Palm Springs and the wider Coachella Valley pack more than 100 golf courses—some tallies top 120—blending snow-capped mountain views, sunshine, and resort-level variety.
The region is famed for its dense concentration of layouts: most counts cite 100+ golf courses across Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and neighboring communities. Depending on how you draw the map, some sources list 124 or more. Either way, it’s one of the world’s richest clusters of year-round resort, public, and private golf—ranging from welcoming, value-oriented designs to championship venues with tournament pedigrees.
Golf fame here often points to PGA WEST in La Quinta—particularly the Pete Dye–designed Stadium Course, renowned for its bold visuals and shot-testing features (including the island-style 17th). Other frequently named headliners include Indian Wells Golf Resort (Celebrity and Players), Desert Willow (Firecliff and Mountain View), Classic Club in Palm Desert, and architectural darlings such as Escena in Palm Springs. For a first trip, mix one “bucket-list” challenge with a scenic resort course to experience both the drama and the relaxation that define desert golf.
The sweet spot runs from late fall through spring. Peak demand typically arrives from January through March, when mornings are crisp, afternoons are sunny, and conditions are tournament-ready. Shoulder seasons—November–December and April–May—offer excellent playability with more value and easier tee-time access. Summer delivers the lowest rates and open tee sheets; just book early, hydrate, and plan for heat.
Public and resort courses dominate traveler itineraries, offering practice facilities, rental sets, instruction, and welcoming clubhouse services. Private clubs run the spectrum from classic, walkable designs to modern tests—some provide limited reciprocal or stay-and-play access via nearby hotels. Green fees across the valley use dynamic pricing: expect the highest rates during peak months and marquee time slots, with strong value in shoulder periods and twilight windows.
With wide corridors, elevation shifts, and the occasional desert breeze, precise yardages and efficient movement make a big difference. Many operators and traveling groups prefer modern carts and in-cart guidance to keep the day smooth. Consider equipping rounds with tara golf carts integrated with the Tara GPS System to display hole maps, carry distances, hazard outlines, pace messaging, and even on-course food and beverage ordering—helpful across sprawling resort properties.
Count them conservatively and you’ll still find over 100 golf courses in greater Palm Springs—some lists exceed 124. The combination of mountain backdrops, dependable weather, and a deep bench of public, resort, and private options makes the Coachella Valley a world-class golf escape. To elevate your rounds, pair reliable carts with smart guidance—think tara golf carts and the Tara GPS System. If you’re planning purchases or a fleet refresh, connect with regional golf cart dealers to match configurations and availability to desert conditions.
