TOP 5 Best golf courses in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is one of the most iconic golf destinations in the United States, and for good reason. Nestled in the Coachella Valley, it delivers year-round sunshine, dramatic mountain backdrops, and a concentration of world-class layouts that few regions can match. Whether you are planning your first desert golf escape or returning for another season of fairways and clear blue skies, the region rewards every kind of player - from the weekend warrior to the low handicapper chasing a bucket-list round.

With so many courses to choose from, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help you plan, we have pulled together five of the best golf courses in Palm Springs available to book through GolfTroop. Explore the full list of Palm Springs golf courses and find the perfect round for your next trip.

1. Classic Club - Arnold Palmer's desert gem

Classic Club in Palm Desert is a bold departure from the typical desert golf formula, and that is exactly what makes it stand out. Designed by Arnold Palmer and built in collaboration with the PGA Tour, this par-72, 7,305-yard course swaps the usual palm-tree corridors for rolling terrain, 30 acres of water features, 14 stone bridges, and over 5,000 pine, pepper, and olive trees - all without a single palm tree in sight. The result is a course that plays more like a California mountain layout than a desert track, yet it sits squarely in the heart of the Coachella Valley.

Classic Club has hosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic multiple times and is consistently ranked among the best public courses in Southern California. Five sets of tees make it accessible for players at every level, while the Tuscany-inspired clubhouse with fine dining and the Bob Hope Gallery add a distinct sense of occasion from the moment you arrive.

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2. TPC Stadium Course at PGA West

Few courses in Palm Springs carry the reputation of the TPC Stadium Course at PGA West in La Quinta. Pete Dye designed this par-72 layout specifically for the biggest stage in professional golf, and it shows in every detail - narrow fairways, cavernous bunkers, dramatic undulations, and the infamous island-green 17th hole nicknamed "Alcatraz." Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golfweek have all ranked it among the best courses in the country, and it is consistently rated one of the toughest tracks available to public play anywhere in America.

Tournament history here is deep, with the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, and the Skins Game all played on these fairways. If you want to walk in the footsteps of legends and test your game on a course that genuinely pushes every part of your game, the TPC Stadium is the clearest answer.

View TPC Stadium Course on GolfTroop

3. Indian Wells Players Course

The Indian Wells Players Course is a GolfTroop favorite, and it earns that distinction through a combination of design quality, conditioning, and sheer playability. Designed by John Fought, the course presents dynamic bunkering, generous fairway corridors, and undulating topography that creates a visually fascinating experience while challenging players of all skill levels. Located at Indian Wells Golf Resort alongside the Celebrity Course, it is part of the only 36-hole facility in California with both courses ranked in the top 20 "Best Courses You Can Play" in the state by Golfweek.

The course recently underwent a significant renovation, including the redesign of the 9th, 17th, and 18th holes, making 2025 onwards one of the best times to play it. The resort also hosted the 2024 Epson Tour Championship, adding another chapter to an already impressive competitive history.

View Indian Wells Players Course on GolfTroop

4. Firecliff at Desert Willow Golf Resort

Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert delivers two award-winning championship courses, and the Firecliff Course is the more demanding of the pair. Stretching 7,056 yards across a par-72 layout, Firecliff is built around extensive natural desert areas, shimmering water features, and over 100 bunkers and waste areas that penalize anything less than a committed swing. Ranked among the best public courses in California by both Golf Digest and Golfweek, it provides a genuine test that forces strategic thinking from the first tee to the final green.

The course recently completed a renovation that introduced new Mini Verde Bermudagrass greens, reshaped tee boxes, and refreshed fairways - meaning conditions are as sharp as they have ever been. For golfers who want dramatic desert scenery combined with a course that genuinely demands respect, Firecliff is among the finest options in the entire Coachella Valley.

View Firecliff at Desert Willow on GolfTroop

5. SilverRock Resort - Arnold Palmer Classic Course

SilverRock Resort in La Quinta is one of Palm Springs' most expansive and visually striking courses, sprawling across 200 acres against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Arnold Palmer Classic Course measures a challenging 7,239 yards with massive native bunkers, stunning water features, and a layout that demands both length and precision. It served as a home course for the PGA Tour's Bob Hope Classic from 2008 to 2011, giving it a professional pedigree that still echoes through every hole.

Owned by the City of La Quinta and managed by Landmark Golf Management, SilverRock stands out for offering a premium golf experience at a price point that remains accessible compared to some of the region's more exclusive private-feel venues. The combination of mountain scenery, championship challenge, and open availability makes it one of the most satisfying rounds you can plan in Palm Springs.

View SilverRock Resort on GolfTroop

Quick look at the five courses

 

Course	Designer	Par	Yardage	Price range
Classic Club	Arnold Palmer	72	7,305	High-End
TPC Stadium at PGA West	Pete Dye	72	N/A	Luxury
Indian Wells Players Course	John Fought	72	6,700	Luxury
Firecliff at Desert Willow	N/A	72	7,056	High-End
SilverRock Resort	Arnold Palmer	72	7,239	Luxury

FAQ

What is the best time of year to play golf in Palm Springs?

The prime season runs from October through April, when temperatures are comfortable and conditions are ideal. Summers in the Coachella Valley can be extremely hot, so early morning tee times are recommended if you visit between June and September. Many courses offer reduced rates during the summer months.

Are Palm Springs golf courses suitable for beginners?

Yes, most courses in Palm Springs offer multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels. Courses like the Indian Wells Players Course and Classic Club provide accessible layouts for mid-to-high handicappers, while more demanding tracks like the TPC Stadium Course are better suited to experienced players looking for a genuine challenge.

Can I book Palm Springs golf packages through GolfTroop?

Absolutely. GolfTroop offers curated golf packages in Palm Springs that combine tee times, accommodation, and travel logistics into a single booking. You can browse available Palm Springs golf courses and package options directly on the site to find the right combination for your group.

How far apart are the courses in Palm Springs?

Most of the top courses are clustered within the Coachella Valley between Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta. Driving times between most venues range from 10 to 30 minutes, making it easy to play multiple courses over a short trip without long transfers.

Do I need to rent clubs when playing in Palm Springs?

Not necessarily, but club rentals are widely available at all major courses and through GolfTroop packages. If you are flying in and prefer to travel light, renting a quality set locally is a practical and cost-effective option that will not impact your performance on the course.