Why Palm Springs is a Golfer’s Paradise: Course Reviews & Travel Tips
Cameron Ream
Palm Springs, California, is a golfer’s paradise, and we just had the chance to experience it firsthand. We played four phenomenal courses: PGA West Mountain Course, Indian Wells Celebrity Course, Desert Willow Firecliff, and Classic Club. Each one brought something special to the table, and we were blown away by the quality of golf in the area.
Beyond the golf, Palm Springs has an energy that’s hard to beat. It’s an upscale desert oasis where luxury meets relaxation, and the whole town has a cool, retro charm mixed with modern style. The mountain backdrops and warm desert air make it a place where you can have a relaxing vacation. One of our favorite spots to check out was El Paseo, often called the "Rodeo Drive of the Desert." The Gardens on El Paseo had a great mix of high-end shops, top-notch restaurants, and scenic outdoor areas, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day on the course. Plus, if you're feeling lucky, there are a few casinos in the area that make for a great way to cap off the night. While we were at Morongo Casino, we stumbled upon Crapless Craps, which we had only seen on social media before. We were super stoked to finally see it in person and it definitely lived up to the hype.
PGA West Mountain Course
The PGA West Mountain Course was designed by Pete Dye and is an absolute stunner. Nestled against the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, the views alone were worth the round. The elevation changes and well-placed bunkers made for a challenging but fair test of golf. One of our favorite aspects of this course was how it demanded creativity—especially around the greens. You couldn't just bomb it off the tee and hope for the best; every shot needed strategy. The conditions were pristine, and the experience was pure desert oasis golf at its finest. This course will run you anywhere from $150-$350 depending on the time of day and season. It has become one of our top 5 courses we've ever played.
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,666 yards
Course Rating: 72.8
Slope: 134
Indian Wells Celebrity Course
Indian Wells Celebrity Course, designed by Clive Clark, was an absolute treat. From the moment we stepped onto the first tee, we knew we were in for something special. The fairways were pristine, lined with towering palm trees, vibrant flower beds, and even waterfalls that made it feel like we were playing in a lush garden. But don’t be fooled by the beauty—this course had plenty of teeth. The greens were quick, and strategic shot placement was key to scoring well. Every hole had a wow factor, and from start to finish, this was one of the most fun rounds we’ve played in a long time.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,038 yards
Course Rating: 74.3
Slope: 138
Desert Willow Firecliff Course
The Desert Willow Firecliff Course was a perfect blend of beauty and difficulty. Designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, the course was well maintained, and the desert landscape made for a unique golfing experience. The design incorporated natural elements like sand waste areas and native plants, (including the Desert Willow plant of course) giving it a true desert feel. The greens were smooth and rolled true, which made putting an enjoyable challenge. One thing that stood out about Firecliff was how well it tested all aspects of the game—length, accuracy, short game—you needed it all. Like the previous two courses, this course was also visually appealing with numerous of holes worthy of a picture. Side note - I collect ball markers from all the courses we go to and this ball marker is one of my favorite to date.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,056 yards
Course Rating: 74.1
Slope: 138
Classic Club
Classic Club was the perfect way to wrap up our trip. Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course stands out from the rest in Palm Springs—there’s not a single palm tree in sight. Instead, the landscape is filled with olive trees, towering pines, and California pepper trees, giving it a different kind of desert beauty. Formerly a host site for the Bob Hope Classic, the layout is a fun mix of challenging par 3s, scorable par 5s, and risk-reward par 4s. Water is a major factor here, with 30 acres of water hazards coming into play on 13 holes, making course management key. The course was in decent shape, the greens rolled true, and the overall experience was top-tier. Classic Club is a must-play, and there’s no doubt we’ll be back.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,322 yards
Course Rating: 75.8
Slope: 142
The Stay: Indian Wells Resort Hotel
Now, the hotel wasn’t the highlight of the trip, but honestly, it didn’t need to be. We stayed at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, which had the basics covered, but we didn’t spend much time there anyway. After long days of 36 holes, we’d head back to the hotel, get cleaned up, grab dinner and hit Morongo Casino. Golf all day, a little gambling at night—it doesn't get much better than that.
Palm Springs is the Spot
This Palm Springs golf trip hit on all aspects: amazing courses, great food, good vibes, great location. Each course that we played was unique and memorable in its own way, and the quality of golf overall in the area is off the charts. If you’re a golfer looking for your next golf destination, Palm Springs should be at the top of your list. We we’ll be back there soon.
