Indian Wells Celebrity Course: A Palm Springs Golf Staple

If you're heading to Palm Springs for a golf trip, the Indian Wells Celebrity Course is one you can't miss. We teed it up there in January, and it was easily one of our favorite rounds of the trip. The course was in great shape, and the facilities were solid. From the practice range to the pro shop, everything had a premium feel without being too stuffy.

First Impressions

Right from the start, you can tell Indian Wells is a well-run operation. The clubhouse and pro shop were clean and stocked with a variety of gear and the practice area was a standout too. A big, well-maintained range, smooth putting greens, and a short game zone made it easy to shake off any rust before the round. Definitely one of the better practice setups we came across on the trip. Also, if you get hungry, do yourself a favor and grab the chicken Caesar wrap at the turn. Hands down one of the best I’ve had on a golf course. We were the first group out and so we were hungry around 10am and it was incredible. 10/10 chicken caesar wrap.

Course Conditions and Design

The Indian Wells Celebrity Course was designed by Clive Clark and opened in 2006. It's a par-72 layout that gives you some unreal views of the surrounding mountains. The course has a ton of water features — streams, brooks, and even split-level lakes connected by waterfalls. There's definitely an abundance of water here. In addition to the water features, it’s surrounded by vibrant flowers on quite a few holes that add to the beauty.

The fairways were plush, and the greens rolled true and fast. It’s not one of those courses that just beats you up for fun, but it definitely makes you think. I will say though, on the majority of the holes you can't just grip it and rip it. You need to make the right club choice and check out the hole layout on the screen in the cart before your shot, which keeps things interesting.

Holes to Remember

A couple of holes really stood out to me:

• Hole #4 – Par 5: This one’s a beast. The tee shot is semi-blind, so you’re trusting your line off the tee. The second shot is where it gets spicy. You can try to go for the green, but it's practically an island with a moat-like water hazard and bunkers guarding it. Super risky, but definitely a fun challenge if you're feeling bold.

• Hole #14 – Par 5: This one’s a beauty and a challenge. A creek zigzags right through the fairway, making you really think about your shots. Most people will lay up because the approach to the green is a solid 200+ yards with trouble all around. If your long irons or hybrids aren’t dialed in, playing it safe is the move.

• Hole #18 - Par 4: The finishing hole at Indian Wells Celebrity Course is a great way to wrap up your round. It's a solid par 4 with a slight dogleg that demands a well-placed tee shot. Water lines the left side, so staying right is the safer play. The approach shot is no gimme either, with a green protected by bunkers and more water. It’s the kind of hole that can make or break your score, and it definitely adds some excitement to the end of the round.

Additional Tips for Your Round

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the practice facilities. The range is a great spot to warm up and get a feel for your swing before tackling the course.
• Mind the Elevation: Some holes have slight elevation changes that can mess with your club selection. Take a moment to calculate distances carefully.
• Enjoy the Scenery: Seriously, this course is beautiful. Even if you’re not playing your best, the views are worth the round alone.
• Check the Weather: Depending on the time of year, Palm Springs can get pretty hot, especially in the afternoon. An early tee time is a solid choice to beat the heat.

Overall Experience

Indian Wells Celebrity Course was easily one of the highlights of our Palm Springs trip. Between the great layout, excellent conditions, and awesome views, it’s a course I’d recommend to anyone heading that way. Whether you’re looking to test your game or just enjoy a scenic day on the course, it checks all the boxes.

If you get a chance to play it, let us know what you think!