Trip to Tee

Desert Resort Run: Palm Springs & Coachella Valley Golf

PGA West Stadium, Nicklaus Tournament, Westin Mission Hills and Rams Hill.

Palm Springs is a winter golf capital, with sun, resort stays, and desert scenery. PGA West Stadium and the Nicklaus Tournament Course are headline rounds, and Rams Hill in Borrego Springs adds a quiet desert outing.

Coachella Valley has more than 100 courses and a reliable winter climate. PGA West Stadium is famously difficult; the Nicklaus Tournament Course is a lower-key alternative.

Rams Hill is about an hour south and a good optional day trip.

Region
Southwest
Courses
4
Total driving
42 miles
Duration
4 days
Estimated green fees
~$504
Difficulty
Championship

Courses in this guide

  1. Nicklaus Tournament Course — Palm Springs, California
  2. Westin Mission Hills South Course — Palm Springs, California
  3. PGA West Stadium — La Quinta, California
  4. Rams Hill — Borrego Springs, California

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Nicklaus Tournament

    Arrive and play in the afternoon.

  2. Day 2: Westin Mission Hills and PGA West

    Play Westin Mission Hills South in the morning and PGA West Stadium in the afternoon or the next day.

  3. Day 3: PGA West Stadium

    Take on the Stadium Course.

  4. Day 4: Rams Hill

    Drive to Borrego Springs for the final round.

Where to stay

  • La Quinta Resort & Club: Waldorf Astoria resort.
  • Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa: Rancho Mirage.
  • Embassy Suites La Quinta: Value.
  • La Casa del Zorro: Borrego Springs.

Where to eat

  • Morgan's in the Desert: La Quinta Resort.
  • Lavender Bistro: La Quinta.
  • Arnold Palmer's Restaurant: PGA West.
  • Arches Restaurant: Rams Hill.

Getting around

A rental car is needed; Palm Springs International is the closest airport. Total mileage is about 42 miles; Rams Hill is the longest leg.

Best time to visit

November to May. Summers are brutally hot, but rates drop significantly.

Budget tips

  • Summer rates are very low.
  • PGA West Stadium is often cheaper than other resort courses.
  • Twilight rates start in early afternoon.
  • Stay in Indio or La Quinta.

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