So Many Ways to Enjoy PGA West

From six golf courses to dining to a wardrobe change, this La Quinta location will keep you coming back for more.

Site Staff Day Trips, Golf

The six PGA West golf courses have been tested by every luminary in the game.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY PGA WEST

Call The Shots

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Tom Weiskopf, the six PGA West courses are part of one club within the awe-inspiring 2,000-acre La Quinta Resort & Club community. A longtime site of the Bob Hope Classic — now the CareerBuilder Challenge Golf Tournament — these grounds have been tested by every luminary in the golf universe. Presidents, CEOs, and even pro athletes who are a whole lot better at other sports take their swings here, too. Your turn. PGA West, 55955 PGA Boulevard, La Quinta. 760-564-7111; www.pgawest.com

Handicapping the Options

Before you decide how to play the shot, you must decide which course to play. If you have a low handicap or a high threshold for shame, try the TPC Stadium Course, rated the fourth toughest course in America on Golf Digest’s “Top 50 Toughest Courses in America” in 2007. The slope rating is 150. 150! If you’re a long hitter or want to practice fairway shots, go for the Nicklaus Tournament Course, where they play the final round of the PGA’s Q-School. The last member of the six-pack is the Greg Norman Course, whose website description is a lie: “challenging but fair.” All golfers know there is nothing fair about this sport. The view, however, may assuage many a poor shot.


PHOTO BY THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

Order an Arnold Palmer.

Clubhouse Capers

Play the 19th hole whether or not you played the first 18. The Tournament Clubhouse offers vistas of the TPC Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament courses. Honor your heroes, order an Arnold Palmer and a signature tri-tip sandwich at Wallaby’s West.

Not For Members Only

Few facilities of this quality welcome the public. This isn’t one of those. Buy some new knickers (we dare you) and join valley locals and resort guests at the tee box on three of the courses, in the clubhouse, at the dining venues, and golf shop.

Enlist In Golf Boot Camp

No one at the PGA West Golf Academy expects you to salute, but you’ll still work hard on your game. Instruction here is about combining physical strength with mental prowess. You’ll get the best in techno-help, and advice about custom club fittings. Soldier on.

Content sponsored by
Trilogy at The Polo Club, 51750 Polo Club Drive, Indio, 760-775-5522.
For more information, visit the Explore 52 day trip kiosk at the Trilogy at the Polo Club clubhouse.