Best golf courses in Palm Springs

The Pete Dye designed TPC Stadium Course is the pick of the bunch at PGA West. Ranked in the 100 Greatest Courses in the U.S. by Golf Magazine, making it one of the best golf courses in Califronia it offers a stern test for all players. The most iconic hole on Pete Dye's Stadium Course is the 17th, a par-3 island green nicknamed "Alcatraz" after the notorious prison. Large boulders surround the green, giving it a similar appearance to its namesake and creating a daunting obstacle for any tee shot that misses the target.

TPC Stadium Golf Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 7,300 yards, front tees 5,092 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Pete Dye

• Founded: 1986

• Course type: Links

Another one of Palm Spring's top golf courses is the Jack Nicklaus' Tournament Course at PGA West. This layout is a great fit for longer hitters, with wide fairways that allow for powerful drives. However, the elevated greens demand accurate approaches, and a good short game is essential if you miss your target. Water hazards are in play on seven holes, with the signature par-5 15th featuring an island green protected by water and two large bunkers.

Nicklaus Tournament Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 7,204 yards, front tees 5,023 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Jack Nicklaus

• Founded: 1987

• Course type: Championship

The Arnold Palmer golf course at Classic Club is best known for hosting the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic from 2006 to 2008. It is different from your typical desert layout, with rolling terrain, 30-acres of water features and plenty of pine, California, pepper and olive trees. A beautiful on-course experience is complemented by the magnificent new Tuscan village inspired clubhouse and plethora of Bob Hope memorabilia inside.

Classic Club Golf Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 7,322 yards, front tees 4,219 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Arnold Palmer

• Founded: 2006

• Course type: Desert

This Gary Player design at Mission Hills North Golf Club in the desert is both enjoyable and challenging, with open fairways, dangerous bunkers, and water hazards on 10 of the holes. Stunning mountain views and 20 acres of lakes and waterfalls add to the experience. The course has five sets of tees therefore, players of all skill levels can enjoy it.

Mission Hills North Golf Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 7,062 yards, front tees 4,907 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Gary Player

• Founded: 1991

• Course type: Desert

An Arnold Palmer Classic course set right up against the natural beauty and backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and former home to the PGA Tour’s Bob Hope Classic from 2008-2011. Opened in 2005 and once referred to as ‘the last great piece of golf property in the Coachella Valley’, SilverRock is the longest course in Palm Springs at 7,239 yards off the tips. A must-play, with postcard quality views.

SilverRock Course facts

• Length: Back tees 7,239 yards, front tees 4,542 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Arnold Palmer

• Founded: 2005

The Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort, which is one of the best golf resorts in California, has a classic American design with carefully crafted bunkers and spacious fairways. The course blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing golfers with an immersive experience. The standout feature is the par-4 6th hole, which requires precise club selection as it winds around a beautiful lake.

Players Golf Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 7,376 yards, front tees 5,636 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: John Fought

• Founded: 2007

• Course type: Parkland

A challenging test for all golfers, the Pete Dye Resort Course at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is among Palm Springs best courses. Water hazards come into play on four holes, making approach shots to holes 7, 8, 14, and 18 particularly demanding. The signature par-3 8th hole features railway sleepers lining the water hazard, which extends from the tee to the green, creating a daunting challenge. This superb layout rewards a golfers tactical approach to the game.

Pete Dye Resort Course

• Length: Back tees 6,706 yards, front tees 4,841 yards

• Par: 70

• Architect: Pete Dye

• Founded: 1987

There are two courses on-site at Indian Canyons, and while the South Course is the shorter of the two, it is certainly the most scenic. Both are well protected by the majestic San Jacinto mountains. Indian Canyons Resort offers a unique golf experience, redesigned in 2004 by Casey O'Callahan and LPGA legend Amy Alcott, the South Course is a favorite among female golfers, and its par 5s are particularly acclaimed. The course features stunning scenery, including four ponds, 850 palm trees.

South Course facts

• Length: Back tees 6,582 yards, front tees 4,878 yards

• Par: 72

• Architect: Casey O'Callahan

• Founded: 2004

The Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort lays within the Tahquitz Canyon which provides the framework for incredible views when playing this challenging championship course. The Legend Course stretches over 6,800 yards where the bordering trees that line the fairways are over 50 years old. The raised greens create fast and challenging surfaces for golfers here.

Legend Course Facts

• Length: Back tees 6,815 yards, front tees 5,551 yards

• Par: 71

• Architect: William Francis Bell

• Founded: 1957

• Course type: Desert links-style