PGA WEST Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course

This course is one of the best! Looking forward to playing g it again!

This was my first time at PGA West although I have seen the courses on TV. We chose the Nicklas course which was way better than we had hoped. Even driving in to the clubhouse was beautiful. Service was outstanding and the amenities were fabulous. The course was amazing, pleasing and straight-forward to the eye but requiring a keen eye and knowledge of your game to negotiate successfully. A great challenge as well as a beautiful setting. Highly rwcommend.

Practice range:

- Not enough green grass to hit off. Need to move ropes throughout the day.

- Hitting slots too crammed together. Need to be spaced out a little more. Gets pretty busy as it serves the Stadium course too.

Pace of play:

- 10 minute delay to start

- 5+ hour round

- No Marshall

Course:

- Layout is awkward requiring strange back and forth through the golf community.

- Signage is poor in a couple of spots

- Every single hole/fairway surrounded by homes

- Fairways relatively narrow requiring fairly straight shot (or OB in someone’s house).

- Massive long and deep bunkers on every hole (both in fairways and around greens).

- Most of the greens narrow and/or elevated and require extreme precision approach shots.

- Greens speed medium

- A few challenging water holes

Overall impression:

- I think these courses (stadium and Niklaus) are very popular due to the yearly PGA Tour event. Everyone wants to play where the pros play. However, the course is too difficult for most golfers, especially if it’s your first time. That’s probably why rounds are too slow.

- In terms of beauty or uniqueness, I didn’t find it to be anything special. It actually felt contrived. My least favorite course out of 6 others I tried on this trip.

Great course, immaculate playing conditions, lots of room off the tees. Played in 4.75 hours, play really slowed down after the first 6 holes but was still a good time. Probably my only complaint was the traps, not normal sand and it is a very thin layer., so no explosion shots can be played.

Good value for an afternoon of challenging golf. I am a senior 18 handicap and bit off more than I could handle on the white tees. Would recommend the shorter tees for seniors if you want to enjoy the round. Staff and facilities are top notch, providing a friendly environment. Your fault if you don’t enjoy the hospitality.

I have played this course multiple times and the course is always very challenging and very fair. It is very rewarding to make a par on this course. I look forward to the next time I get to play it.

My experience with the server Mark B at the desk counter in the Pro Shop was less than desirable. He charged $219 to my credit card and I told him I had a GolfNow special promotion rate and to check in the system. He said I made the reservation directly with PGA West, which I did not. My GolfNow confirmation number 322902258 reflected a Special Promotion rate of $179 vrs PGA invoice 632038 rate of $219, a difference of $40. Rather than argue, I simply signed the invoice and walked away feeling a little disappointed with the experience. While it may be only $40, it’s a matter of principle. Notwithstanding, the course conditions were ideal, good pace of place, other staff very friendly and to that, I could only reflect a 3 star overall rating. Who knows, maybe a $40 credit could be extended, I doubt so.

The entire Coachella Valley was hit with heavy rains on Feb 14, 2019 but the course drained well and was in great condition. Tee boxes were well maintained. Good distinction between the fairway and rough. Challenging for all levels (I’m a 12 handicap). And greens rolled at about 9-10. Super great staff.

They treat you like a king (or queen)

The course is immaculate, challenging and beautiful. A true desert style - what more could you want?!

It is very clear that this course is an early Nicklaus design geared to low handicap golfers. For the average to high handicap golfers it is simply too difficult. Every hole ladened with deep sand traps and steep fall out areas around the fairway. Every green is protected by sand traps which forces a high entry shot to greens which will hold the entry shot..Good golfers would love the challenge but average to high handicap participants I would avoid this course..

Favourite course i have played , everything about this track was fun, it makes you focus on each shot because if you don’t, you are penalized for it.

Nice conditions

But jack put too many moguls

& sand traps on this thing

Fair challenge

Prefer Stadium

Worth $120 in winter

Like the starters