6 Must-Play Signature Golf Holes in Greater Palm Springs
With limited time in Greater Palm Springs, prioritize these standout golf experiences. Our curated selection highlights the valley's most beautiful and challenging signature holes—your essential 'must-play' list from premier courses accessible from any stay.
These iconic holes, drawn from top resorts across the Coachella Valley, showcase dramatic desert landscapes, mountain backdrops, and expert designs by legends like Nicklaus, Dye, and Player.
Escena Golf Club, Palm Springs
The majestic San Jacinto Mountains and vivid desert skies frame your tee shot on this acclaimed Nicklaus Design course, ranked #6 among California's public tracks by PGATOUR.com. Palm trees, native vegetation, and striking water features enhance its world-class layout.
Hole #1 exemplifies the course's allure: a par 5 stretching 611 yards from the tips or a more approachable 483 yards from forward tees, blending beauty with strategic challenge for all skill levels.
Desert Willow Golf Club, Palm Desert
The Firecliff Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort—one of Palm Desert's premier destinations—spans 7,056 yards amid natural preserves, water hazards, and over 100 bunkers. Hole #17 stands as its crowning jewel.
This 204-yard par 3 is enveloped by a lush palm oasis, with Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains in view. A vast beach-like bunker lines the right, demanding precision to avoid disaster.
No desert golf trip is complete without rounds on both Desert Willow courses.
PGA West, La Quinta
Step onto the 17th tee at The Stadium Course and channel history. Pete Dye's legendary design hosted the 1987 Skins Game, where Lee Trevino aced this 165-yard par 3—nicknamed 'Alcatraz'—for $175,000. A plaque commemorates the feat.
Known for its rigor and stunning surroundings, the Stadium tests every golfer. Breathe deep on #17, aim center-green, and celebrate your par or birdie before tackling the finale. Every La Quinta visitor needs an Alcatraz escape story.
Indian Wells Golf Resort, Indian Wells
The Players Course blends classic American architecture with desert flair—think sculpted bunkers evoking Riviera or Winged Foot, integrated original trees, and modern challenges. It's Arnold Palmer tradition meets Dustin Johnson power.
Hole #5, a demanding 469-yard par 4, features water and bunkers left, a treacherous desert waste right, and an elevated green. A precise drive and long iron secure par amid panoramic San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and San Bernardino views.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Course, Palm Desert
By hole #17, you'll have raved endlessly about this course's beauty. Cascading waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and a stone-walled island green demand a photo—then focus.
From back tees, it's a 160-yard downhill par 3. The green slopes frontward, punishing short-sided pins. Select wisely and center your shot for a rewarding par.
Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa, Gary Player Course, Rancho Mirage
Gary Player's inaugural Greater Palm Springs design dazzles with lakes and waterfalls. The 558-yard par 5 11th tempts risk-reward along the right-side water.
Undulating greens add intrigue. Opt for conservative play with measured irons for par or birdie—or unleash a bold carry over the hazards.
These six signature holes span Palm Springs to La Quinta on elite courses. Yet Greater Palm Springs boasts hundreds more—explore and find your favorites. Tee off, savor the views, and enjoy.
