Overview
American Express co-host built around one iconic island par-5
18 Holes
72 Par
7,204 Yards Black tees
143 Slope Rating 75.3
Jack Nicklaus designed the Tournament Course in 1987 with The American Express in mind, and the course has played host to the event alongside the Stadium Course ever since — which means conditioning is maintained to a standard that most resort courses see only during occasional pro-am weeks. The strategic bunkering throughout reflects Nicklaus's own playing philosophy: identifying the correct side of the fairway off the tee and the correct quadrant of the green on approach produce better outcomes than power alone. Hole 15 'Long Island' is the course's visual and strategic centerpiece — 572 yards to a full island green demands either a courageous two or a precise lay-up, and the wrong read of which is appropriate produces the kind of result that tournament scoring is built on. At 7,204 yards with a 143 slope, the course plays at the upper end of the resort difficulty range. The PGA West Golf Academy is shared across all five courses.
Golfweek Best Courses You Can Play in California — #22 2024
Golfweek Top 200 Resort Courses — #134 2024
Golf Digest California's 10 Best Public Courses 2005
PGA Tour Co-Host Course, The American Express 2020–26
Before You Play
At PGA West – Nicklaus Tournament
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
Jack Nicklaus designed the Tournament Course in 1987 specifically as a co-host for The American Express PGA Tour event, and it has served that role alongside the Stadium Course ever since. The conditioning implications are significant — this course is maintained to tournament standards annually, which means the greens, bunkers, and fairway definition you encounter are at a level that most resort courses simply don't sustain year-round. The strategic bunkering throughout demands course management over power.
02
Signature Holes
Hole 15, 'Long Island,' is the headliner — a 572-yard par-5 playing to a full island green that ranks among the most photographed holes in desert golf. The island green creates a genuine go/layup decision on the second shot that defines most rounds. Beyond the 15th, the Nicklaus bunkering throughout creates a consistent strategic demand: the course asks you to think your way around it rather than overpower it.
03
Course Conditions
TifEagle Bermuda greens benefit from the annual American Express tournament preparation cycle, which means the course hits a conditioning peak in January that few resort courses can match. At 7,204 yards with a 151 slope from the tips, the tournament setup is genuinely demanding — but the forward tees bring the course into range for most players without losing the strategic integrity.
04
Before You Play
PGA West Golf Academy and full grass range are shared across all five courses. Walking is allowed. Ernie's Bar & Grill is the clubhouse dining option. La Quinta Resort provides the stay-and-play base. Green fees run $75–$366, with the widest seasonal swing reflecting January peak-season demand driven by the tournament. If you can play during the shoulder months, the conditioning remains excellent at a fraction of peak pricing.
Course Details
The Essentials
Designer Jack Nicklaus
Opened 1987
Access Resort
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 La Quinta / Indio
Instruction PGA West Golf Academy
Dining Ernie's Bar & Grill
Lodging La Quinta Resort & Club
Green Fees $75 – $366
Best Months November-April
Peak Season January-April
Nearest Airport PSP · 30 min
Notable Features
Jack Nicklaus design opened 1987; annual co-host of The American Express PGA Tour event alongside the Stadium Course; hole 15 'Long Island' — a 572-yard par-5 playing to a full island green — is among the most photographed holes in desert golf; signature strategic bunkering demands course management over power; 7,204 yards, 143 slope; Golfweek Top 25 California public courses.
Tee Information
Scorecard
| Tee | Gender | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | M | 72 | 7,204 | 75.3 | 143 |
| Black/Blue | M | 72 | 6,868 | 73.8 | 139 |
| Blue | M | 72 | 6,522 | 72.2 | 134 |
| Blue/White | M | 72 | 6,224 | 70.8 | 130 |
| White | M | 72 | 6,061 | 70 | 128 |
| White/Gold | M | 72 | 5,888 | 69.1 | 125 |
| Gold | M | 72 | 5,627 | 68.1 | 122 |
| Gold/Red | M | 72 | 5,325 | 66.5 | 117 |
| Red | M | 72 | 5,023 | 64.9 | 113 |
| Red/Silver | M | 72 | 4,486 | 62.4 | 106 |
| Silver | M | 72 | 4,014 | 60.5 | 101 |
Ratings and yardages are approximate and may vary by season. Verify with the pro shop before your round.
Photo Gallery
PGA West – Nicklaus Tournament in Pictures
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Getting Here
Location
PGA West – Nicklaus Tournament
55955 PGA Boulevard, La Quinta, CA 92253
✈ PSP — approx. 30 min La Quinta
⛳ PGA West – Greg Norman Course — Less than 1 mile away
FAQ
Common Questions
Yes — it co-hosts The American Express PGA Tour event annually alongside the Stadium Course. This means conditioning is maintained to tournament standards year-round, not just during event weeks.
Hole 15 is a 572-yard par-5 whose green sits on a full island — the entire putting surface is surrounded by water. It's the most photographed hole on the course and the defining strategic decision of the round: reachable in two for longer players, but the lay-up zone requires precise distance control.
Yes — ryegrass overseeding runs November through March. TifEagle Bermuda greens provide consistent performance; expect transition variability during changeover windows.
