private club member at home, your pro may be able to get you on.

[mikes919]

Private probably isn't in the cards for me. Not a club member here in Chicago either, in fact I've only gotten to play a private course once (Olympia Fields).

From what I've heard, private is where it's at in Palm Springs. Although I guess that's the case almost anywhere!

So what's the most unique or scenic public course then? La Quinta Mountain? Firecliff? I've already got tee times at Shadow Ridge and Indian Wells Celebrity.

[hankmoody]

Those are great courses, have fun! I love that part of the country.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398262298' post='9150743']
Private probably isn't in the cards for me. Not a club member here in Chicago either, in fact I've only gotten to play a private course once (Olympia Fields).

From what I've heard, private is where it's at in Palm Springs. Although I guess that's the case almost anywhere!

So what's the most unique or scenic public course then? La Quinta Mountain? Firecliff? I've already got tee times at Shadow Ridge and Indian Wells Celebrity.
[/quote]

Played La Quinta Mountain, PGA Nicklaus and Stadium, Desert Willow, Shadow Ridge, and Indian Wells Celebrity last year. I'd have to say Desert Willow was the most scenic. The Mountain course does have a few sweet holes, but much of it is rather "meh". Indian Wells would be my 2nd choice.

[mikes919]

Great, thanks! I made a tee time at Desert Willow Firecliff. Super excited for this trip!

I really need to get some rounds under my belt soon, and knock off the rust before heading to the desert. My game is a mess right now!

[justin10784]

Silver Rock has some scenic holes and was a host course for the Bob Hope for a few years.

[mukster]

Flying in on Sunday and staying a week. Looking forward to the heat!

There are certainly different levels of courses in the desert. A lot of the really nice courses are pretty pricey in the winter and even the shoulder season. The wife and I usually play golf together. She shoots around 100 and does not always want to play courses that are very challenging. The cost for two people on the more expensive courses can be prohibitive sometimes. We try play one nice (pricier) course when we are down and then play more reasonably priced courses for the rest of the week.

[ronstelten]

[quote name='Tanner25' timestamp='1390081010' post='8485043']
Watching the Humana tourney makes me think I'd like to go in that area for a summer vacation. First off for those who have been there, is the heat bearable in the third week of June? Also, where have you stayed and played golf?

Tanner
[/quote]

By mid June all the winter rye grass will have died and the bermuda grass will be back. Its like playing a different course from April.

Many of the courses will start protecting themselves from the heat. Don't expect hard fast greens.

June is hot but if you play early in the morning you should be able to enjoy yourself. If you can tolerate heat the afternoon deals are great and you will have the course to yourself.

Deals everywhere.

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398215491' post='9147801']
What's the most scenic or unique course in Palm Springs? Coming from the flat Midwest on vacation, looking for something with a "wow" factor. I decided against TPC West Stadium, it's too early in the season to punish myself like that.
[/quote]

Not sure I can speak to "wow' factor, least with regards to public courses. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and green fees. Both Desert Willow courses are very well kept, as is Classic Club and Indian Wells Resort - Celebrity is always stellar. But, if you want "wow" find someone to get you on to Big Horn.

PS, it's getting warm in the desert, especially if playing a course near the 10frwy. Make sure you have plenty of water.

[ronstelten]

[quote name='mringwelski' timestamp='1395153082' post='8896693']
I've lived in the desert here for the last 3 winters. The options are almost endless and they are all great facilities. Here of my top public tracks in no particular order.

La Quinta Resort/PGA West
Classic Club
SIlverrock
Marriot Shadow Ridge
Desert Willow
Indian Wells
Westin Mission Hills

If you get a chance to partake in the private scene a little bit, that's where the desert really shines.
[/quote]

Where do you play? I'm a member of The Palms.

[hbear]

Silver Rock is a must play in my opinion.
Seriously one of the best courses I've played....a great design that rewards good golf shots. Lots of options on how you want to play it....super solid course!

[ronstelten]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398215491' post='9147801']
What's the most scenic or unique course in Palm Springs? Coming from the flat Midwest on vacation, looking for something with a "wow" factor. I decided against TPC West Stadium, it's too early in the season to punish myself like that.
[/quote]

I'm a member of The Palms. Fred Couples design. No desert on the course. Hard fast green. Good players club, we have the lowest average handicap of any club in the world. I host guest if your interested in true "wow" factor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvD9iAWZkCc

[Pepperturbo]

[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1398275057' post='9152643']
[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398215491' post='9147801']
What's the most scenic or unique course in Palm Springs? Coming from the flat Midwest on vacation, looking for something with a "wow" factor. I decided against TPC West Stadium, it's too early in the season to punish myself like that.
[/quote]

I'm a member of The Palms. Fred Couples design. No desert on the course. Hard fast green. Good players club, we have the lowest average handicap of any club in the world. I host guest if your interested in true "wow" factor.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvD9iAWZkCc"]https://www.youtube....h?v=dvD9iAWZkCc[/url]
[/quote]

Outstanding course and facilities... How long you been a member?

[Argonne69]

Great, thanks! I made a tee time at Desert Willow Firecliff. Super excited for this trip!

 

I really need to get some rounds under my belt soon, and knock off the rust before heading to the desert. My game is a mess right now!

 

A few from Desert Willow:

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

A few from the Mountain course:

 

 

 

 

Probably the most picturesque hole:

 

[Argonne69]

PGA West Stadium #18:

 

[Argonne69]

Indian Wells Celebrity:

 

 

 

 

[ronstelten]

[quote name='Pepperturbo' timestamp='1398276352' post='9152873']
[quote name='ronstelten' timestamp='1398275057' post='9152643']
[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398215491' post='9147801']
What's the most scenic or unique course in Palm Springs? Coming from the flat Midwest on vacation, looking for something with a "wow" factor. I decided against TPC West Stadium, it's too early in the season to punish myself like that.
[/quote]

I'm a member of The Palms. Fred Couples design. No desert on the course. Hard fast green. Good players club, we have the lowest average handicap of any club in the world. I host guest if your interested in true "wow" factor.

[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvD9iAWZkCc"]https://www.youtube....h?v=dvD9iAWZkCc[/url]
[/quote]

Outstanding course and facilities... How long you been a member?
[/quote]

Since the beginning.

[justin10784]

Ron,
I had the pleasure of playing The Palms in February; it was awesome. Really enjoyed the course and the vibe of the club. Phil Rodgers played right behind me, which was cool.

[mikes919]

Wow, those pictures are great! The mountain course looks especially cool.

I've got to admit, I'm a little intimidated by The Palms! Don't know if I've got the game to show my face there. At least I know when to pick up and keep the pace, ha.

[Argonne69]

[quote name='mikes919' timestamp='1398284743' post='9154221']
Wow, those pictures are great! The mountain course looks especially cool.

I've got to admit, I'm a little intimidated by The Palms! Don't know if I've got the game to show my face there. At least I know when to pick up and keep the pace, ha.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, the Mountain course has a few "meh" holes that route through some housing. The 2nd half of the front and back nines are cool, but the earlier holes are so-so. Still, it's nice to be able to pull a shot into the mountain, and watch it bounce down to the green. :-)

[Gmachine]

here's the scoop from me.

i've stayed at Mission Hills, La Quinta, Indian Wells and Shadow Ridge.

as for best stay and play packages, Indian Wells had the best hotel and really nice golf.

Shadow Ridge had a great golf course but the hotel was just average.

Mission Hills golf was pretty good and the hotel was just average--at best.

LaQuinta courses are great and the hotel is pretty good too.

heading back there in may and decided to stay at the JW Marriott and going to play Classic Club, Escena and Desert Willow (Firecliff) all for the first time. i heard great things about SilverRock but their website says the back 9 is closed for construction. and i also hear JW Marriott is one of the better hotels in the area.