My aim: To play them all.
To date: The Spicer Counter shows 72 of the Coachella Valley’s 120 public, private and executive golf courses played, including all but three of the public 18-hole championship tracks.
So, with fingers crossed that a few more invitations to private clubs come my way (wink, wink), allow me to share my personal public bests. And while these subjective, albeit learned, opinions are subject to change based on a number of criteria, these babies have long been on my pound-for-pound favorites in the desert.
BEST COURSE
Just one? Can’t be done. Yet, like many Southland Golf readers in a recent survey, I also have a crush on the two courses at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Whether playing the more-getable Mountain View or the more-demanding Firecliff, each layout offers impeccable sculpting, creative design and clever routing. Simply stated, Desert Willow is a can’t-miss stop for residents and visitors alike.
Over time I’ve come to better appreciate the nuances of SilverRock Resort. The first few times I played there, a host of unknowns blemished the scorecard. But with familiarity comes the enhanced enjoyment of navigating the layout’s marriage of gargantuan length and diminutive par 4s.
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge has long been near the top of my list. The true second-shot course has oft-benign tee boxes followed by continuous demands on getting your ball close to pins on sizable, slick and undulating greens.
I also place Indian Canyons’ South Course in my realm of best courses because of its fun mixture of long, short and risk-reward par 4s and 5s. The native Washingtonia filifera palms also let players know they’re teeing it up at a place with historic and native ties to the Coachella Valley.
BEST VALUE
Though “value” is a flexible word, most people associate it with getting the most bang for your buck. When folks come to the desert to play golf for a weekend, I tell them – especially during peak season when prices are highest – to schedule one of my Best Of recommendations for the second day and to play an affordable and engaging tune-up round on the first.
Among the host of clever tracks fitting that bill are the iron and wedge demands of shorter Woodhaven, Omni Rancho Las Palmas and Shadow Mountain.
Additionally, as a big fan of rustic beauty in golf locales, I also dig the deals at Desert Dunes. The Valley’s sole layout by Robert Trent Jones Jr. has a string of good scoring options amid natural surroundings and wildlife sightings.
BEST VIEWS
When desert guests come calling, I often take them to the Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort & Club, which always impresses with a gorgeous back nine that winds through the Santa Rosas.
Of course, Desert Willow needs to be here as well because of its constant mountain backdrops and a foreground of awesome desert flora.
At Indian Wells Golf Resort, the ever-present rush of water, flowers and vistas make for a visually stunning day, whether at the Celebrity or Players course.
Another of my rustic favorites can be found at The Golf Club at Terra Lago, a dual-tracked masterpiece where I prefer the “out there” desert feel of the North Course.
BEST 18TH HOLE
Like the last chapter of a great novel, a good golf course architect must craft a distinct final impression, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve taken several deep breaths when approaching the 446-yard, par-4 home hole at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge. A creek on the left that also fronts the deep fairway and a bevy of bunkers on the right add some beast to this elegant beauty.
At the classic Indian Canyons North Course, every hole presents its challenge in a straightforward manner … until the sneaky and short par-5 finisher gives players a vexing funnel from the box, followed by a lake on the right of the fairway that also guards the putting surface.
BEST 19TH HOLE
The midcentury modern clubhouse at Escena Golf Club provides a fun and relaxing place to unwind after the round. The lounge and grill space’s sleek design, excellent patio and impressive cocktailing and food also make it a recommended stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch or happy hour. However you played, the quality of the surroundings and quantity of views will quickly erase any angst from the scorecard.
As the only Valley track with on-site gaming, Eagle Falls and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino have long been a favorite double-dip day, with the grounds providing an easy segue from golf to gamble. For non-betting types, a host of other options, including bowling and fine dining, make it a great spot to call it a day and enjoy the evening.
