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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4.5
1169 Reviews (1169)
5 Stars
738
4 Stars
270
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
4.5
90.3%
Recommend this course
1031 out of 1169 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
29 Reviews (29)
5 Stars
20
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.5
89.7%
Recommend this course
26 out of 29 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
104 Reviews (104)
5 Stars
67
4 Stars
25
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
4
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.5
Value
4.2
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.6
89.4%
Recommend this course
93 out of 104 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
1169 Reviews (1169)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

So worth it

Me and 3 of my buddies played this course for our first times ever and boy did it not disappoint! So challenging, but so much fun. We played the blue/white combo which turned out to be perfect for us. Turns out the pros play off a good amount of the blues locations. Pretty near. Can’t wait to play this course again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/28/2021

Thank you for your review, Daniel3910. We will pass along your positive experience to our team at The Stadium Course at PGA West. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Must play course

This Pete Dye masterpiece is a must play course. Considering the amount of play it is in very good condition. We played in a 2 club wind making #17 a real challenge! The wind was in our face! Love this course and play it when I'm in town.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/02/2021

Hello, u314161175221. We appreciate you leaving a review and rating us 5 stars. We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the pristine course conditions. We work hard to provide an exceptional experience, and it's very satisfying to hear from golfers like you who appreciate our efforts. We will inform the entire team so they know their hard work is paying off. We look forward to having you back The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Less than I expected

Great layout but there were a lot of bare spots in some of the fairways. Also some of the green side bunkers could use more sand

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/28/2021

Thank you for your review, trandalljones. We will pass along your positive experience and feedback to our team at The Stadium Course at PGA West. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Loved playing this course. Greens too slow. Brian the starter was wonderful. Back nine more aesthetically pleasing than the front.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/02/2021

Thank you for taking the time to review us, u314160697504. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon. The Stadium Course at PGA West thanks you!

Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Sadistic

This is a great course to embarrass your friends. First two holes are deceptively easy, then Pete Dye proceeds to play with your sanity. The course is just long enough that you need driver on most holes, but when one hazard ends another begins. It’s pick your poison. Almost every hole is like a signature hole. Once I gave up on my score I could just enjoy the absurdity and the experience. The greens are pretty fast but not as bad as the Nicklaus. Def take 1 extra club on Alcatraz hole. Remember you’re below sea level. Sort of a bucket list course. Not sure if I’d play it again. Maybe a drinking round w/ buddies.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/21/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, Mike72davis! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Great Course

We almost always play this course when we're in PS. However, we've never played it in September. Course was in the best condition that we've ever seen. Greens were somewhat fast and very true. It was a pleasure to play this course like this. Yes, it ha its typical brown spots in some areas, but bunkers and tee boxes were perfect. Very challenging layout, so if you're not up to the test, I'd leave this course alone. Not for the feint of heart. This isn't a feel good course. Trouble everywhere, but not unfair.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/28/2021

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

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/22/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, u314161175221! 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 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Staff excellent

From the pro shop to the starter to the guys in the bag room everybody was top notch. Especially a gentleman named Kehlani took very good care of us would play again they’re just for the service. Tough track all-around great day.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2021

Hello, u314161006592. Thanks so much for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your round at The Stadium Course at PGA West. That's what we like to hear! We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/10/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, nishikawatakeo! 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 36
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course as always!

Summer conditions as expected but course never disappoints. Got a great deal on GolfNow but in 100 degree weather. Great facilities (restaurant/free range/ice machines and provided with water bottles!). Fifth time playing stadium course; played well this time; avoided San Andreas fault but playing partner didn’t; disappointed not on in GIR on Alcatraz (1/5). Keeps me coming back for more!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/31/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, kanha19! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Class

Thanks to everyone especially Charlie and Pete for an amazing few days of golf!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/31/2021

Thank you for taking the time to review us, u314162105090. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon. The Stadium Course at PGA West thanks you!

Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Pace of play and course conditions not up to par

Pace of play was hampered by two three groups ahead of us and not well managed by PA.

Even though it is summer conditions there are many courses in the Valley in much better shape.

Expected more from a course with this reputation.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/02/2021

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 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/02/2021

Hi, u192059544. 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 21
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Bucket List Course

Being able to play a Dye designed course that the pro's play was incredible. Course is forgiving to golfers that can shape their shots around obstacles. Greens rolled true and consistent. Shot 89 from the whites with about a 17-18 handicap.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/04/2021

Hello, hopj545. We appreciate you leaving a review and rating us 5 stars. We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the pristine course conditions. We work hard to provide an exceptional experience, and it's very satisfying to hear from golfers like you who appreciate our efforts. We will inform the entire team so they know their hard work is paying off. We look forward to having you back The Stadium Course at PGA West!

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Golf Course

The course for the most part was in good condition. A few patchy areas though. Greens were true, but fast. Overall had a decent round in spite of getting into a few green side bunkers. This course should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/20/2021

Hi, brthlz2. 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 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

If you are up for the challenge!!!

This was a challenging course with lots of water and blind shot if not on the fairway!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2021

Hello, u000001494883. Thank you for visiting us at The Stadium Course at PGA West. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

All-Time Favorite

Favorite course of all-time, could play it forever. Love every Pete Dye course I have played but this is my favorite. Challenging course but that's what I love to play.

This visit was great as always. From the moment we got to the course until we left, the staff was friendly. Frank, our starter, was extremely accommodating, which was not expected for a course that gets a lot of play.

Course was in great shape considering the desert weather recently.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/16/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, u314160873339! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Larry Jones Playing at the Stadium Course

It's summer in the desert and it was hot but the golf course was in great condition, pace of play was fabulous, the staff went above and beyond to supply us with water and towels. Highly recommended.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/17/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, u650541990! We look forward to seeing you again soon at The Stadium Course at PGA West.

Played On
Reviews 3
3.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

59th Birthday Bash

Very impress course …. The layout keeps you thinking for almost every shot

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/06/2021

Hi, danxcast. 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.

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