PGA WEST (Private) Jack Nicklaus Private Course

Usually we have a great time at all the PGA West courses but Nicklaus is currently a disaster. Not only are the greens either over seeded or some type of fertilizer has torn the up, but the fairways are ground under repair everywhere.

The most disappointing part of this is the staff didn’t give us any prior warning. The other courses has available tee times and are in good condition so it’s odd for them to still put us out and not say anything.

On top of that the starter (who complained that he’s usually on Stadium and not Nicklaus) was really not helpful. We told him it’s our first time and if he had any advice or any favorite holes and he said “not here. I like stadium much more.” Ok, bro well we paid and are literally on the first tee so maybe have some better hospitality. It should be noted that every other staff member was excellent although we would have appreciated a heads up about the course conditions when we checked in and paid.

It’s a really cool course design and asks you to hit a lot of shots (we played from the Blues), but it’s not worth playing until they resolve the conditions issue. Putts from four feet jump off line by 6 inches back and forth , we were laughing.

Extremely disappointed but I trust they’ll get it resolved and move that grumpy starter elsewhere because he’s a vibe killer.

This is the greenest of the PGA West courses, in that it it has the most grass and rough. Greens are undulating and challenging.

Course is always in PERFECT shape. And this is the course that the bighorn sheep hang out at, as the course runs right up against the mountains

If you ever get chance to play the Palmer, you must do it. Very enjoyable.

I really enjoyed my round on the Weiskopf course. It was one of the best rounds I have shot in a long time. I was -1 heading onto the 18th tee and crumbled under the pressure of par. Even though I finished with a 73, I couldn't have been happier with my experience. The layout was fun and had some interesting designs. The first hole with the creek in the middle was a great way to start. The par 5 10th is also a great way to start the backside! Highly recommend this course if you are able to play as it is very fun and it was in great shape.

Full disclosure: I only got to play the front nine and drive most of the holes of the back nine. From what I played and saw, Weiskopf did a good job with what he was handed. As the last of the private courses operating out of the private clubhouse at PGA West, Weiskopf was given the least dramatic site. Most of the holes run through the neighborhood and sit far from the rocky mountains that make the back nine of the Palmer Private course so dramatic. Interestingly, the first hole might be the toughest on the course. A creek splits the fairway, meaning you've got to be at your most accurate best right out of the gate. Since the Weiskopf is the furthest away from the recently renovated clubhouse, make sure you've got everything you need before heading out onto the course. Make sure to save time for lunch or drinks after ward. It's not often you'll get the chance to live like the members do at PGA West.