PGA West Stadium Course: #17
PGA West Stadium Course #17: Welcome to “Alcatraz.” Home to Lee Trevino’s “Hole in One” – one of the most famous shots in golf history – which gave him the “Skins Game” victory over Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Raymond Floyd.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.5
1164 Reviews (1164)
5 Stars
735
4 Stars
268
3 Stars
95
2 Stars
40
1 Stars
26
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.6
90.5%
Recommend this course
1027 out of 1164 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
27 Reviews (27)
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.5
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.5
92.6%
Recommend this course
25 out of 27 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
120 Reviews (120)
5 Stars
81
4 Stars
25
3 Stars
8
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.5
90.8%
Recommend this course
109 out of 120 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Resort
Par 72
Length 7300 yards
Slope 148
Rating 75.8

This is the monster of all monsters, the one that carries so many folktales of golfer terror with it that it should qualify as its own myth. The developers asked Pete Dye to make this "the toughest golf course in the world" and many argue he succeeded. Too well.

The Stadium Course at PGA WEST in La Quinta is one of those tracks that any self-respecting golf nut has to play once. Just to experience it. Just to say you did. Just to have stories of golf cruelty to tell at the office water cooler. There's a 19-foot deep bunker on the 16th hole. That's right. A 19-foot deep bunker. Your ball won't get out. Heck, you might not get out. From the back tees it measures 7,300 yards with an incredible 148-slope rating.

Every hole is a story waiting to be told. Either in success to be bragged about or failure to be even more bragged about. The PGA players moaned about this course so loud that it's no longer a regular stop on tour. Yet for average hackers, it's often a joy of punishment. Go in with the right attitude and it's liable to be one of your most unforgettable days of golf.

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PGA WEST - Pete Dye Stadium Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1987
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Pete Dye (1987) Alice Dye (1986)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes - "PGA WEST Golf Academy"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes
Practice Hole Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Available Sports

Fitness, Tennis

Accolades

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Reviews

4.5
1164 Reviews (1164)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Must play, at least once

My only complaint was the glizzy at the turn, 6/10. Other than that, hard to beat.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Response from on 01/05/2026:
We really appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to know you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working to make every experience just as good.
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Everyone needs to play here at least once.

I came to the area for my birthday golf trip and wow was it worth it. This was the second course I played and it was worth every cent. From the bag drop off being inviting and friendly to the pro shop cracking jokes and being very helpful, this establishment makes golfers feel welcome and excited to play. Course conditions were amazing and the greens were a tad bit long but understandable as they were letting them grow for the American Express match. Difficult, iconic, and overall amazing course. Tough shots over the water and through lakes but very doable as long as you don’t try to be a hero on every shot. 10/10 will be returning next year.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Stadium Course

Had an enjoyable round at the Stadium Course. Unfortunately pace of play only allowed us to complete 17 holes. Course was in great condition. My only disappointment was that the pin location sheet provided was inaccurate on every single hole. It is very difficult to manage approach shots when you don’t have the correct information.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Look no further when in Palm Springs

This course is phenomenal

A must when in the area

Challenging yet rewarding

Beautiful views and course was in impeccable shape

My only minor complaint is pace of play but that’s more patrons than have no clue how to behave. Also if your drive goes 155. No need to wait on a par 5 that group ahead leaves the green on a par 5 to hit your second shot. 2 minutes delay per hole ads half hour of wasted time per round

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Spectacular

Have played The Stadium Course the past three years and love it. They just came out of over seeding so the green were just a bit slow but still great. Love this place

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great day except for Cart Path only

Great conditions, don't really see why it is Cart Path Only, the fairways are perfect. Greens are rolling good.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Nice course

I want to say if you want to play a nice course, pga west is your must choice

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 38
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 18
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 18
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Time of year!

The course was enjoyable and the staff was great. The only thing keeping me from a 5 star rating was the condition of the greens. Simply shaggy and slow (said 9.5 stint, but closer to 8).

I’m sure that was a result of the time of year. I’d definitely come back but only when the greens are right.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Very Hot

Beautiful.

Green were very hard and dry, and also top dressed. Still fun to play.

Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 09/19/2025:
We really appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to know you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working to make every experience just as good.
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Bucket list course!

This course was very challenging. The ball never really landed flat. I had an amazing time playing the game was at a perfect pace of speed. definitely good for bragging rights.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 09/17/2025:
Thanks for the glowing feedback! It’s always a pleasure hearing that guests had a fantastic time. Hope to see you again soon!
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Terrible greens!!!

The greens were terrible. For the money I paid it was not worth it with the greens in this bad of shape. They were all full of sand and so slow. I was not told about them before the round. One of the greens they were watering in the middle of us playing it which made it worse with the sand already on the green.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 16
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Great Course Layout, Condition So-So

Greens had been sanded with no notice when signing up or going out to play. Very difficult course. Rough stringy, and ball sits way down in rough.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Fair
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
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The Palm Mountain Resort & Spa Stay & Play Package

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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at Palm Mountain Resort & Spa and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, Indian Canyons – North Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.

The Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage Stay & Play Package

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