Indian Canyons Golf Courses - Palm Springs, California

- The Indian Canyons Golf Courses - both North and South - are well worth the trip to Palm Springs in Southern California, and if you’re in the neighborhood you should definitely check them both out.  The North Course alone can boast that it was host to the Frank Sinatra Golf Invitational for many years, and both courses truly have something to offer for everyone.

Here we get the low-down on these terrific courses from the golf pro at Indian Canyons, Steve Adams.


iGolf.com: Is the wind a factor when playing, and does it affect playing conditions on the whole course or on specific holes?

Steve Adams: We are known in our market as the “wind free” courses.  We are surrounded on three sides that shield us from prevailing winds.  When the rest of the valley is 20-25 MPH we have gentle breezes or no wind at all. This is true for both golf courses.

iGolf.com: Is the terrain undulating or flat; are the fairways narrow or wide, with special mention on how to negotiate the holes?

Steve Adams:  The terrain on the North Course (built in 1962) is relatively flat.  All greens and tees are elevated.  On the South Course (new in 2004) there is a lot of terrain change.  Both courses have great vistas of the mountains on three sides, and include lakes on many holes.

iGolf.com: What kind of hazards surround the courses; i.e. sand bunkers, grass bunkers, lakes, streams, gullies, ravines, and do they come into play?

Steve Adams: The North Course is very wide open, and there are neighboring homes on many holes, but they are all set back and shielded by mature trees.  The South Course has no homes along its fairways, except for a small area on the extreme southern edge.

iGolf.com: Sounds good.  What are the green conditions? Are they flat, two-tiered, small or large, easy or difficult pin placement; does a golfer get an excellent break on the greens?

Steve Adams: The greens themselves on the North Course are very large, larger than most courses in fact, and some are flat, but most of them have large undulations that require large amounts of break.  The greens on the South Course are about half the size of the North, with slight to large breaks throughout.

iGolf.com: Do you have recommendations on how a golfer should tackle the course their first time out?

Steve Adams: Yes I do.  Putting is critical on both courses.  Our green speeds range from 8.5 – 10.5, so this level of speed requires good judgment on the amount of break.  All the holes on the North allow the golfer to run up the approach shot, while many of the holes on the South require you to carry your shot to the green.

iGolf.com: That’s good to know.  Is there somewhere we can find a hole-by-hole description?

Steve Adams: We do not have a hole by hole description as such, but our website provides the layout of both courses, and vistas of the views from both courses.

iGolf.com: What about a signature hole?  Do you have one?

Steve Adams: No specific signature hole has been designated, but many of the holes on both courses provide wonderful vistas, with lake and mountain views.   

iGolf.com: Okay.  Have any stars/celebrities played the courses?

Steve Adams: Yes indeed.  Many stars have played on the North and South Courses.  The North Course was host to the Frank Sinatra Golf Invitational for many years.  We have even provided calendar and catalog shots for several companies as recently as this year.

iGolf.com: That’s impressive.  What facilities are available?

Steve Adams: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily from one or both of our clubhouses.  Complete golf shop merchandise, driving range, and additional practice facilities for chipping, putting and sand play are available.  Peak season for us is November 1st – June 1st.  Off season is June – October.

iGolf.com: And finally, we’d love to know about any outstanding golf packages offered as well as the green fees for visitors/guests.

Steve Adams: We partner with both the Spa Casino in Palm Springs and the Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Desert.  Stay and play packages range from $119 for 1 night and 1 round of golf.  Guest rates during the summer are $50 and $60.  We currently have a special for both courses: $30 on the South, and 2 for 1 on the North at $30 each.

iGolf.com: Thanks Steve! 


If you go to Palm Springs several charming boutique hotels as well as large resorts are available in the area. For more information contact www.visitPalmSprings.com. For more information on boutique hotels themselves, see www.VisitPalmSpringsInns.com. In addition to stunning golf courses, Palm Springs offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities. Soar to the top of Mount San Jacinto on the world famous Palm Springs Ariel Tramway. Shop the many boutiques and galleries located uptown and downtown, hike scenic trails in the Indian Canyons, tour celebrity and mid-century homes, stroll through art and cultural museums or simply relax by the sparkling pools. Palm Springs also has a collection of over 70 historic boutique inns, romantic bed and breakfasts and secluded retreats.