Palm Desert Golf Courses: Top 7 Places to Play the Game

Palm Desert Golf Courses: Top 7 Places to Play the Game

Situated in Coachella Valley, Palm Desert offers a scenic vacation destination in California packed with outdoor recreation activities. One of top things to do in Palm Desert is playing golf. The area houses both award-winning country clubs and public courses, all with spacious greens and unforgettable mountain views. Ready to test those skills? Check out these top Palm Desert golf courses and book a tee time.

Top 7 Palm Desert Golf Courses to Play on Vacation

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Desert Willow Golf Resort

Home to two championship Palm Desert golf courses, Desert Willow Golf Resort features 36 holes set among palm trees, desert mountains and lakes. The Fireside course ranks among the best public golf courses in Palm Desert according to Desert Golfer Magazine.

Measuring about 7,056 yards, golfers play their way through natural areas, water features and over 100 bunkers. For a slightly easier game, book a tee time at Mountain View. This course offers desert views, lots of trees and rolling greens. Desert Willow Resort also has junior golf options, dining, lessons and ranks as a top spot for footgolf, a sport that combines soccer and golf.

Classic Club Golf

Ranked among the top 10 desert courses by Desert Golfer Magazine, Classic Club features 18 holes on rolling greens with 30 acres of water features, 14 bridges and lots of scenic desert landscape.

In addition to a beautiful scenic course, players also find affordable costs depending on the season. For families, Classic Club offers Troon Family Golf options that allow golfers under the age of 15 to play for free after 3 p.m. with an adult. The program is available every day year-round.

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Palm Desert Resort Country Club

The course at Palm Desert Resort Country Club offers views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains with spacious fairways. Measuring a par 72, golfers will find mature trees, lakes and sand bunkers, all welcoming players to test their skills.

The country club is open to the public. Visitors also enjoy on-site dining and tennis options, a practice facility, and lessons for all skill levels.

Bighorn Golf Club

One of the top Palm Desert golf courses, the award-winning Bighorn Golf Club features two 18-hole courses that many call legendary. The Canyons course has lush desert landscaping set against the mountain with waterfalls, cacti, flowers, trees and bunkers. The Mountains course showcases desert mountains with plants, trees and bunkers.

In addition to playing, visitors enjoy dining options, events, junior golf, lessons, a spa and wellness center and more amenities. Bighorn is a protected environment with a vibrant community.

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Shadow Ridge Golf Club

Those who play Shadow Ridge Golf Club find one of the top resort courses in the U.S. These 18 holes wind through the course, which feature views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Paired with the awe-inspiring views, the course’s design challenges golfers and draws inspiration from sand-belt course in Australia. In addition, players enjoy practice facilities, dining and fitness facilities.

Woodhaven Country Club

This 18-hole community golf club welcomes the public to play a round and stay right on the course in a Palm Desert luxury vacation rental.

The course offers a sprawling layout with palm and shade trees, bunkers, small lakes, and flowing water features. While playing Woodhaven Country Club, golfers also enjoy mountain views as the course is set against the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains. Guests also have access to dining at Vista Lounge, perfect for a quick cocktail or dinner.

Lakes Country Club

Lakes Country Club features a 27-hole course, with 25 of those holes including water features. This course offers three 9-hole courses with tree-lined fairways, desert mountain views, large lakes and waterfalls.

In addition, guests have access to a racquet center with multiple tennis, pickleball and paddle tennis courts. Or they can workout in the fitness center or receive a massage. The club does require at least one person to join as a member, so Lakes Country Club may suit those who live in or visit Palm Desert frequently.

Ready to book a golf vacation in California? Check out these Palm Desert vacation rentals. Then explore the Palm Desert shopping scene to find souvenirs and gifts.