[Scott Wintersteen]

Guys,
I am taking my first trip out to Palm Springs next month and am looking to get some advice on the courses out there.   I have searched a couple of threads and it seems that most of them are pretty dated.  I will probably be able to play 4 rounds while I am out there.  I am pulling some strings to try and get out on Stone Eagle.  For the other courses I am thinking about PGA West Stadium, Marriott Shadow Ridge, Dessert Willow Firecliff and Classic Club among others.  The only course that I am really committed to playing is Stone Eagle but am open to other thoughts or suggestions.  I am also not sure if many of the privates are open to reciprocal play because that could open up some additional options.  Thanks

[Jason Topp]

Scott - others are more knowledgeable than me.  I would try to play PGA West Stadium.  It is an iconic course you will either love or hate.  I have played it twice and found it very enjoyable.  I have also played the Norman course and would never spend significant money to play there again.

I have never heard good things about the Classic Club and believe it is very exposed to the wind that drives all of the wind energy turbines in the area.  

One lower cost option is Escena which is a pretty cool course in an ugly location.  I am happy to trade views of power lines for a lower green fee.  Another is Terra Lago which sits on some interesting land.  One of the 18s is better than the other but I would rely on others for advice.

If you have access to reciprocal play, the Palms, the Plantation, and the Reserve are all worth playing.  I played Bighorn Mountain and found it a bit severe but beautiful.  

Stoneeagle is a must play if you can obtain access.  Doak's use of continuous fairways and blotches of rock on a big sidehill make the course one of a kind.  

I liked Silverrock as well but others have have contrary views.      

[Bill_McBride]

If you like your golf a tad on the windy side, Desert Dunes can be entertaining

[Scott Wintersteen]

Scott - others are more knowledgeable than me.  I would try to play PGA West Stadium.  It is an iconic course you will either love or hate.  I have played it twice and found it very enjoyable.  I have also played the Norman course and would never spend significant money to play there again.

I have never heard good things about the Classic Club and believe it is very exposed to the wind that drives all of the wind energy turbines in the area.  

One lower cost option is Escena which is a pretty cool course in an ugly location.  I am happy to trade views of power lines for a lower green fee.  Another is Terra Lago which sits on some interesting land.  One of the 18s is better than the other but I would rely on others for advice.

If you have access to reciprocal play, the Palms, the Plantation, and the Reserve are all worth playing.  I played Bighorn Mountain and found it a bit severe but beautiful.  

Stoneeagle is a must play if you can obtain access.  Doak's use of continuous fairways and blotches of rock on a big sidehill make the course one of a kind.  

I liked Silverrock as well but others have have contrary views.      

Jason,

Thanks for the info.  I have a friend that raved about PGA West Stadium so I think I am probably going to play it and I am also a fan of Pete Dye.  I will look into Terra Lago and Escena.

[Brian Finn]

Scott,

I would also recommend PGA West stadium.  I really enjoyed the rounds I played there a few years back.  If you are in that part of town, consider the LaQuinta Mountain course as well.  

If you are a fan of Pete Dye and can arrange access, you might also consider the Dye private (and the Dinah Shore course) at Mission Hills.  

The Desert Willow courses are also pretty darn good, and reasonably priced for the area.

[Jordan Standefer]

As Jason mentioned, I think Escena is a great option to add to any Palm Springs trip, especially if you are looking to add a "value" option to an itinerary.  It is also right next to the PS airport.  I have played with a group of guys who literally walked off their plane and caught a twilight round upon arrival.

I'm a big fan of the Mountain Course at La Quinta, but they have been closed since a flood in August 2013.  They are set to open in mid-January, but I would definitely research course conditions before booking a time.

If you are looking to get 36 in, PGA West will give you a replay rate on any of their 3 public courses (Stadium, Nicklaus Tournament, Norman) and the two La Quinta Resort courses (Dunes and Mountain).  Not exactly sure what the replay rates are now, but the Stadium is the most expensive, then the Mountain and Nicklaus Tourney, with the Dunes and Norman being the least expensive.  (Having played the Dunes once, I would not go back considering the other options in the area.)

[Tim Leahy]

+1 on Stadium, Firecliff and Classic. Stone Eagle is best. Shadow not so much. La Quinta Mountain is very good, back nine is spectacular. Check the golf mags at your hotel or Golfnow on line for coupons if price is a question. Also Nextdaygolf on line can get you out on some privates or high end courses for a big savings.

[Matt Bielawa]

Another vote for the Stadium and the La Quinta Mountain Course.  I also am not a huge fan of the Norman Course, nor the Nicklaus Tournament Course.  Palmer Private is fun in spots if you can get on...sort of similar to the LQ Mountain in how it runs along the edge of the mountain.  I tried to get on The Quarry at La Quinta while I was there, but failed.  I don't think they take any unaccompanied guests.

[Pat Burke]

Haven't played Stone Eagle, but it sounds like one to experience while there.
Stadium is a cool experience.  Pick the correct tees for your abilities.
Mountain, again, is a fun experience.  As a Dye fan, you'll have a fun day.

Nicklaus Tournament, Norman, Weiskopf...meh

Palms and Plantation are private, but I love them.

[Scott Wintersteen]

I'm a big fan of the Mountain Course at La Quinta, but they have been closed since a flood in August 2013.  They are set to open in mid-January, but I would definitely research course conditions before booking a time.

I checked times for the Mountain course and there are tee times available when I will be there.  The tee times seem much cheaper than the other options so will definitely see what type of shape the course is in before I book.  

[John Crowley]

Scott,
I live in Palm Desert in the Winter.
Have advance booking credentials at Desert Willow, Westin Dye and Player, Classic Club and Tahquitz Creek.
You have it right with Stone Eagle number 1 on your list.
Scratch Tera Lago and Desert Willow greens too slow for my liking.
I'll weigh in later on others.

If ou are looking for a game, I will probably be available.
Send me a PM if you want to get together.
Cheers,
John

[Chris DeToro]

No one's mentioned the Indian Wells Resort courses.  I found it to be enjoyable and you can stay at the Marriott on site...

[Steve Lapper]

Not too much that hasn't been already said, but both the Dye and Dinah Shore private courses at Mission Hills are very decent, reliably conditioned, and easy for most anyone to play.  PM me if you go in that direction and need further assistance.

[Jerry Kluger]

I am going back in February and I stay at Shadow Ridge which has some very good holes and usually is better than most concerning price although it does go through the timeshare community.

[Chris Mavros]

Another vote for PGA West Stadium, Missions Hills Dinah Shore and Silver Rock.  I've also heard great things about the Hideaway if you're able to get on the courses there. 

[Eoin Riddell]

Its been a while since i played them my choice would be, PGA West stadium, Indian Wells, La Quinta Mountain.

[David_Elvins]

Stadium is a cool experience.  Pick the correct tees for your abilities.

Pat,

When I played The Stadium Course I was a low teens handicap with a terrible swing.  I had probably played 25 rounds in the previous month without coming close to breaking 80.  I could not hit driver to save myself.  

I played the Stadium course off the back tees and ended up with an 80.  It's a tough course but if you play within your game and conservatively, it is not that hard.  I have played far harder courses, it is rare to find a hole at the stadium course where one cannot miss safely ether left or right.  

[Scott Warren]

I was a low teens handicap with a terrible swing.

Was?

[David_Elvins]

Was?

Now off 12.

[Jerry Kluger]

I played the Stadium course and found it quite playable although some of the water holes on the back are really tough if the wind is blowing.

[Matt Bielawa]

Totally agree here.  Very overrated in terms of difficulty in my opinion, though 18 gives me fits.  I've played it three times and don't think I've made better than a double.

[Scott Wintersteen]

Anyone else have any information on how long La Quinta Mountain was closed and what kind of shape it's in?

[Tony Weiler]

Has anyone played either Ted Robinson course at the JW Marriot?  Thanks.

[Pete Lavallee]

We used to get up a group of 20 golfers and hit the Desert Springs Marriot just after Memorial day to catch decent weather and favourable rates; we got two rounds of golf and two nights of a shared room for $120! The golf courses are typical 1990's Ted Robinson, lots of earth moving and ponds. Medium length par 4's, distance is made up on the par 3's which usually play long and par 5's which require a good two shots to get past the trouble with a chance for birdie. Lots of water on the Palms, much less on the Valley. The Hotel is beautiful with its massive attrium and lagoon which winds into the lobby for the boats to shuttle you to the two onsite restaruants via the ponds that flank 1 and 18. We though the courses were OK back in the 90's before we knew anything about architecture; it would not be my first choice of where to play in PS these days. I really do like the Shadowridge Marriot course, by Schmidt, Curley and Faldo just down the road.

[Jerry Kluger]

I was there last week and Shadow Ridge is still very good and very well conditioned.  We also played Desert Dunes which is pretty good although some trees make it really tight - I should note that the cart girls were incredible ( just ask my 17 year old son) and Grant Fuhr is the head pro formerly the goaltender of the Edmonton Oilers in the Gretzky days.

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