The 10 Toughest Public Golf Holes in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs features over 120 golf courses, delivering challenges from massive par-5s to precision par-3s for professionals and amateurs alike.
In this premier golf destination, we've selected 10 of Southern California's most notorious public holes, designed to test players of all skill levels.
Whether you're a visiting golfer or local enthusiast, these standout holes will push your game to the limit.
17th Hole | Stadium Course, PGA WEST
The desert's most famous public hole, the par-3 17th at The Stadium Course at PGA WEST, known as Alcatraz, has become a rite of passage since Pete Dye's design rejoined the tournament rotation in 2015. This 168-yard downhill shot to an island green demands precise iron play on the penultimate hole.
18th Hole | Marriott Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Nick Faldo's first U.S. design culminates in a championship par-4 18th at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club. Stretching 446 yards with a creek guarding the left fairway and green, this hole often turns potential birdies into bogeys.
5th Hole | Players Course, Indian Wells Golf Resort
Amid a stretch of tough par-4s on the Indian Wells Golf Resort's Players Course, the 469-yard 5th features a barranca on the right and a lake on the left. Even solid drives lead to a treacherous approach to an elevated, well-guarded green.
9th Hole | Classic Club
Dubbed Black Diamond, the 595-yard par-5 9th at Classic Club challenges with trees right, lake left, and a rocky creek fronting the elevated green—leaving few bailout options even after a strong drive or layup.
1st Hole | Escena Golf Club
Rare as a long opening par-5, the stunning 611-yard 1st at Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs is framed by desert waste areas, making a strong start essential amid breathtaking mountain views.
9th Hole | Gary Player Signature Course, The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa
The 447-yard par-4 9th, known as The Black Knight, on Westin Mission Hills' Gary Player Signature Course demands power and accuracy with water lining the entire left side of the fairway and green.
17th Hole | The Golf Club at La Quinta
Former host of the Skins Game, The Golf Club at La Quinta showcases its signature 206-yard par-3 17th, requiring a full carry over water to the green, with a small bailout area right.
15th Hole | Tournament Course, PGA WEST
PGA Tour pros excel on PGA WEST's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, but amateurs face a stern test on the par-5 15th. Reachable tee shots and layups lead to a bunker-surrounded island green that punishes weak wedges.
17th Hole | Firecliff Course, Desert Willow Golf Resort
The dramatic desert landscape peaks at the 204-yard 17th on Desert Willow Golf Resort's Firecliff Course, where water and massive bunkers guard the right side after a series of forced carries.
12th Hole | Classic Course, SilverRock Resort
In fall 2017, SilverRock Resort in La Quinta unveiled a redesigned back nine as part of a major overhaul. Former Bob Hope Classic host, this Arnold Palmer layout now features standout holes, including the new par-5 12th—nearly 600 yards from back tees with a 270-yard water carry to reach the fairway.
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