Greater Palm Springs should be on every golfer’s list as a destination. And, with more than 100 courses, it's important to note that the destination can accommodate golfers of all skill levels.
Factor in the fine dining, shopping, luxury hotels and great weather (arguably the most important factor in a golf trip), and it’s no wonder the area has a reputation for being the “Golf Capital of the West.” According to the National Golf Foundation, 12.2 million U.S. adults took a golf trip in 2023. That same year, the global market for golf tourism was estimated at $26.4 billion, and the niche’s value is projected to reach $41.2 billion by 2030. Whether it be for a weekend getaway or a landmark life event, such as a milestone birthday, golf tourism is on the rise.
Here's where to have clients stay and play in the region.
Hotel Paseo
Hotel Paseo is a luxury hotel in Palm Desert, and where I stayed on my last golf weekend. Amenities include a pool and backyard with a putting green and lawn games. The hotel is also conveniently located around the corner from El Paseo Shopping District, which is considered the “Rodeo Drive of the desert,” with stores such as Travis Matthew and restaurants including Tommy Bahamas, which serves upscale island-inspired cuisine, and Wilma + Frieda’s, a homey breakfast spot.
The hotel’s golf partner is Desert Willow Golf Resort, which offers a discount on tee times and a dedicated shuttle service for the 10-minute ride. Desert Willow has two courses, Firecliff and Mountain View, and I’ve played both. Firecliff lives up to its billing as the more challenging course, while Mountain View has wider fairways and more forgiving greens. Golfers can’t go wrong with either, but if they have the time, I suggest playing both.
Water plays a large part in the two courses at the JW Marriott Desert Springs, requiring precision and strategy.
Credit: 2025 JW Marriott Desert SpringsJW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa has everything one would need for an unforgettable golf trip. It features 884 guestrooms, including 101 luxury suites, including the two-bedroom vice presidential suite (perfect for a foursome). Hotel amenities include a spa, 10 dining options and multiple pools for a post-round swim.
There are two championship courses on property, the Palm and the Valley. I’ve played the Palm, designed by Ted Robinson, who was known as the “King of Waterscapes.” Water is everywhere, which makes it feel like an oasis — until you lose a few balls and realize it’s a mirage. The course requires precise approach shots and patience with its rolling greens. As a warmup, try their 18-hole putting course designed for all ages and skill levels.
Hyatt Regency Indian Wells features two courses, the Players and the Celebrity.
Credit: 2025 Hyatt Regency Indian WellsGrand Hyatt Indian Wells
I took my family to Grand Hyatt Indian Wells on a multigenerational trip this spring, and it did not disappoint. The property can accommodate any size golf party, with 531 rooms, 39 suites and 43 villas. Its dining options are fantastic, including the upscale Tia Carmen, where groups can order a “family feast,” and Carmocha, a sports bar with cocktails and small bites. The heart of the resort is the epic water park that features a 450-foot lazy river.
The Indian Wells Golf Resort is next door, featuring two courses, the Players and the Celebrity. My dad and I played the Celebrity Course, the “easier” of the two, and we loved its layout. He’s a lifelong golfer who’s lost some distance over the years, so he enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t anything too tricky to navigate, like blind tee shots. We were able to just enjoy our time together, making the round all the more special.
The course at Porcupine Creek blends in with the desert surroundings, offering a sense of tranquility while playing.
Credit: 2025 Sensei Porcupine CreekSensei Porcupine Creek
For the ultimate splurge, Sensei Porcupine Creek is 230 acres of luxury defined. An adults-only destination, the resort focuses on wellness, offering yoga in its Sensei Yoga Pavilion and packages catering toward physical and mental rejuvenation. For golfers, they have a five-day program to enhance one’s game, which includes six hours of instruction and unlimited play.
The virtue of Porcupine Creek’s course is its tranquility. The course is an extension of the natural landscape, with fairways and greens set among native plants and cacti. Tee times are spaced out, so playing here feels like a private experience. To top it off, the food menu is an extension of the hotel’s restaurant, Sensei by Nobu; fare is delivered directly to golfers on the course.
The famous 17th hole, known as "Alcatraz," at PGA West Stadium Course
Credit: 2025 PGA West5 More Golf Courses to Try in Greater Palm Springs
For travel advisors, I suggest booking one of the above hotels for golfing clients as a home base, then finding nearby tee times. Here are five other courses in the region unconnected to hotels, but worth considering.
Escena Golf: This course is one of my favorites. Always well-maintained, it strikes a balance between playability and difficulty. The beautiful clubhouse is a great place to unwind after a round.
Palm Desert Country Club: This is a resort-style course with a casual vibe and more affordable tee times, making it great for a warm-up or a send-off round.
PGA West: A resort with nine courses, no golf trip to greater Palm Springs would be complete without teeing off here. Golf Digest ranks the famous Pete Dye Stadium Course as the No. 62 best public course in America.
Silverrock Resort: For golfers wanting a challenge, Silverrock is regarded as one of the area’s most difficult courses. The resort is adding two luxury hotels, so it’s worth calling to check on construction status.
The Classic Club: North of the 10 freeway and about 25 minutes from downtown Palm Springs, The Classic Club is worth adding to a golf itinerary. Beloved for its pristine conditions and top-tier service, the course is challenging, having hosted a qualifier for the U.S. Open in 2025.
