Southern California Desert · CA
Mid-century desert resort golf
Best season
Oct – May
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,310–$5,200
4-night trip
Nearest airport
PSP
8 mi · Palm Springs
Difficulty
Medium
Handicap 5–30
Overview
Palm Springs is the undisputed golf capital of the American desert, boasting over 100 courses bathed in 300-plus days of sunshine against a backdrop of rugged Santa Rosa mountains. From classic Golden Age layouts to modern resort spectacles, this oasis delivers world-class golf with unmatched weather and old-school Hollywood glamour.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by Pete Dye · Par 72 · 7,300 yds
Pete Dye's diabolical desert masterpiece that has humbled tour pros and amateurs alike since 1986. Book the early morning tee time to avoid afternoon winds that can add two clubs to every shot.
Design by Michael Hurdzan & Dana Fry · Par 72 · 7,056 yds
A stunning public desert course weaving through natural wash areas with minimal forced carries and spectacular mountain views. Desert Willow is city-owned and offers some of the best value green fees in the valley, especially for residents.
Design by Pete Dye · Par 72 · 6,756 yds
La Quinta Mountain Course winds through dramatic boulder-strewn canyons offering the most scenic and intimate desert golf experience. Stay on-resort at La Quinta to access preferred tee times and reduced rates on this otherwise pricey layout.
Design by David Rainville · Par 72 · 6,706 yds
An affordable, well-maintained public course perfect for casual rounds with solid conditions and easy access from downtown Palm Springs. Play Tahquitz Creek on a weekday afternoon for twilight rates under $40 — best bang for your buck in Palm Springs proper.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Golf Resort
Legendary 1926 resort sprawling across 45 lush acres with five on-site courses, pools, and classic hacienda-style casitas.
Boutique Hotel
Sleek, modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown offering stylish rooms and a lively pool scene steps from restaurants.
Luxury Resort
Jonathan Adler-designed luxury resort dripping with color, personality, and a legendary pool perfect for post-round relaxation.
Resort Hotel
Fun, laid-back resort with generous rooms, multiple pools, and a party-friendly atmosphere ideal for golf groups.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Ride the world's largest rotating tram cars 8,516 feet up Mount San Jacinto for jaw-dropping desert panoramas.
Explore the otherworldly boulder landscapes and twisted Joshua Trees just 45 minutes from Palm Springs.
One of America's finest WWII aviation museums with an extraordinary collection of flying warbirds in immaculate condition.
Soak in natural geothermal mineral pools at world-class spas in nearby Desert Hot Springs to rejuvenate tired golf muscles.
Discover over 800 mid-century modern masterpieces by Neutra, Lautner, and Wexler on a guided Palm Springs architecture tour.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at PSP, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar.
Day 2
Morning tee time at PGA West Stadium Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Cheeky's.
Day 3
Early tee time at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort - Legend Course, light lunch, then transfer back to PSP.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 4 nights · $187/nt | $748 |
Golf 3 rounds · $120 avg | $360 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $440 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $240 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $1,788 |
Season
Desert dry
When to book: 2-4 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
Modern American
Sophisticated farm-to-table dining inside a dramatic converted 1884 bank building in the heart of Palm Springs.
American Contemporary
Charming open-air restaurant set in Cary Grant's former estate serving refined American dishes in a romantic garden setting.
American Brunch
Iconic Palm Springs brunch institution with rotating seasonal menus and insanely long weekend lines worth every minute.
Italian
Classic Italian trattoria at La Quinta Resort offering wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta in a vine-covered courtyard.
Mexican
Lively upscale taco bar serving creative regional Mexican street food with an extensive agave spirits program.
American Burgers
No-frills cash-only burger shack beloved by locals for perfectly smashed patties and crispy fries since 1981.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Piano Bar/Lounge
Old Hollywood piano bar at the Ingleside Inn where Sinatra drank — the ultimate classic Palm Springs nightlife experience.
Tiki Bar
Dark, atmospheric tiki bar pouring meticulously crafted rum cocktails in a delightfully kitschy vintage jungle setting.
Rooftop Bar
Sophisticated rooftop bar atop the Kimpton Rowan hotel offering panoramic mountain views and expertly crafted cocktails.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Oct – May (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec). Desert dry
Plan on $1,310–$5,200 per golfer for a 4-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
PSP, about 8 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via Palm Springs.
4 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 3 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with Buddies, Couples, Bachelor party. Strong nightlife close to the courses.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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