As the desert's off-season hits full swing, local and vacationing golfers should know that prime prices abound across valley courses.
Sure, there's a summer mix of sizzle to couple with your swing, but with the wealth of opportunities to play at reduced green fees, the deal-seeking player can enjoy a serious cool-down on the checkbook.
And no need to go price-hunting. After thorough digging across regional pubs, detailed scrolling upon golf websites and ample conversations with local contacts – I've got 10 summer Coachella Valley golf deals that should be a part of your tee sheet.
Listed in alphabetical order; single-round rates are current as of June 10 and are subject to change – especially the online references herein, which alter on a regular basis.
Desert Falls Country Club
I've long counted this Palm Desert track among the most underrated in the desert. While many courses of its era and style trend toward an easier (or, at least shorter) card, this baby has some real teeth. And for a $36 round ($29 after noon), you should explore the test.
photo courtesy of Desert Willow golf resort
Desert Willow's “Summer V.I.P. Card” sports a Sunset rate of just $25.
Desert Willow Golf Resort
At a cost of $49 for Palm Desert residents and $79 for non-residents, Desert Willow's "Summer VIP Card" presents a host of benefits valid through Sept. 20. On-course VIP deals include: $35 play from Open to 8:55 a.m. and a $25 rate for Sunset, starting at 2 p.m.
Heritage Palms
Full candor: I've played this east-end course just once, but have fond memories of the round . . . and not just because I broke 80 for the first time. What I also recall is some of the most spectacular bunker sand I've ever played. For summer, check out their Progressive Discount, which dilutes rates by $5 per round and gives the sixth round for free.
JW Marriott Desert Springs
Via one website's "Hot Deals" section, I found a day-of rate reduction of 91 percent! Yup, that's a round (with cart) at the Valley Course for just $14.
Marriott's Shadow Ridge
For a one-time fee of $149, the "Summer Access Pass" at Shadow Ridge is accompanied by a cache of perks, highlighted by a green fee of just $25 per round through October. The deal may be well-coupled with their year-round "Kids Golf 4-Free" deal, which allows linkers 15-years-old and younger to play gratis anytime after 3 p.m. when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Mountain Vista Golf Club at Sun City Palm Desert
This is where I generally duel when the Old Man is in town. Come the sizzle, twilight starts at 10 a.m., with play on either of the two courses just $27.
photo courtesy of pga west
Ready to golf where the pros will play for January’s CareerBuilder Challenge? Then check out the prime replay rates at PGA West this summer.
PGA West and La Quinta Resort & Club
At the "Home of Western Golf in America," summertime offers a prime opportunity to play multiple courses across the sister properties. Looking for 36 holes? After a round, a player can enjoy a replay at any of the five publics at these seriously reduced rates: $49 at the Stadium, $39 at the Mountain, Nicklaus and Norman; $29 at the Dunes.
Shadow Mountain Golf Club
Another of my favorite desert sleeper plays, Shadow Mountain sports a number of summer deals, highlighted by a Sunday 2-for-1 special for $45.
Westin Mission Hills
Searching online, I located a late-morning green fee of just $15 at either the Gary Player or Pete Dye Course; that's a reduced rate of 87 percent.
Woodhaven Country Club
Among the valley's wide host of 1970s and '80s community-style courses, this counts among my favorites. At $12 for a midday round (located online; the rack rate is more), it may find its way onto your list as well.
Judd Spicer is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America. Have a golf tip or golf story idea to share? E-mail Judd: [email protected].
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See Judd's previous posts under Life on the Links.
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