Planning a golf getaway in Greater Palm Springs but short on time? From championship courses to picturesque greens with mountain views, Greater Palm Springs offers more than 100 must-play courses for an unforgettable golf experience. Use this curated list of some of the most scenic and challenging signature golf holes in the region. And with many conveniently located near resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals, the opportunity to tee off is as accessible as ever. Get ready to hit the greens on any of these six signature golf holes in Greater Palm Springs.
With breathtaking mountain views and a Nicklaus design layout, Escena Golf Club offers a fun yet challenging round for all skill levels. Wide fairways, water features, and strategic bunkers keep things interesting, while the midcentury modern clubhouse and Escena Lounge & Grill are perfect for post-round relaxation.
Hole No. 1 is a stunning example of what this course has to offer. Stretching to a demanding 611 yards from the tips and easing up to a casual player-friendly 483 yards from the forward tees, this opening par 5 has enough challenge and beauty for any golfer.
The Firecliff Course, rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, is one of two must-play destinations at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. At 7,056 yards, and lined with extensive natural areas, numerous water features, and more than 100 bunkers/waste areas, this course is a work of art—and Hole No. 17 is its masterpiece.
Before teeing up for this 204-yard par 3, take a moment to soak up the view: The lush palm oasis surrounding Hole 17 makes the sandy bunker look like a beachy paradise, while the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains make an idyllic backdrop.
The legendary Pete Dye-designed Stadium Course at PGA West hosted the 1987 Skins game—the “made-for-TV” event that saw Lee Trevino’s unforgettable hole-in-one with $175,000 in skins. A bronze plaque marks this historic event at the site where it all happened—Hole 17, or "Alcatraz," nicknamed for its surrounding water hazard and difficult-to-escape bunker.
The Stadium is a formidable test of golf, with its difficulty matched by its beautiful surroundings. At 7,300 yards, a stroke rating of 76.1 and slope rating of 150, the Stadium Course is known as one of the toughest plays in America. The beautiful palm and mountain surrounds serve as a prize of their own just to attempt the course's challenge.
The Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort is a classic American design. At first glance, the big, sculpted bunkers seem tame, but their depth and edges pose an unexpected challenge. Throughout the course, trees from the original landscape are incorporated into the designs, giving the feel of one of the desert's classic golf clubs while still delivering the challenge of a modern course. It’s a little bit Arnold Palmer and little bit Dustin Johnson.
Hole No. 5 on the Players Course is a long, challenging 469-yard par 4. Water and a well-placed bunker guard the left side of the hole, while a long natural desert area on the right side spell deep trouble for errant shots. A good drive and a good long-iron into an elevated green will be needed to make par.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert offers two Ted Robinson-designed championship golf courses, Valley and Palm, featuring lush fairways, scenic water features and inspiring mountain views. With a top-notch golf academy, pro shop and resort amenities, it’s a premier destination for golfers of all levels.
The captivating beauty of the Palm Course's Hole 17 paints an unforgettable Greater Palm Springs scene: cascading waters, rocky outcroppings and stonewall in front of a spectacular island green.
From the back tees, it's 160 yards to a treacherous green that plays slightly downhill. The front of the green slopes from back to front making any front pin placement a sucker’s errand. Club selection is key, and a solid shot to the center of this green will feel like an accomplishment.
With pristine fairways, scenic waterscapes and stunning mountain views, Mission Hills North offers a top-tier golf experience in the heart of Greater Palm Springs. Designed for all skill levels, this beautifully manicured course combines challenge and playability, making it a must-visit for any golfer.
The Gary Player course at Mission Hills North is a destination course for many golfers; its greatest challenge is the 558-yard par 5 11th hole. Water along the right side gives golfers the opportunity to measure the risk-reward of this hole for themselves. The greens on the Player Course have plenty of undulation and challenge themselves. A more conservative tee shot followed by two well-measured irons is the surest route to par—or birdie.
With more than 100 courses to choose from Greater Palm Springs easily becomes a golfer's oasis. From the scenic Desert Willows Golf Club to the challenge of PGA West, these six golf courses will keep any visiting golfer busy. For more courses and golf resources, click here.