How many golf courses are in Palm Springs?

The Greater Palm Springs area has over 100 golf courses, many designed by legends like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus.

When is the best time to golf in Palm Springs?

The best months are November through April, offering ideal temperatures and overseeded fairways.

Where should golf groups stay in Palm Springs?

La Quinta Resort, JW Marriott Desert Springs, and Indian Wells Golf Resort offer top golf access and group amenities.

Can you golf in Palm Springs in summer?

Yes, early morning tee times offer great conditions and rates that can be half the winter price.

What is the best 3-day Palm Springs golf itinerary?

Day 1: Tahquitz Creek. Day 2: Desert Willow and Indian Wells. Day 3: Classic Club, then poolside relaxation.

Palm Springs

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

By Ryan at 18Away

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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JW Marriott Desert Springs: Full social resort scene, on-site Ted Robinson courses, and large-group flexibility.

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Grand Hyatt Indian Wells: Central location, 36 holes of on-site golf, and great group “Stay & Play” rates.

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Private Villas in Rancho Mirage or Palm Desert: Perfect for bachelor or buddies trips with private pools and shared spaces.

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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.

Prefer to stay in a house? Check our handpicked list of the Best Palm Springs Home Vacation Rentals for Golf Trips.

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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.

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.

Planning a Palm Springs golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.

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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.

More Palm Springs Golf Trip Guides

Planning a Palm Springs Golf Trip?

Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.

Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.

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.