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
1194 Reviews (1194)
5 Stars
758
4 Stars
273
3 Stars
96
2 Stars
41
1 Stars
26
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
91.1%
Recommend this course
1055 out of 1194 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
38 Reviews (38)
5 Stars
30
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.9
94.7%
Recommend this course
36 out of 38 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
92 Reviews (92)
5 Stars
61
4 Stars
21
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.7
90.2%
Recommend this course
83 out of 92 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
This iconic stadium course delivers a bucket-list layout with stunning mountain views, challenging water hazards, and conditions that consistently impress recent golfers. Welcoming staff from bag drop to pro shop make every visitor feel genuinely excited to play.

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

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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10 rounds of waived fees
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$120 in tee time credits
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Tee Time Protection
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Reviews

4.5
1194 Reviews (1194)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 42
Patio Dining 28
19th Hole Scenic Views 26
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 70
Water Hazards 67
Forced Carries 49
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 61
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 52
A Weekend Splurge 31
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 42
At a Resort 34
Convenient to the City 18

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 220
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/16/2022

Hi, jkighawk. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at The Stadium Course at PGA West. We look forward to seeing you on the course soon for another 5-star experience!

Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Similar to Westin Pete dye

I only paid $50, so for that price it’s excellent. However, due to its famous reputation, I was expecting something like a PGA course. PGA players would destroy this course. Maybe I got easy pin placements, but I played too much break on most of my putts and they were pretty flat. The only tough part was going into a headwind when any par 4 over 410 yards played like a par 5. But with a tailwind I reached the double trouble par 5 with a driver and 7 iron, and it made the 600+ yarder play like a 500 so evens out. It’s super hilly and presents some odd lies, but if you keep ball in play it’s easier than it’s reputation. It was 113 degrees so I understand, but there were more bald, brown patches than I expected. Not sure it’s worth the extra 30 minute drive from the Westin course. Some of the holes were identical and the greens had same grass with same speed.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/15/2022

Hi, u314159414849! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. Please know the current conditions are by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We will continue to work towards a 5-star experience and we hope to see you back!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/09/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, dauminator34. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

PGA west in june

Everything about the course was good especially for the afternoon price… just needed water on the course or a beverage cart. In the dead june heat of the desert, it was dangerous to not have water available when we needed it. Nevertheless, we loved the course and the people.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/09/2022

Hi, ashak3. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/07/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, u563365706. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Will repeat, but....

No drinking water on the course. Seriously.? Otherwise lived up to hits billing. Tough, unfair, fun. Will repeat

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/06/2022

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, u773948004. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please visit again soon. Thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 62
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

Excellent everything!

I've played here a dozen times, conditions this time were the best yet. About as perfect as a course can possibly be. Wish I would have played better, but two water balls ruined my score. Greens were perfect, but the subtle breaks make these very difficult to score on. Great day of golf!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/06/2022

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, JungleBob888! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great day on the course!

Staff was great. The course was a challenge but not unfair. Highly recommend this to all skill levels.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/26/2022

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, dale8575492! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 5
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/19/2022

Hi, PuzzGolf. We would love to hear more about your positive experience on our course. Please contact us to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/19/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, u314162722354. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

End of Season

Course layout is great. Challenging and a variety of shot types are needed. They clearly have reduced watering due to the time of year. Greens were burned out and the sand was hard a rock.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/19/2022

Hi, johnmadding! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. Please know the current conditions are by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We will continue to work towards a 5-star experience and we hope to see you back!

Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Stadium excitement

Always fun to play, very challenging. Test your game against the pros, but play fast

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/16/2022

Hi, u000004650686. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. Thank you for the 4 stars! We aim for a 5-star experience, so we always welcome feedback for improvement. Thank you for playing The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Disappointed

Last day of our annual golf trip… Total let down!!! Played Indian wells and desert willow prior both were very nice.. The greens and fairways at stadium club are in terrible shape.. You’ve been warned..

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/10/2022

Hi, Tkuh6! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. Please know the current conditions are by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We will continue to work towards a 5-star experience and we hope to see you back!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Unless you’re ticking box’s don’t bother

How can you possibly be charging what you are with the current condition of the course? Brown isn’t bad but bare dirt around the green ring is pretty bad. Pace of play is horrendous and the rangers are useless. Caught one of them just smoking weed up on top of a hill between holes and not saying anything to the slow groups in front of us or the twosome that held our foursome up for 7 holes. Just a golf factory that wants your money. They don’t care about anything else.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/09/2022

Hi, TGUY10HITM. We appreciate you taking the time to review the course and rate us. We are sorry to hear your customer service experience was not up to par. Please reach out to our management team at (760) 564-7111, and thanks for visiting The Stadium Course at PGA West. We hope you'll give us another try in the future.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/09/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, u000003525310. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/05/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, zhaohui. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Great course to play. Typical Dye course. You pay the price for missing the green.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/04/2022

Hi, u224696406. Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 13
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Excellent Challenge

I love that you never get a flat lie. Greens are difficult too but I am sure it gets better the more you play it.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/04/2022

Hi, David9634841. Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Didn't live up to the hype

Challenging and fun course layout to play, but conditions were subpar at best. Range was also closed ahead of our tee time without communication - unfortunate. Greens and fairways were dried out. Tee boxes are in need of repair. Roughs were in OK condition. Compared to other courses nearby with same cost, caliber and course rating, I would play the others.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/29/2022

Hi, u314161487788! Thank you so much for leaving us with your feedback. We value our customer experience, so your review is important to us. We will make note and we hope to see you back at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

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