Discover Audubon-Certified Golf Courses in Greater Palm Springs

Environmental stewardship at Greater Palm Springs' golf courses extends far beyond basic maintenance like repairing ball marks or filling divots.

This desert golf oasis is nationally recognized as one of the most environmentally conscious regions in the U.S.

Audubon International's "Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses" certifies 822 courses nationwide for protecting local environments, preserving nature, and supporting native wildlife.

Certification requires demonstrating excellence in environmental standards across agronomy and habitat management.

Of the 822 certified courses, 62 are in California, with 13 in the Coachella Valley—accounting for 20% of the state's total.

By adopting Audubon's "Standard Environmental Management Practices"—from water conservation and wildlife protection to community outreach and education—these Greater Palm Springs courses lead in sustainability.

PGA WEST and La Quinta Resort & Club

Nine of the 13 certified desert courses are at PGA WEST, "The Western Home of Golf in America," where every course under its management participates in the Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

Visitors to the PGA Tour's annual event or public players notice the distinctive two-tone tan-and-green grasses, a result of innovative water conservation that also pairs with upgraded pump stations to slash electricity use.

• Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA WEST (certified 2010)
• Dunes Course at La Quinta Resort (certified 2011)
• Greg Norman Course at PGA WEST (certified 2010)
• Jack Nicklaus Private Course at PGA WEST (certified 2011)
• Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort (certified 2011)
• Nicklaus Tournament Resort Course at PGA WEST (certified 2011)
• Stadium Course at PGA WEST (certified 2011)
• The Citrus Course at La Quinta Resort (certified 2004)
• Tom Weiskopf Private Course at PGA WEST (certified 2011)

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

The Marriott brand has certified 15 of its 18 U.S. properties, including all California courses: the Palms and Valley Courses at JW Marriott Desert Springs (certified 2008) and Marriott's Shadow Ridge (below), both in Palm Desert.

Guests enjoy frequent wildlife sightings, thanks to expanded habitats providing food and space for over 60 native species that return annually.

Classic Club

This Arnold Palmer-designed gem, certified in 2010, spans stunning terrain with 30 acres of water features and over 5,000 native plantings across 7,300 yards. A clubhouse registry tracks abundant bird and wildlife sightings.

Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Nick Faldo's design, certified since 2008, features generous fairways amid Australian Sandbelt-style bunkers and desert native areas teeming with rugged vegetation and wildlife, framed by snow-capped mountains.

Its mid-valley location and on-site villas offer an immersive connection to the natural desert environment.

For more options, check out our full list of golf courses in Greater Palm Springs.