PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament
A view of a green with water coming into play at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.6
1173 Reviews (1173)
5 Stars
720
4 Stars
314
3 Stars
92
2 Stars
30
1 Stars
17
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.6
92.4%
Recommend this course
1057 out of 1173 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
58 Reviews (58)
5 Stars
40
4 Stars
14
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.6
93.1%
Recommend this course
54 out of 58 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
91 Reviews (91)
5 Stars
66
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.6
92.3%
Recommend this course
84 out of 91 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
The Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West delivers immaculate tee boxes, true-rolling greens, and first-rate fairways that consistently impress visiting golfers. Friendly staff and outstanding course amenities make this a rewarding and memorable round at exceptional value.

About

Holes 18
Type Public/Resort
Par 72
Length 7204 yards
Slope 143
Rating 75.3

The Golden Bear tests you with tabletop fairways at PGA WEST - Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta.

If your shot's too wild, it's rolling up, often down into the desert. That's just one bit of the showmanship at the Jack Nicklaus Tournament course. This was designed to hold a PGA event, but it's spent its days delivering damage and fun to regular hackers.

Nicklaus particularly tests your short game with his bunkering around the greens. Confidence in your wedge shots is crucial here. Still, it's not as tough and unforgiving as Pete Dye's Stadium Course or even Greg Norman's course.

It's possible to get lost in the scenery at the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course and there's plenty of scenery to go around with the desert brush and the mountains looming in the distance.

No. 15 is probably the most well known - and notorious - hole. Nicknamed "Long Island," it's pretty much that: a daunting 572 yard par five with an island green. The fairway's split, giving you a chance to pick your path. Either way you go, getting onto the green in two is oh but a dream.

"Nicklaus also abundantly uses non-traditional design features throughout the course to give the track its own unique flavor," TravelGolf.com's Jeffrey Rendall said. "In many ways, I don't think I've seen another course quite like it."

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PGA West - Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course
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Course Details

Year Built 1987
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Jack Nicklaus (1987) Rick Jacobson Thomas Pearson (1987)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
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, MC, AMEX, Discover
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required.

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities

Available Sports

Fitness, Tennis

Accolades

  • Golf Advisor: Top Courses in California (2019 #30) (2014 #24)
  • Golf Advisor: Top 25 Off-course amenities in the U.S. (2019 #15)
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Reviews

4.6
1173 Reviews (1173)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 24
Patio Dining 24
19th Hole Scenic Views 18
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 46
Water Hazards 36
Forced Carries 22
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 40
A Weekend Splurge 21
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 15
This Course's Location is:
Worth the Drive 24
At a Resort 15
Convenient to the City 11

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 10
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Excellent course, layout and greenery

Course was challenging but really fun. Bunkers did not have sufficient sand and were tricky to come out of. Overall, the course was in great shape. We played at the end of the day so there was very little wait time.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2022

Thank you for your review, karimmakhani1. We will pass along your positive experience to our team at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/16/2022

Hello, Chilo1542. Thank you for leaving us a review. We are sorry to hear your experience was anything short of 5 stars, but we hope you will give us another try in the future. Thank you for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 12
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/10/2022

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, Mitchconz. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful Course

The course was beautiful! Pace of play was a crawl, there was no Marshall to speed up play. My only other issue, put some sand in the bunkers, yes, I know the difference between waste areas and bunkers, the sand was sparse or non-existent. Loved the place!!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Poor
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/05/2022

Hi, rtmarett. 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 PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/02/2022

Hello, Tim2649419. Thank you for visiting us at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/26/2022

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, barrybishop! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 199
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 100 Contributor
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Very Nice Course

This was our favorite course of the four we played at PGA West. Course is in terrific shape, staff outstanding. Many tough holes and plenty of sand. Just wasn't expecting 100 degrees in April!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2022

Thank you for your review, sinkster. We will pass along your positive experience to our team at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 32
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Tour Challenge

This is a fun and quite challenging layout. It's fun to play where the pros play. The course was in good condition.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/22/2022

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, BoyceLowery. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please visit again soon. Thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Jack's course

The course was in excellent condition. Staff were very friendly, helpful.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/20/2022

Thank you for your review, u423304919. We will pass along your positive experience to our team at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/18/2022

Hi, Outback8. 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. Thank you for playing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 5
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/18/2022

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, lscarpino. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/18/2022

Hi, u415134092. We would love to hear more about your positive experience on our course. Please contact us to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 34
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nicklaus Course at PGA West

The course is in excellent condition. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Ernie’s grill is a good choice for food.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/15/2022

Hi, malinskiw. 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 PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/15/2022

Hi, trishv. We would love to hear more about your positive experience on our course. Please contact us to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Pace of Play Horrid

Well, we played two rounds at PGA West, our first visit. Buddy of mine and me, both decent players. The first day at Stadium was 4:58, not great, but it is the stadium course.

Second day at Nicklaus was awful. We had to leave after 16 as our round was easily going north of 5 hours. The worst part is that slow play seems to be acceptable here.

The marshal's excuse of "people pay lots of money and want to hit from the tips, what can we do" was the lamest thing I have ever heard on a golf course.

Here is what you do. Go to the group in front that is slowing things down and tell them to stop hitting 4 balls off the tee. Move into position or we will give you your money back and you can go home.

Catering to the 5 hour round will drive away a lot of serious players. I can't see us returning here anytime soon.

Love the layouts, staff was nice for the most part, but the pace......ugh.

Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/13/2022

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
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course is great, sand in bunkers in poor condition and rough around fairways not being maintained like in the past

Layout is fantastic but compared to years past the overall maintenance of course has declined, lots of crabgrass and lack of detailed maintenance that use to be norm at PGA west

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/11/2022

Hello, u590590650. Thank you for visiting us at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 34
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

PGA West Nicklaus Course

The course was in good condition. The greens were very good with far fewer ball marks than the typical public course. We had dinner at Ernie’s after the round. It was good food at a reasonable price.

I would recommend this course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/11/2022

Thank you for your review, malinskiw. We will pass along your positive experience to our team at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/11/2022

Hi, bryporter. We would love to hear more about your positive experience on our course. Please contact us to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2022

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Michael3603865! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/25/2022

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Michael3603865! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 28
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good test

Course is in good not great shape. No drinking water on course

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/07/2022

Hi, JeffSpere. 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. Thank you for playing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

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