A Guide to Palm Springs Golf

With year round perfect weather, stunning landscapes, and a variety of courses to suit all skill levels, Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, brushing up on your skills, or playing through for the first time, there’s a Palm Beach golf course for you.

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Palm Springs

Palm Springs and the surrounding areas enjoy the ideal weather for golf year round, especially during their mild winters when many other courses are covered in snow. Clear skies and warm temperatures complement lush green courses lined with palm trees, rugged mountain backdrops, and otherworldly desert vistas. It’s no surprise that the area has earned a reputation for hosting prestigious professional tournaments and events.

Explore the top 10 best golf courses in Palm Springs, and Vacation Escapes resorts conveniently located near them all, below.

PGA West: Stadium Course

561 PGA Blvd., La Quinta CA | 18 holes | Hard

Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, the Stadium Course at PGA West is renowned in the golf community for its challenging layout and especially tricky 17th hole – known semi-affectionately as Alcatraz – which features an island green, and the intimidating water-lined 18th hole. Once named one of the top 50 toughest golf courses in America, this Palm Springs golf course still lures golfers of all skill levels.

Desert Willow Golf Resort: Firecliff Course

38-995 Desert Willow Dr., Palm Desert CA | 18 holes | Moderate

Home to over 100 bunkers and unique water features, the Firecliff Course at Desert Willow is a picturesque Palm Springs golf course that balances the challenging experience of playing the course with incredible panoramic mountain views and native landscaping.

Indian Wells Golf Resort: Players Course

44-500 Indian Wells Ln., Indian Wells CA | 18 holes | Moderate

Known for wide fairways and demanding greens, this classic American design golf course in Palm Springs offers a world-class golf experience from tee time to the 18th hole. Designed by John Fought, the Players Course at Indian Wells integrated the many stately trees already on-site at the time of purchase, showcasing a unique blend of modern design and established elements.

Escena Golf Club

1100 Clubhouse View Dr., Palm Springs CA | 18 holes | Moderate

Escena offers wide-open fairways and sprawling greens, complemented by breathtaking views of the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains. This Palm Springs golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus, striking the perfect balance between challenge and playability for golfers of all skill levels.

SilverRock Classic Course

79179 Ahmanson Ln., La Quinta CA | 18 holes | Moderate

With a backdrop of the iconic Santa Rosa Mountains, SilverRock’s Classic Course is a challenging 7,239 yards on over 200 acres. Massive native bunkers, stunning water features, and a variety of terrain make this La Quinta course one of the top golf courses near Palm Springs.

Classic Club

75-200 Classic Club Blvd., Palm Desert CA | 18 holes | Hard

Classic Club is renowned for their pristine conditions and numerous water hazards. This golf course near Palm Springs poses a challenge for golfers of all levels, softening the strain with 360-degree views of dramatic mountain vistas that surround the course.

Indian Canyons Golf Resort: South Course

1097 E Murray Canyon Dr., Palm Springs CA | 18 holes | Easy

Flanked by mountains on three sides, Indian Canyon’s South Course has a secluded, exclusive feel that makes it beloved by celebrities and politicians alike. This Palm Springs golf course offers a unique and scenic layout, drawing visitors from the Coachella Valley and beyond since 1961.

Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort: Legend Course

1885 Golf Club Dr., Palm Springs CA | 18 holes | Moderate

This desert links-style golf course in Palm Springs offers strategic bunkers and wide fairways, playable for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re brushing up on your swing or really perfecting your craft, this course designed by William Francis Bell tempts you with views of the mountains as you play through.

Marriot’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club

9002 Shadow Ridge Rd., Palm Desert CA | 18 holes | Moderate

Designed by Nick Faldo, Shadow Ridge Golf Course offers a balance of playability and challenge with generous fairways and bold bunkering. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this Palm Desert golf course boasts views just as memorable as the course itself.

Eagle Falls Golf Course

84245 Indio Springs Pkwy., Indio CA | 18 holes | Moderate

Eagle Falls is a moderately challenging golf course located in Indio, CA. This well-maintained course offers elevations and water features not typically seen on courses that are open to the public, making for a fun and engaging round of golf every time.

Planning Your Palm Springs Golf Trip

Planning a golf trip to Palm Springs is an art form, but easily mastered. The best times to visit Palm Springs for golf are during the fall, winter, and early spring, when the weather is warm or mild and crowds are at their thinnest. Peak seasons mean courses are busy, making advanced planning even more important. Book your tee times as far in advance as you can to secure your spot on the greens!

Essentials for Palm Spring Golfing

Don’t let the sprawling greens of these Palm Springs golf courses make you forget you’re in the desert! Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during a sunny activity like golf. Plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing are must-haves to keep you cool and protected from the sun, even in the winter.

Booking Your Palm Springs Vacation Rental

Make your golf getaway even sweeter with accommodations conveniently located near the best golf courses in Palm Springs and nearby. Vacation Escapes rentals in Palm Springs provide amenities and comforts that make them the perfect choice for groups of golf buddies, family reunions, and more.

Desert Vacation Villas in Palm Springs offers large, two bedroom condos with private patios/balconies and full kitchens for the ultimate resort escape.

Desert Isle of Palm Springs Resort is the ultimate blend of natural desert beauty and the city’s famous nightlife, complemented by thoughtful amenities like a sauna and hot tubs to ease your sore muscles after a day on the course.

Palm Springs Tennis Club is located just minutes from some of the top golf courses in Palm Springs, and makes your stay even more enjoyable with amenities like a game room, hot tub, on-site restaurant, and more.

Whether you’re chasing birdies or just enjoying the view, a golf trip to Palm Springs is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Book your tee times, pack your bags, and prepare to experience the magic of Palm Springs golf at its finest!