Some desert golf courses in Greater Palm Springs prove more amenable for summer play than others.
Namely, I’ll trend toward tracks with more foliage, knowing that the most punishing part of playing under an intense sun comes not from addressing your own ball, but rather waiting for playing partners to hit their ball.
With shade temps approximately 10 to 15 degrees cooler than direct sunlight, here are five recommendations across the desert proper for “Shady Plays”:
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARRIOTT’S SHADOW RIDGE GOLF CLUB
Hole No. 1 at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club in Palm Desert.
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club
9002 Shadow Ridge Road
Palm Desert, 760-674-2700
www.golfshadowridge.com
Indian Canyons Golf Resort – South Course
1097 E. Murray Canyon Dr.
Palm Springs, 760-833-8700
www.indiancanyonsgolf.com
Indian Wells Golf Resort
44-500 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, 760-346-4653
www.indianwellsgolfresort.com
Classic Club
75200 Classic Club Blvd.
Palm Desert, 760-601-3600
www.classicclubgolf.com
Gary Player Signature Course – Westin Mission Hills
70705 Ramon Road
Rancho Mirage, 760-770-2908
www.playmissionhills.com
Woodhaven Country Club
41-555 Woodhaven Dr. East
Palm Desert, 760-345-7636
www.woodhavencc.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLASSIC CLUB
Hole No. 4 at Classic Club in Palm Desert.
A few more tips:
Attire — looser fitting white attire is the best bet for both comfort and reflecting the sun for your body.To get outfitted locally, take a visit to Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis, where you’ll find a several options for sun-protective wear which doesn’t compromise style.
Pete Carlson’s Golf &Tennis, 73-741 Highway 111
Palm Desert, (760) 568-3263
www.petecarlsonsgolf.com
Skin care — The higher the SPF count, the better. Minimum SPF 30 before you start play and again at the turn.
Water — While the vast majority of desert courses are well-outfitted with on-course water coolers, I always make it a point to inquire at the pro shop while checking-in, just to ensure I’m not heading out there ill-prepared, as many courses do limit on-course service in summertime.