The thermostat isn’t the only thing surging come summertime in the desert. Concurrent to triple-digit temps, opportunities for excellent golf rates and playing pace rise in kind.
“Playing summer golf in the Coachella Valley, golfers are able to take advantage of prices that some folks might not be able to afford to pay during the high season,” says Todd Connelly, general manager at Indian Canyons Golf Resort in Palm Springs. “Customers not only get a discount on rates but also will be playing with not as many people on the course.”
Midday rounds may not be for the timid, but for early risers and sunset-seekers alike, here are but a few reasons to take advantage of the valley’s premier collection of courses this summer.
Lower rates
Across the desert, dramatically reduced rates are in play all summer. Courses such as Connelly’s Indian Canyons drop cost by 60 percent from high season, while mirrored reductions can be found midvalley at Marriott’s Shadow Ridge and at top east-end tracks such as Eagle Falls in Indio and SilverRock Resort in La Quinta.
Avid players are advised to secure summer passes at their favorites courses, while both locals and visitors would be wise to investigate super twilight rates that present big savings combined with a cool-down come sunset.
A faster pace
The valley’s international popularity as a golf nexus precedes itself in the high season months and, yes, the onus of five-hour rounds is to follow. But the dispersal of myriad snowbirds come June presents a more pleasing pace that trends closer to the three-hour mark for the driven player.
Tempting tee times
Summertime presents opportunity to pencil in prime tee times that are unavailable to many in the winter and spring seasons. While super twilights offer enhanced savings, a still-reduced 7 a.m. slot presents the chance to play pre-sizzle and finish before 11 o’clock, leaving the whole afternoon free for the rest of your desert day.