The Stadium Course at PGA WEST

While this course has been billed as the most difficult in America (rating of 75.8 from the Tournament tees), I don't even think it's the most difficult Pete Dye Course. Pound Ridge and French Lick are two that come to mind, but this certainly isn't far behind. Still, the PGA Tour worthy Stadium Course is actually fairly generous off the tee. It's the approaches and bunkers -- both greenside and fairway -- as well as the uneven lies and mounding that can be difficult. Most importantly, this course is memorable, from the long par-3 semi-island green sixth to the bunker 15 feet below on the par-5 16th to the "Alcatraz" island green 17th, the holes out here are most memorable. They're also a lot of fun if you can manage them halfway decently. As a bonus, the practice facilities here are excellent and don't miss out on the clubhouse restaurant, Ernie's. Everything on the menu is terrific, especially the Kobe burgers, and it's in a great atmosphere.

6 hrs to play this course. Marshal did nothing to help speed up the pace. Started at 11:15 finished at 5:15. That’s 1/2 hour per hole. Never had it that slow in 35 years of golf.

Need to play a Pete Dye course every once in a will to see how difficult golf can be.

Course is brutal but in great shape & so beautiful! Love playing Stadium, wish there were better deals

After playing the Nicklaus course in the morning we played the Stadium course in the afternoon. Would believe that the Stadium course edges out as the better course, and this was a super fun and super challenging experience. Hole layouts were really interesting with lots of bunkers and expanding/narrowing fairways. Greens were quite small and required strategic shots to hit; were also very fast. Special thanks to Mark in the pro shop who was very friendly and heled us have a fantastic experience. All around would recommend this great course.

Well worth the time to play this track if you are anywhere near it.

Played the Blues (6739/73.1/140) with Cooper & Al in 4.5 H. Around 90, sunny and calm.

After just having hosted the Career Builder PGA event 2 weeks ago, the course was still in excellent condition.

Most tees were immaculate. Lush and well maintained, only some par 3's needed divot attention.

The fairways were almost perfect. Lush with most divots already repaired.

The dormant Bermuda secondary rough had not been over seeded and was more hit and miss. The over seeded primary rough was thick and lush. The rough around the greens is thick, tough to get it up/down out of thick rough right beside firm/quick greens.

The plentiful sand traps were decently maintained with good quality sand that was thick. The fairway traps were firm and good to play from. Green side traps were more hit/miss, 2 were very good, 1 was thin.

The firm greens putted nice. Medium fast, very consistent and smooth.

The customer service was top notch as usual here. quick efficient check in, helpful starter. cart gal around numerous times. Challenging layout and the conditions were excellent. Definitely recommended.

The stadium course is special. Very difficult course where one bad shot can cost you 3/4 strokes. Everyone should play this course once. Bucket list course.

This course is a gem. It is unique in that there is a sharp demarcation between the green grass and the brown grass. Greens were just right. Played it 2 weeks before a PGA event. Hence the rough was a little taller than usual.

Overall experience was very good. Staff very friendly and helpful. Easy access to anything I need. Course layout was amazing. Conditions few weeks before the PGA event perfect

Many good reviews on this site. I’ve played this course 3 times. This is a beautiful course, great amenities, wonderful staff, always good conditions. Good pace of play. It’s reallybhard to find much negative to say about this course and facilities. That said it is a very challenging golf course. If you’re a bogey golfer golfer I would strongly suggest you play from the White tees... and even then don’t be disappointed if you have a tough day on the course. It’s a great test of skill even for low handicap players.

Great Pete Dye layout where strategy and precise iron play are key to score well. Should be on every golfer’s bucket list...but only recommended IMHO for players with handicap 20 or less. Very few things in golf beat the tee shot on 17th!