Known for its beautiful terrain and a bit of wind, the designers created a wonderful course at Classic Club. Phil Michelson may not have liked the wind but you can enjoy this course for discounted rates with a locals card!  

Enjoy traditional old-style golf? This course is for you, tree-lined, narrow fairways and impeccable greens make this a local favorite. Not overly long, with tight fairways and water hazards, this course favors the driver of the golf ball that is accurate!  Added bonus… dinner and drinks at The Penney and Parlour after your round.

Desert Willow is one of the best municipal golf courses in the country with 36 beautifully designed holes. Look out for the 86 bunkers on the Firecliff side. If you don’t have a short game, this may not be the course for you! Views and design are impeccable. The Mountain View course is a “resort” style, with green wider fairways and rolling hills. Want the challenge? Try Firecliff. 

Local players get a discount with the resident card at Indian Wells! The Players Course is full of barrancas and plenty of penalty areas. Sacred Indian burial grounds surround the area - look for the purple markers and be respectful. Landscape bridges mimic Augusta with beautiful undulating greens. The Celebrity Golf Course is known for its resort style beauty, amazing flowers, lush greens, and water features, one of the prettiest courses in the desert.   

Insider tip: SHOTS IN THE NIGHT at Indian Wells Golf Resort features Laser putting on seven dedicated greens and a brand new Toptracer Driving Range experience. Food trucks and more; this is a great night out for the whole family.  Jan- May 31, Thurs - Sat, 6-10 p.m.  

The Dunes course is full of fountain grass and long fairways. Look for the “shortest par 5” in the desert on this course 140-170 yds. The Mountain course is shady and beautiful by 2 p.m. in the spring and summer. This fun course has plenty of water, elevated greens, and tees. Wander into a cove for holes 13 and 15 and you’ll feel transported to the middle of the local mountains.  

This hidden gem in Desert Hot Springs may be the best deal in the desert. Enjoy the beautiful valley views and lovely greens from this local out-of-the-way favorite. It’s a great local bargain!

Home of the American Express Tournament and the “Western Home of Golf in America,” play the same course as the champions for an unparalleled golf experience.  

Shadow Ridge is Nick Faldo’s first course designed in the Desert. Every green has slope and break, front to back. Challenge your putting here!  

Owned by the City of La Quinta, SilverRock Resort’s Arnold Palmer Classic Course is a challenging 7,239 yards, sprawling over 200 acres with massive native bunkers and stunning water features. It's set against the backdrop and natural beauty of the Santa Rosa Mountains.   

Offering two challenging courses, the Palmer course is more traditional and the Resort course more challenging. “For millennia, Tahquitz has consumed the souls of those foolhardy enough to enter his canyon. Stick to the fairways, and we'll keep you safe. Venture too far off course, and all bets are off!"

42765 Dunes View Rd, Rancho Mirage

One Quarry Lane, La Quinta

78505 52nd Ave, La Quinta

255 Palowet Dr, Palm Desert

53035 Meriwether Way, La Quinta

A big thank you to Gregg Photias, avid golfer, Coachella Valley resident and owner of Vision Turf and Lighting for his recommendations and insights.

"If you are looking for a great course to play golf in the desert with good food and drinks that don't break the bank, then Desert Willow is a great spot for you!"

- Chris M.

"Rob and I love Casa Mendoza in downtown La Quinta. Their skinny margaritas are the best in the business and after a day of golf at SilverRock, we’re ready for some delicious guac and a large goblet of liquid sunshine. Don’t judge. Enjoy!!"

- Heather B.