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
1181 Reviews (1181)
5 Stars
726
4 Stars
315
3 Stars
93
2 Stars
30
1 Stars
17
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.6
92.1%
Recommend this course
1064 out of 1181 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
60 Reviews (60)
5 Stars
43
4 Stars
13
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.7
93.3%
Recommend this course
56 out of 60 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
91 Reviews (91)
5 Stars
67
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.3
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.7
StaffFriendliness
4.7
91.2%
Recommend this course
83 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
1181 Reviews (1181)

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 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/03/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, redhard21! 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 1
2.0
First Time Playing

Disappointing

Staff was rude, gave large tip and didn’t even clean clubs. Pace of play was horrendous, had a 10-15 minute wait at every hole. They had no shade or water set up anywhere and it was a 117 degrees out. Drink cart finally came around at the 12th hole. Will never ever play a PGA West course again!

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/02/2021

Hello, u000004719162. 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 7
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Great course, bucket list item checked

I love this course, challenging yet forgiving if you play smart. Like all courses in the desert this time of year the greens are sandy and hard to putt. Definitely play it though, this is arguably my favorite course in the desert.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2021

Hi, Devin9111500. 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 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Fun but challenging!. Friendly staff, great conditions, only wish the tee boxes were cut a little shorter, I would play here again.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/16/2021

Hi, u295730419. 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!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Great price and look

The course is in very good shape and I would play again.

We had a great time and finished the round in 4 hours as a threesome. I recommend as a 16 handicapper and bring your sand game. it is very challenging around the greens.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap Don't know
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/13/2021

Hello, jphill9123. Thank you for visiting us at PGA WEST. We appreciate your 4-star rating. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2021

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us, jampete23. Please comment or reach out to our team in the golf shop to let us know more about your round at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 61
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played

Very good condition

The course is in very good condition. The greens were a little slower but that’s because they can’t cut them to short for the summer. Pace of play was reasonable as it was very hot. It is very nice challenging course. The summer price is reasonable.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/08/2021

Hello, Spyguy7. 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 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Tough but fair

It was my first time playing this course so I struggled a little bit with the positioning of my tee shots. They have a great range and practice area, the staff are friendly, and it was a pleasure to play this course. The next time I play here it will be during the winter when temps aren't in the 100s.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 08/02/2021

Thanks for putting up wit the heat! See you next time!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Fair
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/29/2021

Thank you for reviewing us, dc70122345. We see you rated the course 3-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve before your next round. Feel free to comment on this review or reach out to the team in the golf shop. We always appreciate the feedback. Thank you for playing PGA WEST, and we hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/29/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Bigteetime! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing PGA WEST.

Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, u007305960! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing PGA WEST

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Nice Day for a Round

Greens in great shape. Fairways and tee boxes were a little rough. Don't like the low position of the GPS on the cart. It's blocked out by the steering column and our cups.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/26/2021

Hello, u314160510139. We appreciate the review. You rated us 3-stars which means there is room to improve on your recent experience. Let us know, in the comments, how and where you would like to see changes from the course. Thanks for the feedback!

Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Immaculate

Best fairways in this time of the year green a little slow

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/26/2021

Hello, u000005869493. Thank you for visiting us. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 86
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Top 500 Contributor
Previously Played

Great value

A few bare patches around the edges of the greens, Bunkers kinda suck , But overall the greens are true and its a great layout, 39 bucks is a awesome value.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/21/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, Halo62! 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 86
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 500 Contributor
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Almost a 10

Reason for 5 stars was time of year. July hot as heck the new greens were firm but held well struck shots, They putted really true and fast. Staff was awesome and kinda treated us like heros going out in the late afternoon 110 degrees. only 39 bucks a true steal if u can handle the heat. As a CV resident i appreciate all the staff, Thank you.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/19/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, Halo62! We look forward to seeing you again soon at PGA WEST.

Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good Layout

This was the first time I played this course and I really enjoyed it. The course was tough, but fair. Looking forward to playing it again!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/19/2021

Thank you for taking the time to review us, John4318482. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Good course,

Course was great, staff was great on a hot day delivering water. Some dry patches and greens a little sandy, but overall great condition. Only downside was a 4-some that took an hour break at the turn and was let out on hole 10 as my partner and I were finishing hole 9. So we were stuck behind them for the whole back 9...pretty inconvenient timing.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/12/2021

Hi, u330882399. 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 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/12/2021

Hello, u314161006592. Thank you for visiting us! We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

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