The Golden State has upwards of 30 public courses that are highly rated. However, here we’ll look at just one that you won’t want to miss on your next golf trip to California.
Indian Wells Golf Resort (IWGR) is a premier 36-hole golf resort located near Palm Springs, Calif., just minutes from Palm Springs International Airport. Surrounded by four luxury hotels, IWGR stands alone as the only golf property in California with two courses ranked in the Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek.
This resort has an “exclusive” atmosphere with genuinely warm hospitality. The panoramic views of the surrounding Santa Rosa Mountains are a rugged backdrop to the magnificent waterfalls and brooks that flow through beds of wildflowers, adding a splash of color throughout this stunning setting. Designed by Clive Clark, the Celebrity Course is a challenging yet playable design. While the Players Course, designed by John Fought, pays homage to great designs such as Riviera, Winged Foot and Augusta National. The bunkers placed throughout the undulating topography of the Players Course provide the perfect complement to the mature trees and natural desert arroyos. While playable for all skill levels, the Players Course was also designed to challenge the most skilled golfers, which makes it a perfect place for competition.
Indian Wells Golf Resort is also home to the latest in nighttime golf entertainment called “Shots in the Night.” IWGR is partnering with NextLinks to turn the practice putting green into a fun and social experience at night, thus creating a one-of-a-kind, family friendly and fun night-time activity. At sunset, the putting course transitions into a nightlife entertainment area, focused on app-driven putting games with an offering of food and beverage. This entertainment innovation, says Michael Tebbetts, Director of Sales & Marketing, “brings together cosmic bowling intertwined with the playability of mini-golf, also adding a variety of putting games. Guests can now enjoy a fun and engaging Glow Golf experience on the driving range that features massive inflatable targets in the shape of bowling pins and beach balls.” These targets contain LED lighting and sensors so when a golf ball hits them, they blink in succession. The golf balls are activated by black light and charged up prior to play. Tebbetts says that IWGR’s Glow Golf offers a fun experience that’s designed for golfers of all skill levels, especially beginners or those who don’t play frequently.
See also: Five Best Golf Courses in North Carolina