Best Resorts with Golf Courses in Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California, is renowned for its stunning desert landscape, mid-century modern architecture, and, of course, its world-class golf courses. For golf enthusiasts seeking the ultimate getaway, combining luxurious accommodations with challenging and beautiful courses is the ideal vacation. This article delves into some of the best resorts in Palm Springs that offer exceptional golf experiences, providing a comprehensive guide to help you plan your next golf trip.
Why Choose Palm Springs for Your Golf Vacation?
Palm Springs boasts a unique combination of factors that make it a golfer’s paradise. The region enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, providing ideal playing conditions throughout most of the year. The diverse terrain, from lush fairways to rugged desert landscapes, offers a variety of challenging and visually stunning golf experiences. Beyond the golf courses, Palm Springs offers a vibrant cultural scene, upscale dining, and luxurious accommodations, making it a well-rounded destination for a memorable vacation.
The Allure of Desert Golf
Desert golf presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. The arid climate demands strategic play and careful course management. The stunning desert scenery, with its cacti, mountains, and dramatic sunsets, provides a breathtaking backdrop for your game. Many courses in Palm Springs have incorporated the natural desert landscape into their designs, creating a visually stunning and strategically challenging experience.
Year-Round Golfing Opportunities
While Palm Springs is particularly popular during the fall, winter, and spring months, golfing is possible year-round. During the summer, early morning tee times are the norm to avoid the intense midday heat. Many resorts offer attractive summer packages with discounted rates, making it an affordable time to experience the Palm Springs golf scene. The key is to plan accordingly and stay hydrated!
Top Resorts with Golf Courses in Palm Springs
Here’s a detailed look at some of the top resorts in Palm Springs that offer exceptional golf courses and luxurious amenities:
1. La Quinta Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
La Quinta Resort & Club is a legendary desert oasis renowned for its five championship golf courses, designed by Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman. This sprawling resort offers a variety of accommodations, from casitas to suites, all featuring private patios and stunning views. The resort also boasts multiple pools, a world-class spa, and several dining options.
Golf Courses at La Quinta Resort & Club:
- Stadium Course at PGA WEST: Known as one of the toughest courses in the world, the Stadium Course is a challenging and visually stunning layout that has hosted numerous PGA Tour events.
- Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA WEST: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course offers a more forgiving layout than the Stadium Course but still presents a formidable challenge.
- Greg Norman Course at PGA WEST: This desert-style course features dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort: A Pete Dye design, this course is known for its challenging layout and stunning mountain scenery.
- Dunes Course at La Quinta Resort: Another Pete Dye design, the Dunes Course features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and strategically placed water hazards.
Amenities at La Quinta Resort & Club:
- Five championship golf courses
- Multiple swimming pools
- World-class spa
- Several dining options, from casual to fine dining
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Kids’ club
Staying at La Quinta Resort & Club offers a complete Palm Springs experience, combining world-class golf with luxurious accommodations and a wide range of amenities. It’s an ideal choice for serious golfers and those looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
2. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a sprawling oasis in the heart of Palm Desert. This resort features two championship golf courses designed by Ted Robinson, as well as a luxurious spa, multiple pools, and a variety of dining options. The resort is known for its stunning architecture, including a grand lobby with a lagoon featuring pink flamingos.
Golf Courses at JW Marriott Desert Springs:
- The Palm Course: This course features wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging water hazards.
- The Valley Course: Known for its scenic beauty and challenging layout, the Valley Course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Amenities at JW Marriott Desert Springs:
- Two championship golf courses
- Multiple swimming pools
- World-class spa
- Several dining options, from casual to fine dining
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Boat rides on the resort’s lagoons
The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and relaxing experience, with excellent golf, a wide range of amenities, and stunning views. It’s a great choice for families, couples, and golfers looking for a memorable vacation.
3. Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort located in Rancho Mirage. This resort features two championship golf courses, the Pete Dye Resort Course and the Gary Player Signature Course, as well as a world-class spa, multiple pools, and a variety of dining options. The resort is known for its elegant design and exceptional service.
Golf Courses at Westin Mission Hills:
- Pete Dye Resort Course: This challenging course features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards on almost every hole.
- Gary Player Signature Course: Designed by Gary Player, this course offers a more forgiving layout than the Pete Dye course but still presents a formidable challenge.
Amenities at Westin Mission Hills:
- Two championship golf courses
- Multiple swimming pools
- World-class spa
- Several dining options, from casual to fine dining
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and relaxing experience, with excellent golf, a world-class spa, and exceptional service. It’s a great choice for golfers looking for a challenging and memorable vacation.
4. Indian Wells Golf Resort
While technically not a resort with lodging on site, Indian Wells Golf Resort is a municipal facility that offers a resort-like experience and is located near many hotels. This resort features two award-winning championship golf courses, the Players Course and the Celebrity Course, both known for their challenging layouts and stunning views. The resort also boasts a luxurious clubhouse, a pro shop, and a variety of dining options.
Golf Courses at Indian Wells Golf Resort:
- Players Course: This challenging course features undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards on almost every hole.
- Celebrity Course: This course offers a more forgiving layout than the Players Course but still presents a formidable challenge.
Amenities at Indian Wells Golf Resort:
- Two championship golf courses
- Luxurious clubhouse
- Pro shop
- Several dining options, from casual to fine dining
Indian Wells Golf Resort provides a fantastic golf experience with well-maintained courses and excellent facilities. The nearby hotels offer a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
5. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort located in Rancho Mirage. This resort features 27 holes of golf designed by Ted Robinson, as well as a water park, multiple pools, and a variety of dining options. The resort is known for its casual atmosphere and family-friendly amenities.
Golf Courses at Omni Rancho Las Palmas:
- Three nine-hole courses that can be combined for different 18-hole configurations: North, South, and West. These courses offer a variety of challenges and scenic views.
Amenities at Omni Rancho Las Palmas:
- 27 holes of golf
- Splashtopia water park
- Multiple swimming pools
- World-class spa
- Several dining options, from casual to fine dining
- Tennis courts
- Fitness center
- Kids’ club
The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa offers a fun and relaxing experience for the whole family, with excellent golf, a water park, and a wide range of amenities. It’s a great choice for families looking for a memorable vacation.
Choosing the Right Resort for Your Golf Vacation
With so many excellent resorts to choose from in Palm Springs, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences when planning your golf vacation. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Golf Course Preference
Consider the type of golf course you prefer. Do you enjoy challenging desert layouts, traditional parkland courses, or something in between? Research the courses at each resort to determine which best suits your playing style and skill level.
Budget
Resort prices can vary significantly, so it’s important to set a budget before you start planning your trip. Consider the cost of accommodations, golf, dining, and other activities.
Amenities
Think about the amenities that are important to you. Do you want a resort with a world-class spa, multiple pools, or a variety of dining options? Consider the needs of everyone in your travel party when making your decision.
Location
Palm Springs is a large area, and different resorts are located in different parts of the valley. Consider the location of the resort in relation to other attractions, restaurants, and activities that you want to experience.
Reviews and Ratings
Read reviews and ratings from other travelers to get a sense of the quality of the resort and its golf courses. Websites like TripAdvisor and GolfAdvisor can provide valuable insights.
Tips for Planning Your Palm Springs Golf Trip
Here are some tips to help you plan a successful and enjoyable Palm Springs golf trip:
Book in Advance
Palm Springs is a popular destination, especially during the peak season, so it’s important to book your accommodations and tee times well in advance.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected events, such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Pack Appropriately
Palm Springs has a desert climate, so it’s important to pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Don’t forget your golf shoes and clubs!
Stay Hydrated
It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially when playing golf in the desert heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The sun in Palm Springs can be intense, so be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and sun damage.
Be Aware of Desert Wildlife
Palm Springs is home to a variety of desert wildlife, including snakes, scorpions, and coyotes. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid approaching or feeding these animals.
Take Advantage of Early Tee Times
During the summer months, it’s best to tee off early in the morning to avoid the heat. Many resorts offer discounted rates for early tee times.
Explore Beyond Golf
Palm Springs offers a variety of activities and attractions beyond golf, including hiking, shopping, dining, and exploring the local museums and art galleries. Be sure to take some time to explore the area and experience all that Palm Springs has to offer.
The Future of Golf in Palm Springs
Palm Springs continues to be a premier golf destination, with ongoing investments in course renovations, new resort developments, and initiatives to attract golfers from around the world. The future of golf in Palm Springs looks bright, with a continued focus on providing exceptional experiences for golfers of all skill levels.
Sustainability Efforts
Many resorts and golf courses in Palm Springs are implementing sustainable practices to conserve water and protect the environment. These efforts include using drought-tolerant landscaping, implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, and promoting responsible waste management.
Technological Advancements
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the golf experience, with advancements in club technology, GPS devices, and swing analysis tools. Many resorts are incorporating these technologies to enhance the golfer’s experience.
Attracting New Golfers
The golf industry is actively working to attract new golfers, particularly younger players and women. Initiatives such as junior golf programs, beginner clinics, and women’s golf leagues are helping to grow the game and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
Conclusion
Palm Springs is a golfer’s paradise, offering a combination of world-class golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and stunning desert scenery. Whether you’re a serious golfer looking for a challenging test or a casual player seeking a relaxing getaway, Palm Springs has something to offer everyone. By carefully considering your needs and preferences, you can choose the right resort and plan the perfect golf vacation in this iconic desert destination. So pack your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to experience the best that Palm Springs golf has to offer!
From the legendary courses at La Quinta Resort & Club to the luxurious amenities at the JW Marriott Desert Springs, Palm Springs offers a diverse range of options for golf enthusiasts. Remember to consider factors such as course preference, budget, amenities, and location when making your decision. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a memorable and enjoyable golf vacation in this beautiful desert oasis.
