Indian Wells Golf Resort - Celebrity

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The Perfect 3-Day Palm Springs Golf Itinerary (Featuring Indian Wells Golf Resort)

Planning a golf trip to Palm Springs? Good choice. The Coachella Valley has more than 100 golf courses, warm weather year-round, and plenty of great food and resorts. We’ve built a 3-day itinerary that highlights the best golf and experiences in the area — with Indian Wells Golf Resort as the centerpiece.

3 Day Overview

  • Day 1: Arrive, check in, play a warm-up round or hit the range.
  • Day 2: Play 18 at Indian Wells Golf Resort (Celebrity or Players Course), enjoy lunch at Kestrel – a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge, and relax at the spa.
  • Day 3: Play a second round nearby or return to Indian Wells, explore Palm Springs attractions like BMW Performance Center and The Living Desert Zoo.
  • Stay nearby at Tommy Bahama Miramonte, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, or Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, all within walking distance to the golf resort.
  • Book early — Indian Wells is one of only two 36-hole facilities in California with both courses ranked in Golfweek’s “Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play.”

Where to Stay

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Courtyard

 

Choosing the right home base makes your trip easier. All three options are within walking distance of Indian Wells Golf Resort, so you can maximize your time on the course without worrying about long drives:

  • Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa – Tropical-inspired rooms, lush grounds, and a full-service spa. Walk to the resort and practice facilities in minutes.
  • Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas – Modern luxury with spacious rooms and villas, multiple pools, and fine dining. Just a short stroll to the golf resort, making it convenient to get to your tee time.
  • Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa – Luxury resort with a massive pool, cabanas, and upscale dining. Conveniently located so you can walk directly to the course.

Day 1: Arrival and Warm-Up

Indian Wells Golf Resort
  • Check in at your chosen walking-distance resort and get settled.
  • Practice at the range – Indian Wells Golf Resort has a full practice facility.
  • Warm-up round – Play the Celebrity Course for a forgiving first round.
  • Evening option: Head downtown for dinner. Birba is great for pizza and drinks, or try Workshop Kitchen for a more elevated experience.

Day 2: Championship Golf at Indian Wells + Kestrel Dining Experience

Kestrel a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

This is your main golf day. Indian Wells Golf Resort is the star. Both its Celebrity and Players Courses are ranked in the Top 20 “Best Courses You Can Play” in California by Golfweek — the only 36-hole facility in California with that distinction.

Morning

  • Play 18 on either the Players or Celebrity course.

Afternoon

🍽️ Kestrel – a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

Image Recommendation: Kestrel dining room or patio with golf views + portrait of Richard Blais

Chef Richard Blais is a James Beard-nominated restaurateur and Top Chef: All-Stars winner. His menu blends inventive California-inspired dishes with shareable small plates and craft cocktails — perfect for a mid-round reset or post-round celebration.

  • Relax at the spa – After your round and lunch, enjoy a treatment at your walking-distance resort spa. Tommy Bahama Miramonte, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, and Renaissance Esmeralda all offer full-service spa options to recharge for the evening.

Evening

  • Book Shots in the Night, Indian Wells’ after-dark putting experience with music and lights.

Day 3: One More Round + Palm Springs Experiences

Classic Club

Golf trips to the Coachella Valley generate nearly $750 million in spending annually, and there’s plenty to fill your third day beyond golf.

Booking Your Trip

Image Recommendation: Call-to-action banner featuring golfers on the green or enjoying cocktails at Kestrel

Golf travelers typically stay about 3.3 days in Palm Springs. Reserve your tee times first, then add lodging, dining, spa, and experiences like BMW Performance Center and The Living Desert Zoo to build the perfect itinerary.

 

Scottsdale vs Palm Springs Golf Trip: Which Desert Delivers the Better Golf Vacation?

TLDR / Key Summary:

  • Palm Springs offers the same elite-level golf as Scottsdale, without the crowds.
  • Winter weather in Palm Springs is ideal—less wind, warmer mornings, and more consistent sun.
  • Indian Wells Golf Resort has 36 championship holes and award-winning amenities.
  • Scottsdale is more expensive during peak season and can feel overbuilt.
  • Palm Springs offers easier access, relaxed vibes, and iconic desert golf layouts.

–

Here’s the thing:

If you’re deciding between Scottsdale and Palm Springs for a golf trip, you’re already on the right track. Both are legendary desert golf destinations. Both offer year-round sun, dramatic scenery, and some of the most recognized courses in the country.

But if you’re looking for a more relaxed, accessible, and less-crowded golf trip, Palm Springs may quietly be the better call.

Let’s break down the details so you can book your trip with confidence.

Golf Course Quality & Variety

Scottsdale:

  • Over 200 courses in the greater Phoenix area.
  • Iconic courses like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, and Grayhawk.
  • Expect higher green fees during peak season (Jan–April).
  • Tee times can be tough to get unless booked well in advance.
  • Many desert target-style courses—stunning but can be punishing.

Palm Springs:

  • Around 120 courses in the Coachella Valley.
  • Legendary spots like PGA West, Desert Willow, and of course, Indian Wells Golf Resort.
  • More player-friendly layouts with generous fairways and lush conditions.
  • Tee time availability is better, and pace of play is often smoother.
  • Indian Wells features 36 holes of championship golf (Celebrity and Players Courses), both ranked among the top public courses in California.

Verdict: Scottsdale has volume. Palm Springs has variety without the chaos. If you want high-end golf without fighting for every tee time, Palm Springs is the move.

Weather: Winter vs Summer Conditions

Let’s talk seasons.

Winter (Nov–March):

  • Palm Springs: 70s–80s, low humidity, very little rain. Mornings warm up fast. Ideal golf weather.
  • Scottsdale: Also sunny, but chillier mornings and more wind. Temps can dip into the 40s overnight.

Summer (June–August):

  • Both get hot: Triple digits hot.
  • Scottsdale has more monsoon activity (afternoon storms and humidity spikes).
  • Palm Springs is dry heat, more predictable, and still playable in early mornings.

Shoulder Seasons (April–May, Sept–Oct):

  • Palm Springs tends to cool off earlier in the fall and stay mild longer in spring.
  • Less wind and more daylight in Palm Springs gives you longer golf windows.

Verdict: Palm Springs wins in the winter—hands down. You’re booking a golf trip to escape bad weather, not freeze on the tee box waiting for the sun to come up.

Cost of Travel, Lodging & Tee Times

Scottsdale:

  • Flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor are frequent and affordable.
  • Resorts can be pricey during spring training and high season.
  • Premium tee times can run $250–$400+.

Palm Springs:

  • Flights into PSP (Palm Springs International) are increasing every year, with more direct routes.
  • Boutique resorts and golf-specific stay-and-play packages offer better value.
  • Indian Wells Golf Resort packages often include multi-round discounts, free replays, and resort perks.

Verdict: If you want a top-tier golf trip without dropping $2,000 per player, Palm Springs offers more bang for your buck, especially if you plan it smart.

Vibe & Off-Course Experience

Scottsdale:

  • Known for nightlife, bachelor parties, and packed restaurants.
  • Lots of energy and development—it’s a golf trip with a side of Vegas.

Palm Springs:

  • More relaxed, artistic, and scenic.
  • Great restaurants, mid-century charm, local shops, and spa resorts.
  • Less traffic. Easier to get around. Perfect for decompressing after 18 holes.

Verdict: Depends on your crew. If you’re 25 and chasing shots, Scottsdale might be for you. But for couples, friends, or a legit golf-first group, Palm Springs brings a better overall balance.

Why Indian Wells Golf Resort Should Be Your Base

Here’s where it all comes together.

Indian Wells is:

  • Home to 36 championship holes: the Players Course and the Celebrity Course.
  • Known for immaculate conditions, dramatic backdrops, and tournament-quality layouts.
  • A short drive from Palm Springs airport and walkable from several top resorts.
  • Equipped with lights for Glow Golf at night, an unbeatable post-round experience.
  • Regularly ranked as one of the best public golf resorts in the country.

When golfers pick Palm Springs, this is the spot they come to play. It’s the perfect home base for your trip, with access to nearby courses like Desert Willow, PGA West, and Classic Club if you want to mix it up.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still torn between Scottsdale and Palm Springs, ask yourself:

  • Do I want packed tee sheets or more room to play?
  • Do I want cold mornings or perfect 75-degree days in January?
  • Do I want a party scene or a true golf trip?

Scottsdale is loud. Palm Springs is legendary.

And Indian Wells Golf Resort is at the heart of it all.

Book Your Trip Now

If you’re ready to experience what Palm Springs has to offer, start with the best. Check out our golf packages or reserve your tee time today.

Your desert golf getaway is one click away.

Why Indian Wells Golf Resort Is the Best Golf Course in Palm Springs for Tee Times

If you’re searching for the ultimate tee-time experience near Palm Springs, look no further than Indian Wells Golf Resort. Here’s why this premier 36-hole facility stands out – and how you can easily book your next round at the best rates.

1. Two World-Class, Award-Winning Courses

Indian Wells Golf Resort features two championship-caliber 18-hole courses: the Clive Clark–designed Celebrity Course and the John Fought–designed Players Course. Both courses have earned top rankings, including placements in Golfweek’s Top 25 Best Municipal Courses in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic round or a challenging game, these courses deliver, offering stunning views of the desert, water features, and surrounding mountains.

2. Seamless Tee Time Booking

Booking a tee time is quick and easy through the resort’s website. Use the Book Tee Time page to view availability, lock in preferred times, and access the best pricing options. Whether planning a solo outing or group golf trip, everything is optimized for convenience.

3. Elevated Clubhouse & Resort Amenities

The 53,000 square-foot clubhouse offers a full-service golf shop, equipment rentals, and event spaces. Don’t miss unique experiences like “Shots in the Night,” a glow golf attraction perfect for nighttime fun.

4. Upscale Dining at Kestrel by Richard Blais

New to the resort is Kestrel, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge. This California-modern restaurant brings a fresh twist to American cuisine, thanks to celebrity chef and TV personality Richard Blais.

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, dry-aged steaks, and innovative dishes inspired by the Coachella Valley. The terrace seating offers stunning views of the golf course and nearby mountains – perfect for a post-round meal or sunset dinner.

5. Prime Location in Coachella Valley

Located just a short drive from Palm Springs International Airport, Indian Wells Golf Resort is at the center of it all. Surrounded by luxury accommodations and desert attractions, it’s the perfect home base for golf vacations and special events alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indian Wells Golf Resort the best golf course in Palm Springs?

Indian Wells offers two award-winning courses, luxury amenities, and a top-tier restaurant. The combination of quality play and service sets it apart.

Can I book tee times online at Indian Wells Golf Resort?

Yes, you can book directly through the resort’s Book Tee Time page for instant access to available slots and best pricing.

What amenities are available at the Indian Wells Golf Resort clubhouse?

The clubhouse features a pro shop, rental services, golf academy, event spaces, and unique experiences like glow-in-the-dark golf.

Is there a restaurant at Indian Wells Golf Resort?

Yes. Kestrel, a Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge, offers upscale California cuisine and stunning desert views. It’s located on-site at the resort.

Where is Indian Wells Golf Resort located?

The resort is in Indian Wells, California – right in the heart of Coachella Valley and minutes from Palm Springs.

Does Indian Wells Golf Resort host group events or tournaments?

Yes, the resort frequently hosts corporate events, group outings, and golf tournaments. Use the contact Us page for more information.

Ready to tee off? Book your tee time today and experience the best golf in Palm Springs at Indian Wells Golf Resort.

Questions? Reach out through the contact Us page and our team will be happy to help.

Valentine’s Day Dinner in Kestrel

Romantic Valentine’s Day dinner setup at Kestrel, located at Indian Wells Golf Resort, a premier Palm Springs golf resort.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Kestrel!

Enjoy our special, limited 3-Course prix-fixe menu on
Friday, February 14th, reservations starting at 5pm – 8pm.

$95 per person

Make your reservation today!

3 – Course Prix-Fixe Menu:

Amuse:

Wild Mushroom Tartlet
goat cheese, nasturtium 

First Course:

Ahi Tuna Arepa
avocado & mango yolk 

Beet Salad
endive, pear, goat cheese, candied hazelnut & grated horseradish 

Butternut Squash Soup
chorizo, pomegranate & lime crema 

Main Entrée: 

Butter Basted Chilean Sea Bass
coconut rice, bok choy, ginger tomato butter & lemongrass 

Moroccan Style Vegetable Tagine
harissa & preserved lemon 

Double Cut Pork Chop
fried & shaved brussels sprouts, parsnip purée & cider butter 

Brandt Beef Filet
truffle potato purée, agave glazed carrots & red wine pour over 
(add lobster tail $16)

Bluefin Tuna
sorrel niçoise, lemon thyme vin blanc

Dessert:

Layered Chocolate Cake
luxardo cherries, syrup & whipped cream

Red Velvet Cheesecake
fresh berries & whipped cream

Reservations, 760.346.4653