Buying – Info For Buyers

Palm Springs Area Golf Courses: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Golf Home at Andalusia La Quinta

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Palm Springs area golf courses for 2025. With over 100 world-class courses spread across the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs offers an unparalleled golfing experience. From historic clubs to modern championship courses, this guide covers everything you need to know about golfing in the desert paradise.

Palm Springs area golf courses are numbered from 1 to 100 and more. The first course, O'Donnell Golf Club, was built in 1926, and the 100th course opened in 2001.

History of Palm Springs Golf

Palm Springs First Golf Course Opened In 1926 (Still Open!)

O'Donnell Golf Club was built in 1926 by wildcat oil millionaire Thomas A. O'Donnell. O'Donnell came to Palm Springs for health reasons after striking it rich in the oil fields of Southern California and Mexico. He had wintered in Palm Springs since the early 1920s and had a home built for himself in 1925.  He bank rolled an expansion of The Desert Inn Hotel where he used to stay and worked out a long-term land lease for his golf course just behind the hotel. The Desert Inn continued operations until 1967. The O'Donnell House still stands today and is visible from downtown Palm Springs.

Today O’Donnell Golf Club members are still enjoying those original nine holes and the O'Donnell Golf Club with its historic clubhouse remains a testament to Palm Springs' golfing heritage, still delighting members and guests alike.

Evolution of Palm Springs Area Golf Courses

21 Years Passed Before Course #2 Opened

And while the El Mirador Golf Course in Palm Springs opened briefly in 1929, it was almost 21 years before the next Palm Springs area golf course, and then many more started springing up around the Coachella Valley from Palm Springs in the West to Indio and even Salton Sea at the East end of the Valley.

• 1947: Cochran – Odlum, Indio (Now Indian Palms Country Club)
• 1949: Shadow Mountain pitch and putt course
• 1951: Thunderbird Country Club, Rancho Mirage
• 1953: Tamarisk Country Club, Rancho Mirage
• 1957: Indian Wells Country Club
• 1957: El Dorado Country Club, Indian Wells
• 1959: Bermuda Dunes Country Club
• 1959: San Jacinto (Now Whitewater Country Club)
• 1959: Palm Springs Municipal
• 1959: Shadow Mountain
• 1961: Westward Ho
• 1962: Canyon Country Club
• 1962: Palm Desert Country Club
• 1962: Salton Sea Golf Course

Palm Springs Area Development Takes Off In The 60's & 70's

The rapid growth of golf courses in the 60s and 70s transformed Palm Springs into a global golfing destination. This expansion continued into the 21st century, with the 100th course opening in 2001. The evolution of Palm Springs golf courses reflects the area's development from a quiet desert retreat to a world-renowned resort destination.

Thunderbird Country Club opened in 1951 as the 2nd 18-hole golf course in the desert. It was followed by Tamarisk Country Club in 1952, Bermuda Dunes Country Club in 1958, and Indian Wells Country Club in 1956. By 1960 the desert had seven 18-hole golf courses.

The 1960s saw an explosion of golf course development in Palm Springs and the surrounding desert communities. New courses included Seven Lakes Country Club in 1965, Eldorado Country Club in 1957, and La Quinta Country Club in 1965.

The 1970s and 1980s brought even more golf courses to the desert, including the world-famous PGA West courses. Mission Hills Country Club opened in 1970 and became the home of the Dinah Shore Tournament, now known as the Chevron Championship.

The 1990s saw another boom in golf course construction, with many of the newer courses being built as part of planned residential communities. The 100th golf course in the desert opened in 2001.

Notable Palm Springs Area Golf Courses

While all Palm Springs area golf courses offer unique experiences, some stand out for their design, challenge, or historical significance:

• PGA West Stadium Course: Designed by Pete Dye, this course is known for its difficulty and has hosted numerous professional tournaments.
• La Quinta Resort Mountain Course: Another Pete Dye design offering stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
• Indian Wells Golf Resort: Features two courses, the Celebrity and the Players, both offering top-notch experiences.
• Desert Willow Golf Resort: Home to two courses, the Firecliff and Mountain View, known for their desert landscaping and challenging play.
• Escena Golf Club: A modern course with a mid-century modern clubhouse, offering panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

Golf Course Architecture in Palm Springs

Palm Springs area golf courses showcase designs from legendary architects like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. These courses blend seamlessly with the desert landscape, offering unique challenges and breathtaking views. The architects have masterfully incorporated natural desert features, creating courses that are both challenging and visually stunning.

Golfing Seasons in Palm Springs

While golf is a year-round activity in Palm Springs, peak season runs from October to April when temperatures are milder. Summer golfing offers great deals but requires early tee times to beat the heat. Many courses offer twilight rates, allowing players to enjoy the spectacular desert sunsets while playing.

Golf and Real Estate in Palm Springs

Many of the newest and most luxurious golf communities are located in La Quinta. These include:

• Andalusia at Coral Mountain: Featuring a Rees Jones-designed course
• PGA West: Home to six championship courses
• The Madison Club: An exclusive Tom Fazio-designed course
• Hideaway Golf Club: Two Pete Dye-designed courses
• Rancho La Quinta Country Club: Offering two Robert Trent Jones II courses

These communities offer a range of real estate options, from luxurious condos to expansive custom homes, all with stunning golf course views and access to world-class amenities.

Sustainability in Palm Springs Golf

Palm Springs area golf courses are leading the way in water conservation and sustainable practices. Many courses have implemented drought-resistant landscaping, efficient irrigation systems, and use of recycled water. This commitment to sustainability ensures that golf in Palm Springs will continue to thrive while respecting the desert environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Springs Area Golf Courses

How many golf courses are in the Palm Springs area?

As of 2024, there are over 100 golf courses in the Greater Palm Springs area, spanning from Palm Springs to Indio.

What is the best time of year to golf in Palm Springs?

The peak golfing season is from October to April when temperatures are milder. However, you can golf year-round with early tee times recommended during summer months.

Are there public golf courses in Palm Springs?

Yes, there are several public and semi-private courses in the area, including Desert Willow Golf Resort, Indian Wells Golf Resort, and Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort.

What is the average green fee for Palm Springs area golf courses?

Green fees vary widely depending on the course and season. During peak season, fees can range from $50 to $300+, with discounts available during summer months.

Can I play at private golf clubs in Palm Springs?

Some private clubs offer limited public play or stay-and-play packages. Check with individual clubs for their policies or work with a local golf package provider.

What is the most challenging golf course in Palm Springs?

The Stadium Course at PGA West, designed by Pete Dye, is often considered one of the most challenging courses in the area.

Are there golf academies or instructors available in Palm Springs?

Yes, many courses offer instruction from PGA professionals. Notable golf academies include those at La Quinta Resort & Club and Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Can We Help You Find Your Home In The Palm Springs Sun?

Ready to experience world-class golf in Palm Springs? My Sheri Dettman & Associates team of specialists has helped thousands of people in all prices segments. We'd love to help you find your Palm Springs area home or luxury condo.  Contact Sheri Dettman & Associates to explore golf course real estate opportunities and plan your perfect golfing getaway!

New Andalusia Homes Locations Just Released

Western Views From Andalusia Drive

Andalusia At Coral Mountain in La Quinta recently released a selection of new locations for new construction homes. Many lots feature sweeping golf course and Mountain views. December 2014 to February ’15 completions are scheduled with about a dozen of these new homes already under contract.

These new Andalusia homes range from 3,280 up to 5,131 square feet and are priced from $1.2 to $1.95 million. All new homes include extensive upgrade packages with custom pool/spa, landscaping and built-in grills. Resale home prices at Andalusia start in the $900’s.

The Best Andalusia Locations Will Go First

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange your own private tour of Andalusia at Coral Mountain as the best locations usually sell first. Our Sheri Dettman & Associates team walked these new lot locations last week, and we are happy assist you.

Andalusia La Quinta Sales Up 66% Over Last Year!

Luxury home sales at Andalusia continue to be very strong. 25 Andalusia homes were sold during the last six months, a 66% increase over the same six-month period of ‘13. Sales during this six-month period totaled $29.2 million, with an average sales price of $1,169,000.

Your Guides To Andalusia Real Estate

Our Sheri Dettman & Associates team has helped dozens of people in getting to know and call the Andalusia community home. Recently we’ve completed over $7 million in sales of both new construction and resale homes at Andalusia. We are happy to assist you in comparing both new and resale home opportunities at Andalusia or any Palm Springs area golf or country club community.

Adding A Layer Of Objectivity Can Benefit You

Having your own personal buyer's agent adds a layer of objectivity to your new home shopping experience. Your agent can also use the local tax roles and title company information to discover what prices other buyers have paid for similar new homes. Keep in mind too that the advertised sale or brochure price can sometimes be negotiated.

Kate Shares Why She Loves Her New Desert Home

Toscana Country Club, Indian Wells

Just about every day I'm reminded by one of our Palm Springs area buyer clients of how fortunate we are to live here in the Palm Springs area. This week a client who invested in a home at Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells emailed me after coming back from Wyoming.

"Dear Sheri, I absolutely love it here! This desert is amazing and soooo beautiful and full of bright, happy people. Living here some of the time improves my mood, my perspective and my daily choices. I could go on about desert living, especially for people who come from the freezing cold north, which I did just this afternoon. There is magic in this desert!" Kate, Wyoming

Kate’s expression of her love for the Palm Springs area desert lifestyle is similar to what my team and I hear from people on almost a daily basis. It’s why my husband Bill and I chose to relocate to the Palm Springs area from the Los Angeles area years ago, and we’ve never looked back.

I Love Helping People Find Their Place In The Palm Springs Area Sun!

One of the cool things about my real estate career is the chance to help people discover the desert lifestyle for their family and friends rather than just a home or luxury condo.

The discovery process of finding your home in the desert sun can take days, weeks, months or even years for some buyers. Some people tell me that they are coming to the desert this week, and they’re not leaving until they find their new home. Other people come for an overview in getting to know the desert, and they may be a year or more away from even considering a purchase. Either way my team and I are here to help, to listen and to guide.

Building A Relationship, Not An Quick Sale

There are a number of agents here in the desert that won’t invest much time with you if you aren’t prepared to buy now. That’s not the right approach in my book. We have clients buying this year that we’ve had the pleasure of working with and communicating with for years, and we have new clients who are ready to invest now. Either way is fine with us.

So Much More Than Palm Springs Real Estate

Forgive me if you heard this before, but this process of finding your desert home is about much more than real estate, it’s about finding just the right Palm Springs area property for your lifestyle and then negotiating the best price and terms possible.

Take a look around our website including our Information For Buyers pages. We created all the information and resources on this Palm Springs real estate web site just for you!

Can we help you discover your desert home in the sun? And please don't hesitate to contact us–even if you have a simple real estate question. View Toscana Country Club homes for sale here.