photo courtesy of classic club
Where To Play: Classic Club
Why You’ll Fall In Love With It: The Tuscan-inspired clubhouse sets the tone for the Arnold Palmer–designed expanse of golf, which includes more than 5,000 plantings, 30 acres of water, and 7,300 yards of play.
19th Hole: The elegant, on-site Bellatrix Restaurant presents one of the region’s top wine lists and offers signature Prime Rib Thursday dinners.
Details: 75200 Classic Club Blvd., Palm Desert. 760-601-3600; www.classicclubgolf.com
photo courtesy of desert willow golf resort
Where To Play: Desert Willow Golf Resort
Why You’ll Fall In Love With It: Superb course manicuring and stellar desert routing define the Mountain View and Firecliff courses, ideal backdrops for premier play.
19th Hole: Enjoy dinner and drinks on the Lakeview Terrace, overlooking the grounds. On Thursday nights through March 26, take in Desert Willow’s outdoor Music and Dining Under the Stars series, featuring top-notch jazz and classic rock acts and a buffet-style dinner.
Details: 38995 Desert Willow Dr., Palm Desert. 760-346-0015; www.desertwillow.com
photo courtesy of escena golf club
Where To Play: Escena Golf Club
Why You’ll Fall In Love With It: Majestic surroundings frame this expansive oasis, where the course’s top-handicap hole (the 611-yard par-5 first hole) awaits.
19th Hole: The chic midcentury clubhouse offers an American fusion menu, a daily happy hour, and a delectable Sunday brunch for feasting in style. Try a specialty cocktail at sunset out on the patio with views of the towering San Jacinto Mountains for an idyllic after-round toast.
Details: 1100 Clubhouse View Dr., Palm Springs. 760-778-2737; www.escenagolf.com
photo courtesy of indian canyons golf resort
Where To Play: Indian Canyons Golf Resort
Why You’ll Fall In Love With It: Charted among the country’s top courses for ladies, the alluring South Course hosts the most entertaining par-4s in the valley and native Washingtonia filifera palm–framed greens. The diminutive, water-laden, par-4 16th hole has players hand-holding for strategic support.
19th Hole: Skip dinner and take your date for a post-round romantic hike at the nearby Indian Canyons.
Details: 1097 E. Murray Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 760-833-8700; www.indiancanyonsgolf.com
photo courtesy of la quinta Resort & club
Where To Play: La Quinta Resort and Club
Why You’ll Fall In Love With It: The solitude of the Mountain Course’s back nine, which winds through the Santa Rosa Mountains, culminates at the 167-yard, downhill, par-3 16th hole with a beautiful view of the valley below.
19th Hole: A candlelit dinner at on-site Morgan’s in the Desert is the perfect way to celebrate your best swings. Savor farm-to-table delicacies by James Beard Award–winning chef Jimmy Schmidt and toast with a superb wine from the restaurant’s innovative list.
Details: 49499 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta. 760-564-1111; www.laquintaresort.com