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Beautifully contrasting styles christened at Indian Wells

One of the most recognizable destinations in the Coachella Valley, the Golf Resort at Indian Wells reasserted its position on the golf map last month when it hosted four of the PGA Tour’s top players at the LG Skins Game.

By Southland Golf MagazinePublished: December, 2007


Visit the official website of Indian Wells Golf Resort at www.indianwellsgolfresort.com/southland



One of the most recognizable destinations in the Coachella Valley, the Golf Resort at Indian Wells reasserted its position on the golf map last month when it hosted four of the PGA Tour’s top players at the LG Skins Game.

Now, not only can golfers hit the same shots as the Skins competitors on the Celebrity course, they can also test the limits of their game on the newly opened Players course.

Though their characteristics may differ, the layouts do share one important trait – beauty. Whether it’s the rustic barranca found on the Players or the plethora of flowers adorning holes on the Celebrity, golfers will witness detailed aesthetics throughout the property.

Designed by Clive Clark, the Celebrity course plays 7,050 yards from the tips, but most of the holes are not overly long. It is unique in that it features only two par 5s and par 3s each.

The first par 5, the fourth, is reachable with a good drive over the mounding in the fairway. The second par 5, the 14th, is one of the most scenic holes in the desert. It plays slightly longer than the fourth, but a solid stripe off the tee leaves a manageable approach to the largest green on the course.

Two of the toughest holes on the track immediately follow each of the par 5s. The fifth has an exceptional view, but at 487 yards, it is Celebrity’s longest par 4. The challenge on the par-4 15th is a lake – invisible from the tee – some 330 yards away from the tips.

For the most part, Clark’s Celebrity course does not bombard golfers with difficult situations. One of its aims is to tantalize the senses, as with waterfalls like the one on the par-3 sixth.

John Fought’s Players course, on the other hand, requires consistent execution from golfers seeking to post a good score. At nearly 7,400 yards, it is longer and features deeper bunkers and more green undulations than the Celebrity course.

Those who hit it well off the tee could thrive on the front nine, which features a trio of par 5s. The longest is the ninth, stretching a hearty 626 yards.

The Players layout features many mature trees guarding the fairways, and one hole that uses them to create an imposing tee shot is the par-5 14th. The majestic mountains in the background make it an especially breathtaking hole.

Perhaps the most memorable test on the course is the 491-yard, par-4 18th. Running down the edge of the property, it opens to a fairway guarded by an expansive barranca on the right. The lengthy approach shot to a well bunkered green is difficult, but a good score here would be a satisfying way to finish the round.

Green fees are $130 at either course. The courses are located at 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, just off the 111. For more information, call (760) 346-4653 or visit the official website of Indian Wells Golf Resort at www.indianwellsgolfresort.com/southland