Overview
A brand-new par 71 that opened again in December 2025
18 Holes
71 Par
7,122 Yards Cabernet tees
133 Slope Rating 74.1
The December 2025 renovation was comprehensive enough that the Players Course is effectively a new course in an established setting — every green and tee box was rebuilt from scratch, seven holes were added to the routing, and the 17th and 18th were rerouted around the Whitewater Wash to create a closing sequence with the kind of water drama the original lacked. At par 71 and 7,376 yards, the course plays longer than its par suggests, and the new TifEagle Bermuda greens are still in their maturation phase through 2026, meaning they will firm up and quicken as the season progresses. The shared Golfweek Top 20 recognition with the Celebrity Course reflects the property's standing before the renovation; the post-renovation track record is still being written. Tee time ratings and NCRDB slope/rating figures are pre-renovation and should be verified before publishing.
Golfweek Best Courses You Can Play in California — #30 2021
Golfweek Best Municipal Courses in the Country — #3 2008
GOLF Magazine 30 Best Municipal Courses in America — #23 2021
LINKS Magazine Top 10 Municipal Courses in the USA — #6 2022
GolfPass Golfers' Choice — #5 in California 2019
Before You Play
At Indian Wells – Players Course
Caddie's Notes
4 things worth knowing before your round — from tee selection to where to eat when you're done.
01
Course Character & Design
The December 2025 renovation was comprehensive enough that the Players Course is effectively new — every green and tee box rebuilt from scratch, seven holes added, the 9th, 17th, and 18th rerouted, and a complete irrigation system replacement, all for $13.5 million in city funding. John Fought's original 2007 vision is now fully realized at par 71 and 7,376 yards. The Whitewater Wash running through the property gives the closing holes a natural drama that the pre-renovation routing couldn't access.
02
Signature Holes
The rerouted closing stretch — the new 17th and 18th along the Whitewater Wash — is the most significant change and now provides a finishing sequence with genuine tension. The seven new holes integrate seamlessly with the retained routing, and the Eisenhower Mountain views from the elevated tees add the kind of visual drama that the original layout lacked in places.
03
Course Conditions
TifEagle Bermuda greens are brand new as of December 2025 — expect them to be firm, fast, and still maturing into their final character through the first full year. The complete irrigation rebuild means turf conditions should be more consistent than the pre-renovation version. Golfweek ranked the Players Course in California's Top 20 even before the renovation, so expectations are high for the new version.
04
Before You Play
Walking-friendly corridors were part of the renovation design — this is one of the more walkable desert courses in the valley. Full grass range and short game area shared with the Celebrity Course. Kestrel dining applies here too. Green fees of $60–$325 reflect the post-renovation premium at peak season. The 2026 Epson Tour Championship will be an early test of the new layout under tournament conditions.
Course Details
The Essentials
Designer John Fought
Opened 2007
Access Public/muni
Course Type Desert
Walking Walk or ride
Caddies Not available
Greens TifEagle Bermuda
Fairways Bermuda
Short Game Area Yes
Driving Range Grass
Club Rental Available
GPS Carts Included
Golf Trail Palm Desert & Indian Wells
Instruction Available
Dining Kestrel (Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge)
Lodging None
Green Fees $60 – $325
Best Months November-April
Peak Season January-April
Nearest Airport PSP · 20 min
Notable Features
John Fought design originally opened 2007; $13.5M city-funded renovation completed December 2025 added seven new holes, rerouted the 9th, 17th, and 18th, rebuilt every green and tee, and installed a new irrigation system; now par 71 at 7,376 yards; Whitewater Wash runs through the property, giving the closing holes genuine drama; 2024 and 2026 Epson Tour Championship host; walking-friendly corridors throughout, with Eisenhower Mountain views.
Tee Information
Scorecard
| Tee | Gender | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabernet | M | 71 | 7,122 | 74.1 | 133 |
| Blue | M | 71 | 6,601 | 71.7 | 127 |
| Yellow | M | 71 | 6,121 | 69.5 | 122 |
| White | M | 71 | 5,567 | 67 | 116 |
| Silver | M | 71 | 4,944 | 64.2 | 109 |
Ratings and yardages are approximate and may vary by season. Verify with the pro shop before your round.
Photo Gallery
Indian Wells – Players Course in Pictures
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Community Reviews
What Golfers Are Saying
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Getting Here
Location
Indian Wells – Players Course
44500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210
✈ PSP — approx. 20 min Indian Wells
⛳ Indian Wells – Celebrity Course — Less than 1 mile away
FAQ
Common Questions
Yes — a $13.5M renovation was completed in December 2025. Every green and tee box was rebuilt, seven new holes were added, and the 17th and 18th were rerouted around Whitewater Wash. The course is essentially new as of late 2025.
No — NCRDB slope and rating figures currently reflect the pre-renovation layout. Updated ratings have not been published as of early 2026. Verify with the USGA NCRDB or the pro shop before using for handicap purposes.
Yes — ryegrass overseeding runs November through March. The new TifEagle Bermuda greens from the 2025 renovation are still maturing; expect conditions to firm up and improve through the 2026 season.
