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
94 Reviews (94)
5 Stars
68
4 Stars
19
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.7
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.6
91.5%
Recommend this course
86 out of 94 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 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Felt like I was on the tour for the day

What a great experience! Felt awesome to be out there on one of Jack’s courses. The facilities are pristine. The fairways and greens were in excellent shape, and I have to (sadly) report that the bunkers were in great shape too. Can’t wait to play it again some day!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Hi, We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you on the course soon for another 5-star experience!

Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Desert golf at finest

Challenging and fun. Have played this course 4 times and this time was the most dry conditions yet. Awesome designed holes, could use more water on greens so they hold approach shots better. Played in about 3 1/2 hours as a twosome. Weather was perfect.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Hello and thank you for your 4-star rating! 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 22
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Always a Challenge

This is a great course that has plenty of challenges. Most all fairways as well as greens are elevated. Trouble is usually short. Greens ran true with speed picking up at 9am. Great day.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/23/2021

Thank you for your review. 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 7
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Thank you for reviewing us, u434833403. 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 and we hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Conditions

Most everything was great! The condition of the bunkers was terrible.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Thanks for the feedback! We'll work on those bunkers.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

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

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/24/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, u314161208769! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing us!

Played On
Reviews 39
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once 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 Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! 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 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Disappointing.

For pga west, you should expect pristine conditions, especially during high season. The greens were not as smooth as they should be. There were too many areas of brown and unmaintained grass. I realize that all cannot be over seeded but in common playable areas it should be. The bunkers are muni course level. They should be ashamed of themselves for the rates they charge with what they are delivering.

Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/24/2021

Hi there! We're really sorry the conditions weren't up to our normally high standard, The Greg Norman course is very special to us and you must have caught it during an off moment. Please reach out to Brian at 760-564-3976, he would like to further explain. We really would like to see you again here at The Greg Norman Course.

Played On
Reviews 2
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 03/18/2021

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, U000005586985! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon!

Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/18/2021

Hi, awolan11. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you on the course soon for another 5-star experience!

Played On
Reviews 27
Handicap 10-14
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
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

We're glad you enjoyed your 5-star experience with us. 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 3
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Absolutely Stunning

The course was in immaculate condition. Staff was super friendly!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Hello, we want to hear more about your experience with us! We look forward to seeing you again soon at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Cold weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/18/2021

Hi, u314161202739. 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 2
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 04/05/2021

Hi, We would love to hear more about your positive experience with our course. Please contact us at (800) 742-9378 to share with us your favorite part of your experience. Thanks for golfing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The best

It doesn’t get any better. From the employees to the condition of the course. I can’t wait to go back.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Thanks so much for the great review. We look forward to welcoming you back to our course soon. Thanks for choosing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 11
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great Course

The staff and course are both excellent! We went back for a second day and enjoyed it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2021

Hi, We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We look forward to seeing you on the course soon for another 5-star experience!

Played On
Reviews 1
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

Fun but challenging course

Great test of golf in perfect winter conditions. Truly enjoyable day!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2021

Hello, wlazzeri. We appreciate you leaving a review and rating us 5 stars. We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed the pristine course conditions. We work hard to provide an exceptional experience, and it's very satisfying to hear from golfers like you who appreciate our efforts. We will inform the entire team so they know their hard work is paying off. We look forward to having you back PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Used cart

PGA WEST TOURNAMENT Course

A severe test of golf.> Position in the fairway is the key to playing this course well. The greens were hard and fast. Difficult to hold the ball on the green and usually one shot lost as your were in a bunker or grassy depression if off the green.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2021

Wow! We are so happy you enjoyed your round, u000001316737! We look forward to seeing you again soon at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 03/08/2021

u422733781, we want to hear more about your experience with us! Please call us at (800) 742-9378. We look forward to seeing you again soon at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

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