Go North, Young Man
Shadow Hills Golf Club’s North Course in Indio — sister course to its championship South Course — sports an earnest, 18-hole test of par-3 play, with a host of water features across the 3,000-yard course. shadowhillsgolfclub.com
Young at Heart
Coupled with youth programs and a full driving range, The First Tee of the Coachella Valley in Palm Desert is also home to a 9-hole, par-3 course. Playing at about 1,000 yards, the simple stroll proves perfect for family-style fun while honing the fundamentals. thefirstteecoachellavalley.org
Best Foot Forward
A regal round awaits at the walking-only, Ted Robinson-drawn grounds of Palm Royale Country Club in La Quinta. Holes range from 71 yards up to 174, and the grounds’ sneaky elevation changes and water features will keep all players engaged. palmroyalecc.com
Toss a Pebble
A true compliment to the championship, John Fought-designed Boulder Course, the Pebble Course at Cimarron Golf Resort in Cathedral City proves a fine challenge of lofted iron play across the par-55 card (17 par 3s and one par 4). cimarrongolf.com
Lights, Swing, Action
The valley’s only course lit for evening play, The Lights at Indio Golf Course is reputed as one of the country’s longest par-3 tracks. It challenges the night swinger with three holes playing 200-yards or better, and seven holes distanced at least 180-yards. indiogolf.com