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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.