Indian Wells Golf Resort – Celebrity Course – Par 4 13th Hole
Beautifully architected by Clive Clark in 2006, the Indian Wells Celebrity Course consistently flexes its brilliance, hole after hole. Commonly referred to as a “Desert Masterpiece” Indian Wells Golf Resort is located right in the heart of Palms Spring, California. Indian Wells is one of the few properties with not one, but two courses ranked in the top 25 municipal courses in the United States by Golfweek Magazine. Known as “Beauty and the Beast,” these two courses have hosted Golf Channel’s Big Break and the PGA’s Skins Game. The new 53,000 square foot clubhouse gives golfers one more reason to visit this spectacular property.
Our group was one of the first tee times, so we decided to look around a bit. Number one on my list was finding some breakfast to get me through the round (I’m a big breakfast guy). The new clubhouse opens up to a large lobby with a café towards the back. There, you can find both light and hearty breakfast options (breakfast burrito/sandwich, fruits, etc.)
Indian Wells Golf Shop
We were also looking for some new gear, so we checked out the brand new golf shop before warming up. The shop was quite impressive and bigger than I had expected. The check-in process was something I have not seen from any other course. Once you notify them you have arrived, they give you a buzzer (like at a restaurant) and buzz you to the first tee when it’s time to go. That way, we could be at any part of the property and know when it is our turn to tee off.
As we were roaming the property, we came across the 9-hole putting course. This course provides plenty of undulation to challenge even the best putters. It is open 7 days a week and open to anyone brave enough to roll the rock!
Once we were buzzed in, we headed to the first tee and were greeted by the most entertaining starter I had ever met. He started off with a few jokes and just kept on going. It was a great start to the round and really set the tone for how much fun we were going to have out there.
One thing we noticed immediately about the Celebrity Course was how beautiful the flowers and trees were around every hole. You could really tell how much pride the grounds crew takes in making sure the scenery is pretty, even if your golf game isn’t. This course eases you into the round with 3 short par 4’s, none longer than 375 yards from the blue tees (recommended unless you are a single digit handicapper).
Par-5 4th Hole
Our feature hole on the front nine came on the par-5 fourth hole, the only par-5 on the front. Playing at only 491 from the blue tees, this par-5 is harder to reach in 2 than it might seem based merely on the yardage. The green is protected almost all the way around by a lake, making it tough to flight a long iron to the green with accuracy. I personally chose to lay up in front of the lake, leaving me with about 90 yards to get up and down for birdie. This course will not beat you with distance (6,642 from the blue tees) but with a combination of bunkers, water hazards, flower arrays, and thick rough. There was a good variety of holes, forcing us to use many different clubs in our bag and play strategic golf.
It didn’t take long to find our favorite hole on the back nine, but the decision was not easy. The par-4 13th hole only plays 334 yards from the blue tees but requires a precise tee shot over a sizeable lake. Not surprisingly, there is a gorgeous flower array in front of the tee box, one of the best views on the golf course. The green is tucked behind a long bunker on the right, as well as another lake. Favor the right side of the fairway for your best look into this small, guarded green.
The back nine was full of twists and turns, pesky creeks and menacing lakes, small greens and tall palms. There was much more water on the back, which made the holes challenging but extremely fun.
It didn’t take long to find our favorite hole on the back nine, but the decision was not easy. The par-4 13th hole only plays 334 yards from the blue tees but requires a precise tee shot over a sizeable lake. Not surprisingly, there is a gorgeous flower array in front of the tee box, one of the best views on the golf course. The green is tucked behind a long bunker on the right, as well as another lake. Favor the right side of the fairway for your best look into this small, guarded green.
The back nine was full of twists and turns, pesky creeks and menacing lakes, small greens and tall palms. There was much more water on the back, which made the holes challenging but extremely fun.
Our honorable mention for the back nine was the par 4 18th hole. Turning slightly left and playing at 473 from the blue tees, you don’t necessarily need a driver off the tee. The green is not visible from the tee box, but as you drive out to your shot you will see the beauty of the approach shot. Not lacking palm trees, this shot requires a short iron to carry over water, but keep it short or right to avoid dunking it.
Par 4 18th Hole
Indian Wells Golf Resort – Celebrity Course Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
Indian Wells Celebrity Course was an amazing experience for us, the 4.7 rating was enough to earn a spot in our Top 10. In typical Troon Management fashion, the tone was set right off the bat with a very friendly course staff and just the right breakfast. The new clubhouse was expansive, including a top of the line golf shop. If you’re planning a trip to the Palm Springs area, you need to check out Indian Wells. You won’t regret it.
For more information about booking a trip to Indian Wells Golf Resort please visit their website. You can also reach them directly via phone at 760.346.4653.