Best Palm Springs Golf Courses for Weekend Trips
These are the best Palm Springs golf courses for quick weekend trips, offering great design, mountain views, and easy access for group getaways.
November 3, 2025 · 8 min read
There’s a special kind of energy in a Palm Springs golf weekend, the crisp desert mornings, the light bouncing off the San Jacinto Mountains, and the buzz of a group ready to squeeze every hole possible into three days. Whether you’re planning a buddies' trip or a relaxed couples’ getaway, the key is finding courses that balance quality, pace, and proximity.
These are the best Palm Springs golf courses for weekend trips, where great architecture meets convenient access and the kind of resort atmosphere that makes every round feel like a vacation.
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Quick Answer: Best Palm Springs Golf Courses for Weekend Trips
For a fast, unforgettable golf weekend in Palm Springs, base your itinerary around Indian Wells Golf Resort, PGA West, and Desert Willow Golf Resort. Each offers multiple championship layouts, easy lodging access, and world-class conditioning that make them perfect for two or three-day trips.
Add an early Friday tee time, a Saturday 36-hole day, and a Sunday morning closer, and you’ll have a desert golf weekend that feels like a full vacation.
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.
Indian Wells Golf Resort: Best for Walkable Luxury and Access
Located just 25 minutes from Palm Springs International Airport, Indian Wells Golf Resort (designed by Clive Clark and John Fought) blends playability with resort polish. Both the Celebrity and Players Courses rank among California’s top public options, combining sculpted fairways with mountain backdrops that glow pink at sunset.
- The Celebrity Course (7,050 yards) winds through streams and waterfalls, while the Players Course (7,376 yards) stretches wider for groups wanting a test.
- On-site lodging at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort makes it a seamless one-stop weekend base.
- According to Golf Digest, Indian Wells consistently ranks among the top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California.
Pros: Two elite courses, great group amenities, and easy airport access.
Cons: Premium green fees during peak season.
Best if your group wants a high-end, one-stop resort with minimal driving between rounds.
Related: Best Places to Stay for a Palm Springs Golf Trip
Build your Palm Springs stay and play weekend. Get a tailored hotel or golf house plus two ideal courses matched to your budget and group size.
PGA West: Best for Tournament Energy and Variety
No Palm Springs weekend feels complete without a round at PGA West. Designed by legends like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman, the property boasts six courses—three public and three private—each capturing a different side of desert golf.
- The Stadium Course (Dye) hosts The American Express tournament, offering groups a bucket-list layout for around $300+ in peak season.
- The Nicklaus Tournament Course blends strategic bunkering with a slightly more forgiving landing area, perfect for mixed-skill groups.
- On-site villas and La Quinta Resort’s proximity (five minutes away) make logistics easy for multi-round weekends.
Pros: Iconic tournament courses, endless variety, solid stay-and-play options.
Cons: Limited daylight for 36-hole days in winter.
Best if your group thrives on challenge, adrenaline, and PGA Tour vibes.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Golf in Palm Springs
Desert Willow Golf Resort: Best for Scenic 36-Hole Days
Just east of Palm Desert, Desert Willow’s Firecliff and Mountain View courses (by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry) showcase the artistry of desert golf at its best. Firecliff is a championship test at 7,056 yards, while Mountain View offers a more relaxed routing that suits back-to-back play.
- Groups love the “Play Firecliff AM, Mountain View PM” combo, which keeps rounds under 9 hours, including lunch.
- Sweeping mountain panoramas and immaculate fairways make this one of the most photogenic spots in the Coachella Valley.
- GolfPass ratings highlight Desert Willow as one of California’s “Top 10 for Course Conditions” annually.
Pros: Nearby stays at JW Marriott Desert Springs and Palm Desert villas keep transfers under 10 minutes.
Cons: Limited walking opportunities; best played with carts in summer heat.
Best if your group wants to maximize rounds while enjoying resort-level scenery.
Related: Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Springs for Groups
Planning a weekend golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.
SilverRock Resort: Best for Budget-Friendly Desert Championship
SilverRock, designed by Arnold Palmer, is a former PGA Tour host course in La Quinta that’s playable, scenic, and priced well below neighboring resorts. At 7,239 yards, it’s one of the most expansive walkable layouts in the valley with generous landing areas and bold mountain framing.
- Green fees average $110–$150, far less than nearby PGA West.
- Owned by the City of La Quinta, it’s known for friendly staff and local energy, ideal for casual buddies trips.
- Early morning rounds catch golden light over the Santa Rosa Mountains, a perfect photo-op moment.
Pros: Great value, tournament pedigree, local hospitality.
Cons: No on-site lodging, though La Quinta Resort is just five minutes away.
Best if your group wants championship golf without the luxury price tag.
Classic Club: Best for Refined Desert Experience
A former Bob Hope Classic host, Classic Club (Arnold Palmer design) features rolling fairways, water accents, and a refined clubhouse experience. Managed by Troon Golf, it offers top-tier service and conditions worthy of a private club feel.
- 7,322 yards from the tips, but playable at 6,200 for casual groups.
- The course’s elevation and wind patterns keep temperatures cooler, even in late spring.
- The 63,000-square-foot clubhouse and terrace make for perfect sunset dinners after your round.
Pros: Tournament history, luxury service, top practice facilities.
Cons: Slightly longer drive from downtown Palm Springs (25 minutes).
Best if your group enjoys elevated amenities and a professional feel with public access.
Not sure which destination fits your crew? Take our 30-second Golf Trip Quiz and get matched instantly.
Weekend Golf Itinerary Tips for Palm Springs
A weekend trip to Palm Springs means maximizing daylight and minimizing drive time. According to Visit Greater Palm Springs, fall and winter weekends see the highest tee time demand, so book 45 to 60 days ahead.
- Friday: Arrive early, check in near Indian Wells, and tee off by noon. Follow with dinner at The Nest or Eureka Palm Desert.
- Saturday: 36 holes, morning at Desert Willow Firecliff, afternoon at Mountain View.
- Sunday: Play PGA West or Classic Club before heading home by mid-afternoon.
- Book tee times 45–60 days ahead for spring weekends; courses fill quickly once Coachella season begins.
Best if your group prefers short travel windows, premium layouts, and a schedule that fits comfortably into a three-day weekend.
More Palm Springs Golf Trip Guides
- Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Springs for Groups
- Best Time of Year to Golf in Palm Springs
- Best Places to Stay for a Palm Springs Golf Trip
- Ultimate Guide to Golf in Palm Springs
Planning a Palm Springs Golf Trip?
- Unlock the 3-Day Palm Springs Template
- View Top Places to Stay in Palm Springs
- View Palm Springs Content Hub
- Start a Custom Golf Trip Plan
Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.
Whether it’s a quick buddies escape or a polished couples weekend, Palm Springs delivers the perfect blend of convenience, scenery, and world-class golf design, ideal for every type of group trip.
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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