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
1215 Reviews (1215)
5 Stars
772
4 Stars
278
3 Stars
97
2 Stars
41
1 Stars
27
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
91.0%
Recommend this course
1075 out of 1215 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
54 Reviews (54)
5 Stars
39
4 Stars
11
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.1
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.7
94.4%
Recommend this course
51 out of 54 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
91 Reviews (91)
5 Stars
62
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.6
91.2%
Recommend this course
83 out of 91 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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Reviews

4.5
1215 Reviews (1215)

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 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/14/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, michaeljwhite. 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 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent experience

Course layout was outstanding. The fairways and greens were superb. Staff were great and very friendly. Conditions when off the fairways and first cut of rough could be iffy. Condition of the sand in the bunkers was disappointing with a minimum layer of sand in what are very deep bunkers. It made playing out of them difficult. Overall experience was great.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/14/2022

Hi, junglejymm. 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 7
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/14/2022

Hi, captmagnus. 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 3
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/09/2022

Hi, George1886441. 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 11
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2022

Hi, Wardeye. We would love to hear more about your 4-star experience on our course. Please tell us what we can do to earn that last star, and thanks for golfing at The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 15
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Stadium PGA

Course is a great layout but too many goofy green complexes with sharp drop offs. I wouldn't mind if the greens were receptive to good shots. Much too firm for approach shots. Good for putting.

Definitely a good challenge and good on course drink service

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/09/2022

Hi, u376082248. 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 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Michael’s golf holiday

A great time was had by all.

A very challenging course to say the least. Tested me to my limit. But it was very good

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/03/2022

Hi, michaelfbona. 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 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/23/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, tyyrone. 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 22
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/23/2022

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Dave2701734! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/23/2022

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Dave2701734! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Played 15. No Marshall… No Pace.. 6+ hr…. $250..

Really? Did that just happen? Only played 15- teed off just after 1. Didn’t see a single Marshall to tell people to hurry up. Hitting multiple balls, multiple putts- not caring about the line up behind them. Very disappointed after playing the Palmer course a few years ago.

No pace= no momentum. Some players gave up and drove by. Was really hoping to play 17th hole…. Got there so late, I didn’t even see it in the dark.

That was a waste of money, and an afternoon. The course looked spectacular, but from hole 3 and beyond… not enjoyable at all. 3 groups per hole…. Was hoping to play the other courses but going somewhere else for the rest of my trip. I can’t do that.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/03/2022

We apologize for the pace of play issue you experienced. We always try to keep a great pace when having our golfers on the course. Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback as we will use your review to better the experience going forward. We hope you give us another try in the near future!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/23/2022

Thank you for reviewing us, u965161031. We see you rated the course 3-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve before your next round. Feel free to comment on this review or reach out to the team in the golf shop. We always appreciate the feedback. Thank you for playing The Stadium Course at PGA West, and we hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 33
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/16/2022

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, uCTIG1575CT. 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
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/15/2022

Hi, michaeljegan. 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 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Was a fun course with lots of water hazards! I highly recommend.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/16/2022

Hi, Yanik1. 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 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/16/2022

Hi, u000005796202. 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 12
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

5 hour+ round…wtf!

Fantastic layout.

The rangers should be fired as they’re worthless!

Keep people moving!

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/16/2022

Hi, 352045111. Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for the delay of play during your round. This is by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We are going to escalate your feedback to our team so we can make improvements before your next game. We are glad to see you rated the course conditions and value to be great during your game. We will continue to work towards an excellent experience by using your comment for guidance. Thank you for playing The Stadium Course at PGA West. We hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 14
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

No Value - Over 5 Hour Round

Round took 5 hours and and 15 minutes. Way over pace. No way course expectation should be 4.5 hours. Greens and tees and mostly close together. We waited on every shot for 18 holes. Spoke to 2 rangers on front 9 who did noting. Called shop on back 9 and no staff took action. Staff allowed groups to combine for 6 - 8 people playing holes.

Staff needs to establish 4 hour round pace and enforce it like numerous other $300 round fee courses like Kiswahili, Pinehurst, Whistling Straits, Barton Creek, Tiburon, Sea Pines Resort, Ireland, etc.!!

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/02/2022

Hello, u6839888. Thank you for reviewing the course. We would like to apologize for your recent experience.

We're sorry to hear you were less than satisfied during your round. We pride ourselves on our providing great service and the high-quality standards we maintain.

We would like to make things right. Please reach out to our management team at the pro shop.

We hope to hear from you soon.

Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fast Greens

Pace of play was excellent. We saw the group in front of us on the 1st hole and then on the 18th. The group behind us, we never saw them. ExIextremely pleasant playing the course. Course in Great shape. Greens Very fast, they were rolling easily a 13. Bring your A-game, every hole is a challenge.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/02/2022

Hi, jmcginn01. 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 Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Amazing Course

Challenging yet fair course in great condition just one week after the AmexChampionship. One of our favorites.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/03/2022

Hi, mprice26. 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 10
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Disappointing

We had a 1 PM tee time, came early. 2 different employees told my husband he could pick something up at the turn outside which was closed.

The pace of play was so slow, no rangers. The group in front of the folks ahead of us, waited every hole to hit until the group they followed were on the green regardless of a par 4 or 5. We waited to hit second shots on every hole except par 3’s. Couldn’t finish the round.

Went in to grab a drink and something to eat. Outside patio was 30% filled and we had a 45 min wait for a table if we wanted to wait and same time to eat inside.

Disappointing for a course of this caliber and expense. Not worth it.

Conditions Excellent
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 02/23/2022

We apologize for the pace of play issue you experienced. We always try to keep a great pace when having our golfers on the course. Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback as we will use your review to better the experience going forward. We hope you give us another try in the near future!

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