Palm Springs, with its warm weather and stunning desert scenery, is a golfer's paradise. Home to numerous world-class golf courses, this desert oasis attracts golf enthusiasts from around the globe. From championship layouts to historic clubs, the city offers an unbeatable combination of scenery, playability, and world-class amenities.
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort: Classic Desert Golf with Mountain Views
Location: 1885 Golf Club Drive
Courses: Legend Course & Resort Course
Designer(s): William F. Bell (Legend), Ted Robinson (Resort)
Why Play Here:
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort is set against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. It features two beautifully maintained 18-hole courses that blend natural desert scenery with challenging layouts. The Legend Course, designed by William F. Bell (also known for Torrey Pines), offers classic desert golf with rolling fairways, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. The more forgiving Resort Course by Ted Robinson is ideal for all skill levels.
Highlights:
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Two 18-hole championship courses
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50-stall grass driving range, short game area, and putting greens
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Tahquitz Creek Golf Academy with PGA/LPGA instruction, youth programs, and group clinics
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Traditions Café with breakfast, lunch, and 12 beers on tap—plus 8 HD TVs for post-round relaxation
Insider Tip: The Legend Course offers a more formidable challenge for experienced players, while the Resort Course is more accessible and beginner-friendly.
Indian Canyons Golf Resort: Play in an Agua Caliente Oasis
Location: 1100 E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA
Courses: North Course & South Course
Designer(s): William F. Bell (North), Casey O’Callahan with Amy Alcott (South)
Historic Roots: Owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Why Play Here:
Indian Canyons Golf Resort delivers a resort-style experience steeped in culture and natural beauty. This 36-hole facility is known for its wind-free location, lush landscaping, and iconic Disney fountain on the North Course.
North Course
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Par 72 | 6,943 yards
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Longer layout with six water features
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Home to the Disney fountain, which shoots water over 100 feet high
South Course
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Par 72 | 6,582 yards (forward tees: 4,878 yards)
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Five par 5s and over 850 palm trees
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Includes 500 Washingtonia filifera palms, sacred to the Agua Caliente tribe
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Preferred course for women golfers
Amenities:
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On-site restaurant and bar at both clubhouses (check hours in summer)
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Fully stocked pro shops
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Practice areas and professional instruction
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Rich cultural connection to nearby Indian Canyons hiking trails
Pro Tip: Visit during the cooler months to take full advantage of both courses and nearby natural attractions.
Escena Golf Club: Elevated Golf and Dining in Palm Springs
Location: 1100 Clubhouse View Drive
Designer: Jack Nicklaus II
Par: 72 | Yardage: Up to 7,200 yards
Why Play Here:
Ranked among the top public courses in Palm Springs, Escena Golf Club combines modern design with dramatic desert views. With wide fairways and multiple tee options, this course welcomes both beginners and seasoned golfers.
Course Features:
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Designed by Jack Nicklaus II
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Four tee boxes + combo options
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Panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains
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Strategic bunkering and water hazards
Escena Amenities:
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Escena Lounge & Grill – Known for California-fusion cuisine, dog-friendly patio, and year-round brunch and dinner
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Fully stocked golf shop with brand-name apparel and customized gear
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Premium rental clubs are available for travelers
Dining Highlight: Enjoy happy hour on one of the best patios in the desert after your round.
O'Donnell Golf Club: A Private Gem with Deep Palm Springs Roots
Location: 301 N Belardo Road (private club, no public tee times)
Established: 1927
Historical Significance: First golf course in Palm Springs
Though not open to the public, O’Donnell Golf Club is one of the most historically significant golf courses in California. Founded by philanthropist Thomas O’Donnell in the 1920s, the club played a pivotal role in Palm Springs’ early development as a luxury destination. Hollywood icons like Bob Hope were longtime members, and the club remains active today under a lease that extends to 2043—after which it may become Thomas A. O’Donnell Municipal Park.
Fun Fact: The land was gifted to the city of Palm Springs and has been managed as a non-profit for decades, hosting charitable events and preserving the legacy of desert golf.
