I have played every public course in La Quinta/Palm springs area. Here is my top 5

COURSE PICS/VLOGS
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After extensive play at public courses in La Quinta and Palm Springs, I’ve now joined a private club. However, before that, I played every major public course in the Coachella Valley. Here are my top picks for the best public courses in the valley:

  1. The Classic Club
    A standout in the desert with its parkland style—pine tree-lined fairways and minimal desert waste areas. It’s both beautiful and challenging, and one of only two parkland courses in the desert, with the other being private.
  2. The Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort
    Nestled against the mountains, this Pete Dye-designed course offers some of the most spectacular mountain holes in the valley and boasts one of the best practice facilities around.
  3. Silver Rock
    Offering a variety of holes, Silver Rock provides a tough but rewarding golf experience, similar to The Mountain Course but with its own unique challenges.
  4. The Stadium Course at PGA West
    Known for its iconic and challenging holes, this course features undulating terrain that makes it play more difficult than it looks.
  5. Desert Willow - Firecliff
    This course is in top condition and embodies desert golf perfectly. It’s a fair test but can be demanding, especially with the occasional jumping cacti in the waste areas.
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Thanks for this! I’m heading that way in a couple of months, and this info is super helpful :facepunch:t3:

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I agree with your list as someone who has played them all. I would, however, consider adding the celebrities or players course at IW CLUB. As for old-school parkland courses, The S in Rancho Mirage always has terrific rates, ample of shade, and a lot of water.

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If I were to expand my list to ten. Gary Player’s signature course, The Nicklaus Tournament, Escena, Shadow Ridge, and the Celebrity Course. In that order. Would probably complete my top ten.