Ultimate Guide to Golf in Palm Springs
From top public courses to the best time to play and where to stay, this is your complete guide to golf in Palm Springs.
October 10, 2025 · 8 min read
Palm Springs isn’t just another golf destination; it’s a desert masterpiece shaped by legends like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. More than 100 courses stretch across the Coachella Valley, framed by palm-lined fairways, snowcapped peaks, and vibrant desert light.
Whether your group is chasing bucket-list layouts or planning a value-packed buddies trip, Palm Springs delivers a blend of sunshine, history, and resort life that’s hard to beat.
This guide covers everything: where to play, when to visit, and the best places to stay, plus a few insider tips only locals share.
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Quick Answer Ultimate Guide to Golf in Palm Springs
For most golfers, the sweet spot for Palm Springs is between late November and early April, cool mornings, lush overseeded fairways, and prime course conditioning. Pair your stay at La Quinta Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, or JW Marriott Desert Springs with top public plays like Classic Club, Desert Willow Firecliff, and Tahquitz Creek.
According to Visit Greater Palm Springs, golf tourism generates over $1 billion annually and supports more than 8,000 local jobs, underscoring how deeply the sport shapes the valley’s culture.
Winter delivers PGA Tour-level quality, spring offers great weather with lower rates, and summer rewards early risers with half-price greens fees. For lodging, mix resort stays with private villas for the best group value.
If you’re still mapping out your rounds, check out our in-depth guides to Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Springs for Groups and Best Time of Year to Golf in Palm Springs for detailed seasonal breakdowns.
See the courses, hotels, and nightlife we recommend for the perfect 3-day getaway.
The Courses That Define Palm Springs Golf
Palm Springs is home to some of the most architecturally diverse courses in the world, from Pete Dye’s penal designs to lush resort-style fairways built for fun.
- PGA West Stadium Course (Pete Dye): A true test with island greens and deep bunkers, this layout hosted the PGA Tour’s American Express. Expect 7,300 yards of strategy and adrenaline.
- Desert Willow Firecliff (Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry): Stunning desert landscaping, fair but firm challenge, and one of the most photographed finishing holes in the valley.
- Indian Wells Celebrity Course (Clive Clark): Known for its creative water features and panoramic backdrops, ideal for mixed-skill groups who want both beauty and playability.
For a full breakdown of group-friendly layouts, see our Best Public Golf Courses in Palm Springs for Groups guide.
When to Play Palm Springs Golf
Timing is everything in the desert. Each season offers its own rhythm and rewards.
- Winter (Dec–Mar): Perfect weather and peak course conditions; most expensive but also the most vibrant atmosphere.
- Spring (Apr–May): Warm days, blooming desert flora, and lower hotel rates—a sweet spot for balanced trips.
- Summer (Jun–Sep): Hot but deeply discounted; sunrise tee times are key, with greens fees dropping up to 50%.
- Fall (Oct–Nov): Overseeding season brings course closures early, but November reopens the valley with fresh, green fairways.
Want the exact seasonal sweet spots? Our detailed guide, Best Time of Year to Golf in Palm Springs, breaks down rates, weather, and group strategy month by month.
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.
Where to Stay for a Palm Springs Golf Trip
The right base can make or break your desert golf experience.
La Quinta Resort & Club: Timeless architecture, five championship courses, and 41 pools for post-round hangs.
JW Marriott Desert Springs: Full social resort scene, on-site Ted Robinson courses, and large-group flexibility.
Grand Hyatt Indian Wells: Central location, 36 holes of on-site golf, and great group “Stay & Play” rates.
Private Villas in Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert: Perfect for bachelor or buddies trips with private pools and shared spaces.
For a full breakdown of which properties best fit your group style or budget, visit Best Places to Stay for a Palm Springs Golf Trip.
What to Pack for Desert Golf
Packing right matters in the desert. The dry air, sun exposure, and course terrain call for specific gear and prep.
- Layered performance polos and quarter-zips: Mornings can be 50°F, afternoons 85°F.
- Sun sleeves and moisture-wicking hats: Desert sun intensity is higher than coastal destinations.
- Hydration gear: A refillable insulated bottle and electrolyte packs keep your group fresh through 18 holes.
- Comfortable footwear: Desert layouts require more walking and tougher turf, spikeless hybrids are best.
Planning a Palm Springs golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.
Local Flavor and After Golf
Palm Springs after golf is part of the experience.
- Downtown Palm Springs: Retro bars and rooftop patios make for lively evenings. Try Tonga Hut or Bootlegger Tiki.
- El Paseo in Palm Desert: Upscale dining and cigar lounges for quieter nights.
- Poolside resort evenings: Most high-end resorts host live music and sunset cocktail service with mountain views.
As dusk hits, the mountains fade to purple and tiki torches flicker across resort patios, the perfect backdrop for replaying scorecards over mezcal cocktails.
Trip Tip: You can sync your tee times directly from our Palm Springs Content Hub, which includes links to seasonal deals, itineraries, and rental suggestions.
Building Your Group Itinerary
A perfect Palm Springs golf trip balances golf, rest, and social time.
Day 1: Arrive mid-morning, check into your resort or villa, and play an afternoon round at Tahquitz Creek for an easy warm-up.
Day 2: Go big with a 36-hole day, Desert Willow Firecliff in the morning and Indian Wells Celebrity in the afternoon.
Day 3: Wrap with Classic Club, then relax at your resort pool before heading to El Paseo for dinner.
Shortcut planning: Unlock our 3-Day Palm Springs Itinerary to customize this schedule with tee times and group dining suggestions.
Not sure which destination fits your crew? Take our 30-second Golf Trip Quiz and get matched instantly.
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
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.
There’s no single way to experience Palm Springs golf, but every round here shares the same rhythm: bright desert light, crisp greens, and mountains that make every shot feel cinematic.
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book a vacation rental or hotel through our recommendations, 18Away may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. These earnings help us keep building world-class golf trip guides, tools, and itineraries for players like you.
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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