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
1197 Reviews (1197)
5 Stars
761
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
91.3%
Recommend this course
1058 out of 1197 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
41 Reviews (41)
5 Stars
33
4 Stars
6
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.9
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.9
95.1%
Recommend this course
39 out of 41 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
89 Reviews (89)
5 Stars
60
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
3
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.7
89.9%
Recommend this course
80 out of 89 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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$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
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12 rounds of waived fees
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Reviews

4.5
1197 Reviews (1197)

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 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course in beautiful condition.

Wow! Loved the course, especially thanks to a great GolfNow rate. Challenging but fair. Make sure to check the map in the cart to locate bunkers, there are lots and they can be punishing.

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

KenJ

Every hole changes , no flat lays . Greens are great ! Lots of water ! To enjoy drop down a tee box . Great course play it every year ! Tip Stay out of the sand !!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Xmas treat

The stadium layout is a walk in the clouds... the course is in PGA tournament shape already. Tourney starts in two weeks. Tough course. Keep it on the short stuff and you’ll have a great time.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Tough corse

Had play with my wife, so tough to take route against water and banker which were located so tricky way, but it was so good.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Outstanding Desert Course in Pristine Condition

I have played the Stadium several times and the condition of the course this time was pristine. The course has a great desert layout and takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the mountains. A challenging course for golfer at all levels. Good value for the money

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Somewhat Sanctuary

Great shape

A little slow @ times

Some of the non green grass a little tough on

the shot shape

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 35
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Simply The Best

This is simply my favorite course in the Desert Cities! It is extremely challenging and punishes poor shots, in fact it punishes shots that are pretty good, but now good enough. However when you hit a great shot, it is golf euphoria! Each hole is a classic, with elevated greens, water hazards, sand traps big enough to swallow a car, and even an island green. An added perk are the gray tee boxes with a distance of 4000 yards, which is great for my wife, who is seventy years old and does not hit the ball very far.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 35
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

Fabulous

Beautiful day, beautiful course. This course never disappoints. Very difficult and challenging. However when you make a good shot you feel a great sense of accomplishment. This is my favorite course in the Palm Springs area!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Crazy good

This is a tough track that punishes you for not hitting the shot you had in visualized in your mind. A great day of golf.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Pete dye is an evil genius

Golf is not fair. I’m not going to build a course that is fair. He wasn’t kidding but this is one course you have to play. Excellent conditions and amazing holes have you thinking with mouth agape at every tee. One of the happiest greens keeper is on this course. If you encounter him you will know what I mean. Throw your score card in the back of the card and just enjoy it

One of the friendliest bunch of people I have ever encountered at any course complex

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
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent Early Morning Round

This was my first time playing the stadium course. I enjoyed every minute of it. It was one of the most challenging courses I have ever played and I believe I played better because every shot demanded my attention.

The staff was friendly and helpful, the range was close to the starter so the transition from practice to playing was smooth.

The fairways were immaculate and as expected I didn’t have many flat lies which is what you would expect from Pete Dye. The greens were extremely slow because the course has only been open for less than a week. I am sure they will speed up every day. It also was cart path only today but that didn’t slow us down much at all.

I can’t wait to play it again in the future.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful course!

5 star customer service! Amazing pro shop! Beautiful but tough challenging golf course! Must play if traveling though the desert.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 14
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Stadium Course at PGA West a challenging delight

Got a great deal on Golf Now, played with an engaging couple from the UK. Pace of play was excellent despite cart path only restrictions. Greens are really slow right now because of overseeding. Played the white tees and it still kicked my butt. Good luck keeping it out of the massive bunkers. Pete Dye is a diabolical genius. Would love to give it another shot when greens are at tournament speed!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 16
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Golf Challenge

Good course layout. Course was not busy .... seemed like we had the whole course to ourselves. Pace of play with cart path only was very good. Greens were slow, rough was tough. Course was very playable.

Pro shop staff were very friendly.

Enjoyable day.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Little shaggy, but a lot of fun

Made my annual trek to Palm Springs to try and wrestle this behemoth into submission. Today was the first day open after overseeding. The greens were a little shaggy and slow, but it was still a lot of fun. This is one of the more challenging courses in SoCal. Definitely worth the trip and the price if you like a challenge. I am fortunate to have played this course under “normal” conditions. It’s obviously better around tournament time, but don’t be shy about taking advantage of the discounted tee times this time of year.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Hard course. Enjoyed playing a course with so many challenges. Conditions were good except the greens were fertilized making the ball jump around.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Lightning

Sad you can’t get a rain check after 9 holes because of lightning and rain. Not a good value there. Just wanted to play the back nine....

Conditions Excellent
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
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Best of Indian Wells Package

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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy accommodations at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort, the Tommy Bahama Resort & Spa, the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, or the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa and golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort - Celebrity & Players Courses.

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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PALM SPRINGS, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Indian Canyons – South Course, The Classic Club, Tahquitz Creek – Resort Course, and Tahquitz Creek – Legend Course.
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