The Stadium Course at PGA WEST
About
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.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 7300 yards | 75.8 | 148 |
| Black (W) | 72 | 7300 yards | 82.5 | 154 |
| Blue | 72 | 6739 yards | 73.1 | 140 |
| Blue (W) | 72 | 6739 yards | 79.3 | 147 |
| Blue/White | 72 | 6383 yards | 71.2 | 136 |
| Blue/White (W) | 72 | 6383 yards | 77.2 | 142 |
| White | 72 | 6166 yards | 70.2 | 133 |
| White (W) | 72 | 6166 yards | 75.9 | 139 |
| Gold (W) | 72 | 5700 yards | 73.9 | 134 |
| Gold | 72 | 5700 yards | 67.9 | 125 |
| Gold/Red | 72 | 5370 yards | 66.4 | 120 |
| Gold/Red (W) | 72 | 5370 yards | 71.7 | 130 |
| Red (W) | 72 | 5092 yards | 69.9 | 127 |
| Red | 72 | 5092 yards | 65.1 | 115 |
| Silver | 72 | 4084 yards | 60.7 | 103 |
| Silver (W) | 72 | 4084 yards | 64.2 | 114 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black M: 76.0/148 W: 82.3/154 | 445 | 371 | 471 | 192 | 535 | 255 | 346 | 559 | 452 | 3626 | 416 | 617 | 363 | 214 | 389 | 468 | 600 | 168 | 439 | 3674 | 7300 |
| Black/Blue M: 74.6/145 W: 80.6/150 | 382 | 371 | 448 | 170 | 535 | 223 | 346 | 559 | 430 | 3464 | 416 | 591 | 363 | 195 | 389 | 436 | 600 | 146 | 405 | 3541 | 7005 |
| Blue M: 73.4/141 W: 79.1/147 | 382 | 348 | 448 | 170 | 514 | 223 | 309 | 526 | 430 | 3350 | 380 | 591 | 347 | 195 | 372 | 436 | 517 | 146 | 405 | 3389 | 6739 |
| Blue/White M: 71.7/137 W: 77.1/142 | 358 | 348 | 383 | 170 | 514 | 187 | 309 | 526 | 382 | 3177 | 351 | 530 | 347 | 167 | 372 | 404 | 517 | 131 | 387 | 3206 | 6383 |
| White M: 70.6/134 W: 75.8/138 | 358 | 328 | 383 | 151 | 496 | 187 | 295 | 486 | 382 | 3066 | 351 | 530 | 308 | 167 | 348 | 404 | 474 | 131 | 387 | 3100 | 6166 |
| White/Gold M: 69.0/129 W: 74.0/134 | 334 | 328 | 356 | 133 | 496 | 146 | 295 | 486 | 362 | 2936 | 327 | 482 | 308 | 167 | 328 | 367 | 474 | 131 | 318 | 2902 | 5838 |
| Gold M: 68.4/127 W: 73.2/132 | 334 | 320 | 356 | 133 | 460 | 146 | 281 | 471 | 362 | 2863 | 327 | 482 | 287 | 153 | 328 | 367 | 463 | 112 | 318 | 2837 | 5700 |
| Gold/Red M: 66.8/122 W: 71.3/128 | 334 | 320 | 327 | 111 | 437 | 133 | 281 | 429 | 313 | 2685 | 327 | 442 | 287 | 105 | 328 | 338 | 428 | 112 | 318 | 2685 | 5370 |
| Red M: 65.5/118 W: 69.7/125 | 304 | 290 | 327 | 111 | 437 | 133 | 240 | 429 | 313 | 2584 | 294 | 442 | 249 | 105 | 293 | 338 | 428 | 83 | 276 | 2508 | 5092 |
| Red/Silver M: 63.0/111 W: 66.6/118 | 239 | 230 | 262 | 111 | 437 | 112 | 240 | 429 | 231 | 2291 | 237 | 442 | 249 | 105 | 209 | 270 | 428 | 83 | 232 | 2255 | 4546 |
| Silver M: 60.9/106 W: 64.0/112 | 239 | 230 | 262 | 106 | 335 | 112 | 190 | 358 | 231 | 2063 | 237 | 350 | 220 | 94 | 209 | 270 | 343 | 66 | 232 | 2021 | 4084 |
| Handicap | 9 | 15 | 3 | 17 | 7 | 5 | 11 | 13 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 18 | 10 | 12 | 4 | 16 | 14 | 2 | |||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 9 | 5 | 1 | 17 | 7 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 16 | 10 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Available Facilities
Clubhouse, Banquet FacilitiesAvailable Sports
Fitness, TennisReviews
Reviewer Photos
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Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 07/04/2026
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Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 07/04/2026
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Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 07/04/2026
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Photo submitted by AroundtheHorn on 07/04/2026
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Photo submitted by matpdx on 05/28/2026
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Photo submitted by u314163979566 on 05/28/2026
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Photo submitted by u314163979566 on 05/28/2026
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Photo submitted by u314163979566 on 05/28/2026
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Photo submitted by u00000969175 on 03/16/2026
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Photo submitted by u00000969175 on 03/16/2026
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Hole 17, Alcatraz! Photo submitted by Anthony4831484 on 02/16/2026
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Photo submitted by Only1Wade on 02/04/2026
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Photo submitted by u000001545303 on 11/26/2025
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Photo submitted by wangsiyong on 11/18/2025
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Photo submitted by wangsiyong on 11/18/2025
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Photo submitted by wangsiyong on 11/18/2025
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Photo submitted by JGaith3 on 09/21/2025
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Photo submitted by Langstongolf12345 on 07/03/2025
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Photo submitted by davetheref on 04/16/2025
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Photo submitted by chrissyoonn on 01/11/2025
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Photo submitted by captainjto on 09/16/2024
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Photo submitted by dclavergne on 03/26/2024
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Photo submitted by Ster15 on 01/11/2024
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Photo submitted by Ster15 on 01/11/2024
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Just to prove that i was there for real Photo submitted by u314163680578 on 01/04/2024
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Photo submitted by brianmcneely on 12/20/2023
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Photo submitted by ckarta on 11/16/2023
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Photo submitted by RyanYoo on 09/04/2023
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Photo submitted by rtmarett on 04/13/2023
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Photo submitted by David7946689 on 03/10/2023
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Photo submitted by derrickstratman on 12/30/2022
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Photo submitted by dentureguy1 on 12/28/2022
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Par 3 Hole# 13 Photo submitted by Patrick2494966 on 12/28/2022
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The moon coming over the mountains was an added bonus Photo submitted by Denis1turenne on 11/08/2022
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Photo submitted by u314161487788 on 04/28/2022
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Photo submitted by mprice26 on 01/31/2022
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Photo submitted by Bob5227955 on 01/15/2022
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Photo submitted by Bob5227955 on 01/15/2022
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Photo submitted by Bob5227955 on 01/15/2022
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Photo submitted by rdrpops1976 on 05/19/2021
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Photo submitted by hhindman1 on 03/23/2021
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Great Island Green Photo submitted by Rethoghead on 03/10/2021
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Photo submitted by u314161146232 on 01/15/2021
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Photo submitted by u425184049 on 12/29/2020
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Photo submitted by u314160828540 on 09/26/2020
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Photo submitted by elsinoreracer on 09/12/2020
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Photo submitted by gerardo2187051 on 06/18/2020
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Photo submitted by u527637026 on 01/31/2020
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Photo submitted by u929327549 on 01/28/2020
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17th "Alcatraz" Photo submitted by u314159354135 on 01/02/2020
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Keep it left, 300 yard waste area Photo submitted by u314159354135 on 01/02/2020
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Hitting over water often. Photo submitted by u314159354135 on 01/02/2020
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Photo submitted by Stephen1429457 on 12/29/2019
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Photo submitted by Ogle0437 on 11/27/2019
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Photo submitted by Ogle0437 on 11/27/2019
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Pepper on teh 6th Tee Photo submitted by Gremlingolfer on 05/15/2019
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Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/26/2018
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Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/26/2018
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Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/26/2018
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Photo submitted by GREGCGOLFER on 09/26/2018
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 03/13/2018
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 03/13/2018
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 03/13/2018
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Photo submitted by MikeBaileyGolf on 03/13/2018
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Hole # 17 Photo submitted by Jsratike on 12/31/2016
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LOTS OF MOGULS Photo submitted by davidmadden on 04/10/2016
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Photo submitted by Walkitin80 on 04/10/2016
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17th hole Photo submitted by uPKKY6157PK on 04/17/2015
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Alcatraz Photo submitted by Joe9098914 on 07/16/2014
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Island green on #17 Photo submitted by 00maniac on 11/28/2013
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#6 "Amen" 100 yard plus carry over water Photo submitted by alanm0075 on 09/18/2013
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#5 "Double Trouble" Water post tee box and guarding the green plus a double dog leg. Photo submitted by alanm0075 on 09/18/2013
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#7 "Black Hole" water post tee box and guarding the green. Photo submitted by alanm0075 on 09/18/2013
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Photo submitted by djripper on 05/20/2013
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Photo submitted by djripper on 05/20/2013
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Photo submitted by djripper on 05/20/2013
It’s so so
The course has same theme of design over and over, it is tough to play, but not enough variation from hole to hole.
Diabolical Pete Dye
As the title suggests get ready for Dye challenges. You’d have to play this course couple times to manage the course as it’s anything but straightforward. Hardly a flat spot on the course and same for greens. While course in good condition maybe playing with a caddie or a member would be helpful. as extremely important to learn exactly where to land your ball. Would not play this course again.
Hi, kotiza! 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!
Beautiful course but hard bunkers
Had a wonderful time at PGA West Stadium course. Great layout but bunkers are brutal and water everywhere. Pace of play was great. Finished in 4 and 1/2 hours. Nice practice facility. Staff is really nice. Need to come back and try out all the other PGA West courses!!
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.
Didn't Disclose Overseeding
Very disappointed they didn't disclose that they were overseeding and it was cart path only when we booked. That obviously makes things play more slowly. Then the rangers drove and said 'we really need you to speed it up' on about the 4th hole. We had waited for the group in front of us on that and about 5 of the next 6 holes; it really felt oblivious and rude.
Extremely Disappointed
I had a very unsatisfactory experience at PGA West Stadium Course. First, for no readily apparent reason and despite bone-dry desert conditions, the entire course was “cart path only.” This was not disclosed at the time of booking, and was a big problem, as one person in our 3-some was 80 years old and had difficulty with all the walking. If that were not enough, the pace of play was pathetic. We had two foursomes in front of us who looked as though they had never been on a golf course. One guy was barefoot and doing handstands on the green. (Yes, they were drunk) There were zero rangers out and nothing was done to quicken the pace of play. We wound up quitting after 13 holes, at which point we were already 3:40 into our round. At $219 per head this was undoubtedly the single worst value golf experience I’ve ever had. I will not be back.
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.
Memorable! but slow
Our first trip to Palm Springs and this was the first of 4 courses we played. Given the history here I was most excited to play this one. It was a hot afternoon - 103 - but not unbearable, so we were just really excited to play golf. The course is amazing, beautiful views and lots of contours. My wife liked all the flowers and the birds in the water! The only downside is that we should have finished the round but due to slow play ahead of us we had play 17 in the dark (but got a birdie!) and skipped 18 (nice par we said). I can't wait until our next trip to the desert and for sure I will return to the Stadium Course.
This is awesome! Thanks!
Hi! 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. We're sorry if the pace of play was a little long for you. Thank you for playing The Stadium Course at PGA West.
Play it in the cooler months. But great golf experience!
Hot as can be but worth it to play a beautiful and challenging course!
Wow, we are so happy you enjoyed your round, toneyg707! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, loraolsen! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!
Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!
Great course layout
If you get a good deal, go play this course even in 102 degree heat. Good greens, decent fairways for end of summer. Great course layout, challenging but very playable even from the blue tees. Very enjoyable round. For 3-4 times less the price to play Torrey Pines South as a non-resident, PGA West Stadium course wins hands down any day. Want my revenge on the 17th hole next time (ball trickled into water/rocks near the bridge-LoL). But perhaps will give the Jack Nicklaus Tournament course a go first. Will definitely be back.
Thank you for your review, kanha19. 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.
Awesome Challenge!
Great course, in perfect shape. It was challenging, but worth it! Super great experience.
Wow, we are so happy you enjoyed your round! We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Stadium
Given the fact they are about to close for overseeing, the course was still in fairly good shape and the layout is always amazing. My only real complaint is the pace of play. There are two signature par threes that tend to slow play due to length and water hazards. Those holes need to be marshaled better as we had four groups stacked up and then it never got better as we were always two groups on the tee box from that point on. Still a good time. Staff was great.
Great Day,
Didn't play my best today but had a great time anyway , The course was in good shape and the greens ran true, down grain the roll out was a lot,, I will be back and hope I play better then I did today...
Thank you for the 4 star rating! That's golf, we hope you play better next time too!
Still brutal
Tough as nails Stadium course. Summer desert conditions with grass clippings around a few greens that kills the ball. In prime season this is a different track. Still tough but the greens hold approach shots.
Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating. We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing The Stadium Course at PGA West!