What is the best golf course for high handicappers in Palm Springs?

Tahquitz Creek Legends is widely considered the easiest and most forgiving for high-handicap golfers.

Which scenic Palm Springs course is also beginner friendly?

Indian Canyons South offers dramatic mountain scenery AND wide fairways perfect for newer players.

Are Palm Springs resort courses good for high-handicap golfers?

Yes, many resort-access courses like Desert Willow Mountain View and Escena offer wide fairways and playable design.

Which short course is best for beginners?

Cimarron Pebble Course is the most beginner friendly short course with smooth greens and approachable yardages.

Palm Springs

Best Golf Courses for High-Handicappers in Palm Springs

Palm Springs’ best golf courses for high handicappers, featuring wide fairways, minimal forced carries, and forgiving layouts perfect for stress-free group trips.

November 17, 2025 · 9 min read

Palm Springs is known for dramatic mountain-framed golf, but it is also one of the easiest destinations for high-handicap golfers because so many courses were built in the classic resort style.

Wide fairways, minimal forced carries, gentle green surrounds, and predictable routing make the valley a confidence builder, not a punishment. Early morning rounds feel relaxed as the sun warms the desert floor, and groups can settle into a pace where the course helps instead of hurts.

This guide highlights the most forgiving public and resort-access courses perfect for beginners, casual groups, or players rebuilding their game.

Quick Answer: Best Golf Courses for High Handicappers in Palm Springs

If your group includes newer golfers or players who prefer wide fairways, the top picks are Tahquitz Creek Legends, Indian Canyons South, and Desert Willow Mountain View. These offer gentle angles, minimal bunkering complexity, and few forced carries.

Escena and Palm Desert Country Club round out the list with smooth greens and open sightlines. Tourism and player review data consistently show that high-handicap players prefer courses with simple tee transitions and broad landing zones, and Palm Springs stands out for offering all of that within short drives of major lodging hubs.

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Tahquitz Creek Legends Course

William Bell’s Legends Course is one of the most forgiving layouts in the entire valley for high-handicap golfers.

At 6,600 yards, Legends uses wide corridors and minimal forced carries, letting players advance the ball freely without penalty pressure. Bell’s classic shaping keeps everything in front of you, which is extremely helpful for beginners.
The greens are approachable with soft edges, meaning mis-hits around the putting surface rarely ruin scoring chances. Many holes allow bump and run shots, ideal for players lacking wedge confidence.
Legends earns consistently high marks in value and playability from traveler reviews, and its central location makes it easy for groups staying near downtown. It pairs naturally with the broader tips in our What Does a Palm Springs Golf Trip Cost?

Best if your group wants a relaxed, forgiving round with minimal stress.

Pros: wide landing zones, simple greens, budget-friendly
Cons: scenery is modest, fewer standout holes

Indian Canyons South Course

Set beneath the towering San Jacinto Mountains, Indian Canyons South is visually impressive but surprisingly gentle.

Originally designed by William Bell, the layout is defined by wide fairways, shallow bunkers, and very few forced carries. High-handicappers can play confidently without precise ball striking.
The routing plays 6,582 yards but offers excellent tee flexibility, allowing groups to choose shorter sets that keep the round moving.
The dramatic scenery often distracts from mistakes and creates a relaxed vibe, something high-handicap golfers appreciate. Reviews regularly praise the combination of beauty and playability.

Best if your group wants scenic golf that never feels punishing.

Pros: excellent walkability, stunning mountain backdrops, wide fairways
Cons: pace can slow in winter, minimal strategic features

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Desert Willow Mountain View Course

Hurdzan and Fry created two excellent courses here, but Mountain View is specifically designed to be the more forgiving of the pair.

The course offers wide driving zones, soft green surrounds, and gentle desert transitions that allow high-handicap players to avoid the trouble found on Firecliff.
Mountain View plays 6,913 yards from the tips, but forward tees shorten it meaningfully and help groups avoid long approach stress.
The shaping is beautiful without being intimidating, and Desert Willow’s famous conditioning gives high-handicap golfers a premium experience without feeling outmatched.

Best if your group wants premium feel playability without premium difficulty.

Pros: excellent conditions, wide fairways, great visual clarity
Cons: higher rates in peak season, some desert carriers remain

Palm Desert Country Club

One of the friendliest high-handicap layouts in the valley, perfect for casual rounds.

The routing uses short par 4s and accessible par 3s to keep scoring opportunities alive for every player, even beginners.
At roughly 6,000 yards, depending on tees, the course is approachable and forgiving, with few hazards designed to punish errant shots.
The value pricing and simple design make it a strong pick for day one or afternoon rounds.

Best if your group wants a simple, easygoing course that rewards beginner swing confidence.

Pros: great for beginners, low-stress routing, strong value
Cons: modest scenery, shorter overall course

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Cimarron Pebble Course

This Ted Robinson Jr short course is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for high-handicappers to get comfortable in the desert.

The 3,020-yard layout eliminates long par 4s and punishing par 5s, allowing players to focus on fun without feeling overwhelmed.
The greens are smooth, approachable, and sit within open surrounds that help newer golfers learn distance control.
Its short, walkable routing makes it ideal for second rounds or groups easing into the trip.

Best if your group wants a stress-free warm-up with approachable distances.

Pros: fast rounds, perfect for beginners, walkable
Cons: not a full-length course, limited variety

Tahquitz Creek Resort Course

Slightly more challenging than Legends but still very accessible to high-handicap players.

The routing avoids harsh elevation changes and uses palm-lined corridors that naturally guide the eye from tee to fairway.
Forced carries are limited, and several holes offer bailout zones that help players avoid water or bunkers.
Groups often choose the Resort Course as a mid-tier option because it balances scenery, playability, and central location convenience.

Best if your group wants an easygoing resort-style layout.

Pros: forgiving green complexes, central location, good pacing
Cons: less shade, fewer signature holes

Shadow Mountain Golf Club

A classic short course in Palm Desert that has remained surprisingly playable for decades.

The 5,400-yard routing is ideal for high-handicap golfers who want shorter approach distances and more greens in regulation opportunities.
The course was originally built in the 1950s and maintains a walkable footprint with minimal hazards.
Shadow Mountain’s shorter layout helps players of all abilities enjoy a relaxed day, especially mixed ability groups.

Best if your group wants a vintage Palm Springs walking experience.

Pros: extremely walkable, short yardage, friendly conditions
Cons: compact routing feels tight for longer hitters

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Cimarron Boulder Course (Bonus Pick)

The full-length Boulder Course is more challenging than Pebble but still very accessible.

Robinson’s desert-friendly shaping avoids penal rough and emphasizes wide landing areas.
At 6,782 yards from the tips, forward tees make it approachable for high-handicappers.
The course earns strong local reviews for balancing fun and difficulty.

Best if your group wants full-length golf with friendly shaping.

Pros: wide layout, fun greens, good variety
Cons: afternoon wind can raise difficulty

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Palm Springs is one of the best places on the West Coast for high-handicap golfers because the courses help rather than punish. Wide fairways, soft greens, and warm desert air make the game feel easier from the first swing.

Author

Ryan from 18Away Golf trip designer and editor

I help groups plan unforgettable itineraries across the top golf destinations in the U.S., blending real-golfer feedback with first-hand course research.

About the author · [email protected]

About This Palm Springs Guide

Every 18Away guide is independently written and updated by real golfers. We evaluate public access, group-friendly value, and proximity to top courses, referencing thousands of verified reviews, rate data, and on-site experience. Guides are refreshed regularly as conditions & pricing change over time.

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