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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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
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very Demanding Course

The front nine was pretty tough. I hit into deep bunkers after thinking I’d made a great shot three times and there was no where to drive the cart in and out of the area. Lots of hiking. Back nine was more conventional and more fun despite the big penalties. Conditioning and greens were very good. All in all, a high score but lots of fun.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/23/2020

Hi, u314161003453. 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 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/23/2020

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 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice but should be better for the $$

Had a very nice experience as I was playing with old friends. The range was ok, but a little beat up. It could be the time of year. We were told that we had to share carts due to shortage. Not ideal with Covid. Saw other golfers out a singles so not sure what was up. Course was in pretty good shape, the greens are new and firm, but fast, There were quite a few non-golfers driving around in carts, on bicycles and some were walking the cart paths. Not a god idea. Asked attendant for a wet towel and was told they were not available. I realize this is a huge golf complex, but it seems like some of the employees didn’t care that much.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/17/2020

We apologize for not having the towel available to you, but we're pleased to hear you enjoyed the course.

Played On
Reviews 53
Skill Advanced
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 Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/17/2020

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, KFRyan! 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 30
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Somewhat disappointing

Somewhat disappointed ,

So many of the holes were the same, large dividing sand traps, par three greens surrounded by water. I will not hurry back, to many other more imaginative courses to play.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

First time

We were lucky enough to play with a member. Having never played here his course knowledge was very helpful and made navigating some of Nicklaus design easier.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/17/2020

Thank you for taking the time to review us. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon. PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course thanks you!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/06/2020

Hi, cmandala. We would love to hear more about your 4-star experience on our course. Please tell us what we can do to earn that last star, and thanks for golfing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/06/2020

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 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Staff did not wear masks and were not nice when I asked them to

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 11/04/2020

Hello. Thank you for reviewing the course. Let us first start by apologizing for your experience during your round. This is by no means the standard we strive to achieve. We are going to escalate your feedback to our team so we can make improvements before your next game and we will continue to work towards an excellent experience by using your comment for guidance. Thank you for playing PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

PGA West Nicklaus Stadium Course

Cart Path only rule in effect which was not disclosed when I directly inquired with the course. Made for the round to be way too long. This course is long, wide and challenging to have a cart path only rule. Should have allowed 90 degree.

Putting green was closed which made for difficulty of getting a feel of greens when playing. Impacted the number of strokes.

No water stations and was only provided two bottles of water for two people.

Driving range in good shape and plenty of practice balls.

Pro-shop nice and staff helpful and friendly.

Locker room clean.

Would go back and try again without cart path restrictions

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
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 Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/27/2020

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 274
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Top 100 Contributor
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Without a care

Without a care they suddenly stick a cart path only restriction. That is a big problem for us older folks but what do they care. You should be allowed to drive in the rough to the fairway. It would help

Anyway it was slow play. Just crowded. We were hit into twice without even a fore warning. Just idiots allowed to play.

No matter its a great golf course.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/27/2020

Hi, tripolirt. Let us first say that we are so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. We work hard to create a seamless experience with so you can focus on enjoying yourself and let us do the rest. We also want to thank you for your honest and constructive criticism of the course. Your comments are presented in a way we can incorporate them into actual change. We are going to escalate your review to our team in charge and do everything we can to improve before your next game. Thank you for visiting and playing at PGA West Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/09/2020

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

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/05/2020

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

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

Tough as boots

Great course in great Condition in a magnificent setting. Tough as boots though.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/06/2020

Wow, we are so happy you enjoyed your round, SiCad! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/25/2020

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating, MESMadison! 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
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good layout

Greens rock hard

Greens sandy

Lots of brown grass

Grass in bunkers

Some bunkers rock hard

Really not acceptable for a premier course. Local muni conditions at a premium price.

Desert willows in much better condition.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
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