PGA West - Greg Norman Golf Course

With nine golf courses, PGA WEST,  The Western Home of Golf in America, is the signature destination in California s Palm Springs golf mecca. The most unique layout in this glorious Coachella Valley golf haven is the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course. Whereas the other public-access layouts at PGA WEST the PGA WEST Pete Dye Stadium Course, PGA WEST Pete Dye Dunes Golf Course, PGA WEST Pete Dye Mountain Golf Course, and PGA WEST Jack Nicklaus Tournament Golf Course all sport a traditional look with acres upon acres of grass, the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course is a desert-style layout. This makes it a rarity among the 100+ courses in the entire Coachella Valley, which, despite being a desert destination, is surprisingly lush. With only about 60 acres of grass, the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course utilizes about half of the irrigated turf of PGA WEST s other courses. Aside from the tee boxes, fairways, and greens, the desert lurks. The contrast of the emerald turf and the desert, complete with its cacti and flora, makes for a highly attractive course and a fun, target-style challenge. Even though the desert and a whopping 120 sand bunkers await to ensnare your golf ball, the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course is one of PGA WEST s more playable tests of golf. Players of all skill levels enjoy it. Much of the desert is a flat, firmly packed base of decomposed granite that yields lots of roll. Oftentimes, on dogleg holes, you can cut off distance by playing through the desert. If your ball winds up in it, you ll most often be able to hit a recovery shot. Those players who utilize the back sets of tee markers will face several long forced carries. The fairways on the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course narrow considerably the closer you get to the green. Around the greens, Norman s trademark close-cropped areas provide the option of putting a welcome alternative to the more risky use of a wedge that is pretty much obligatory at PGA WEST s other courses. The PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course features a nice mix of short par 3s and long par 5s. The most memorable par 4 is the 10th, a thrilling, short test that entices long hitters to go for the green despite its plethora of bunkers. All in all, the PGA WEST Greg Norman Golf Course is a fun test that provides stunning arid scenery and a target-style strategy that contrasts with the other public-access courses as this classic Coachella Valley destination. The accompanying Greg Norman Clubhouse features Wallaby s West, where you can enjoy lunch and happy hour. If you re looking for a home base while in the area, the atmospheric La Quinta Resort & Club, under the same ownership as PGA WEST, has long been a choice, full-service retreat in the Palm Springs realm.