Secrets of The Four Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is often described as an outdoor playground. With an average of 354 sunny days per year, it is no wonder Palm Springs has become an oasis for the golf enthusiast. You don’t need to travel far to find some of the best golf in Palm Springs with over 100 public and private golf courses in the Coachella Valley. Here we share some secrets of the 4 best golf courses in Palm Springs.

Escena Golf Club

The Escena Golf Club was built in 2005 and designed by Jack Nicklaus. It has been ranked by PGATOUR.com as California’s #6 Public Course and noted for its unobstructed sightlines and stunning views. There is plenty of room between bunkers, water hazards and undulating greens for you to decide how best to play your game. Whether you are a beginner or skilled player, you’ll find four sets of tees to challenge you with the back tees providing nearly 7200 yards of play.

The contemporary clubhouse features the Escena Lounge & Grill providing an ultra-cool spot for before and after your round of golf with striking views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The Escena Lounge & Grill received a 2010 Top New Restaurant award from Palm Springs Life with its retro vibe and stunning design while serving a delectable California-cuisine inspired menu. A pro shop on site is fully stocked with premium apparel, Nike rental clubs, warm-up tees, putting greens and full tournament services.

Escena Golf Club is located near the Palm Springs International Airport at 1100 Clubhouse View Drive in Palm Springs. Check out their website for more information or to reserve a tee time.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort

The Indian Canyons Golf Resort was built in 1962 and originally designed by William Bell. Naturally colorful mountain vistas surround Indian Canyons Golf Resort on three sides providing breathtaking views and sheltering you from the wind. Originally a private club called Canyon Country Club, it was a favorite of Hollywood celebrities such as Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra as well as former U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Johnson and Reagan. The 36-hole public course is set on 550 acres of Native American tribal property and offers two golf courses from which to choose.

The original North Course is a par 72, 6943 yard course is classically designed and steeped in tradition. There are six challenging water hazards highlighted by the historic Walt Disney fountain in the largest pond located between the 9th & 18th holes. The course meanders through mid-century modern homes with amazing mountain views framed by hundreds of native trees including palm and olive trees.

The newer South Course was redesigned in 2004 by Casey O’Callaghan and LPGA Hall of Famer Amy Alcott resulting in a par 72, 18-hole championship course. Highlights of the course include four large lakes and the five 5-par holes among rolling bunkers & fairways. More than 500 Washingtonia filifera palm trees, which have cultural significance for the native Agua Caliente tribe, line the fairways.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort is located at 1097 Murray Canyon Drive on the south side of Palm Springs. Check out their website for more information or to reserve a tee time.

Mesquite Golf and Country Club

The Mesquite Golf and Country Club was built in 1985 and designed by Bert Stamp. It is a privately-owned public golf course with a country club atmosphere featuring moderately rolling terrain, eight small lakes with mature trees including palm trees and spectacular mountain views. A natural streambed cuts along and through the course making for a greater challenge when water is flowing.

The Mesquite Country Club has been the host for Golden State and PGA Tour events on its championship 6400 yard course over the years. The mature and traditional course has been played by Bob Hope and his friends & colleagues and sits in the shadow of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountain ranges. The fairways are lined with nearly 800 palm trees and features 7 bridges providing a challenge for all players at any skill level. A large practice area and driving range give you the opportunity to work on your game without hitting the course.  The clubhouse is classic Spanish style which includes an elevated restaurant, a cocktail lounge and pro shop.

The Mesquite Golf and Country Club is located at 2700 E Mesquite Ave in Palm Springs. Tee times and more information can be found on their website.

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort

The Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort is the pride of the City of Palm Springs and was built in 1960 with the original Legends Course designed by William Bell. The Legends course features narrow, tree-lined fairways in a traditional country club style. There are 40 bunkers to challenge you over the 6600 yard course which also features highly sloped greens with stunning mountain views.

A second desert-styled Resort Course was added in 1995 and designed by Ted Robinson. The rolling terrain of the Resort Course will test your skills with demanding target shots and interesting water hazards to give you a true desert golf experience over its 6500 yards. Tahquitz Canyon has received several “Best of the Valley” awards from Desert Sun readers as well as a “Best of the Best” award from Palm Springs Life readers.

The Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort is located at 1885 Golf Club Drive in Palm Springs. Check out the website for tee times and more information.

Photo Credit: Edewaa Foster, Unsplash