7 Coachella Valley Golf Clubs Where the Dining Rivals the Views

Perhaps Happy Gilmore would settle for a “fresh, delicious, tasty, meaty, turkey-filled cold-cut combo,” but here in the desert, clubhouse dining goes beyond bagged chips and processed sandos. For a golf outing that delivers the ultimate trifecta — beautiful scenery, challenging play, and gourmet eats — book a tee time at any of these destinations.

Classic Club

Palm Desert

From the 7,305-yard championship golf course to the palatial Tuscan-inspired clubhouse, Classic Club promises an elevated guest experience on all fronts, as one would expect of a property envisioned by Arnold Palmer. As a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the course design incorporates trickling streams, large water features, and shade trees, providing habitat for local and migratory wildlife. The clubhouse hangout, Bellatrix Restaurant & Wine Bar, presents an impressive selection of vino by the glass and bottle. They also host wine dinners on the second Wednesday of the month, November through May.

Desert Island Country Club

Rancho Mirage

Private since 1971, Desert Island Country Club officially opened to the public in 2022. The course routes around a 25-acre lake sustained by a private well, creating several water hazards including an island fairway on the par-4 ninth. For an alfresco lunch, head to the 9 1/2 Bar & Kitchen adjacent to the putting green for a classic BLT, tacos, or a smash burger and a craft cocktail.

Indian Wells Golf Resort

Indian Wells

Against a picturesque mountain backdrop, two top-ranked public courses — the Celebrity and the Players, aptly nicknamed Beauty and the Beast — regularly rank among the most scenic in California. No doubt “most delicious” accolades are soon to follow with the recent opening of Kestrel, a concept restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Richard Blais, who you may recognize from Top Chef and Next Level Chef. Here, flavor packs a gourmand’s punch in dishes like an ahi sashimi bowl and steak tartare toast. If tequila’s your preferred poison, Blais’ signature liquid nitrogen margarita is a must.

Desert Springs Golf Club

Palm Desert

The King of Waterscapes, Ted Robinson, designed the pair of par-72 courses at JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort & Spa. The Palm winds around the resort’s photo-worthy Flamingo Island (home to a flamboyance of pink flamingos), while the Valley ventures further into nature on the outskirts of the resort. Post-round, there’s no shortage of dining options. But we recommend the Blue Star Lounge, a waterside patio hangout with fire pit seating. Order from a selection of bar bites and mezze prepared with locally sourced ingredients, plus craft beer and specialty cocktails. 

Rams Hill Golf Club

Borrego Springs

It’s not a mirage. And technically, it’s not in the Coachella Valley. But it’s worth the drive. Rams Hill serves up an exciting 18-hole spread designed by Tom Fazio in the middle of the Anza Borrego desert. Sure, it’ll take you an hour and a half to get there from Palm Springs, but the sandy trek is worth it to experience the game the way we can only imagine Mother Nature intended it to be played. Assuming you have room to spare after the complimentary street tacos cooked to order at the 14th tee box and the post-round apple-caramel cookies, get a table at Rams Hill Golf Club Restaurant, where the eats are advertised as “created for golfers, designed by golfers.” Choose from ½-pound Angus burgers, chopped salads, and even a tasty, meaty, turkey-filled cold-cut club sandwich. 

Big Rock Golf & Pub

Indio

Big Rock Golf at Indian Springs has developed a reputation for immaculate conditions at a pocket-friendly price. A country club layout lined with homes, the course presents wide fairways and approachable greens with four sets of tees and a variety of hazards to keep things interesting. As you might expect from the name, clubhouse restaurant Big Rock Pub is always ready to rock. Shareables cater to sun-weary players, from deep-fried fish tacos to sticky ribs served atop a bed of fries. Perhaps the most casual watering hole on this list, Big Rock features an outdoor beer garden and regularly stages live entertainment. It’s filled with signed guitars and rock ’n’ roll memorabilia. 

La Quinta Resort & Club

La Quinta

Did you know two of PGA West’s public courses are located at La Quinta Resort & Club? The ultra-challenging Mountain Course features pot bunkers, rock formations, and well-guarded greens, while the links-style Dunes stands apart with rolling mounds and thick rough that bring to mind courses in Scotland. Pete Dye designed both. Rehash every swing over classics like Belgian waffles and wedge salads at Twenty6, the only resort restaurant open early. After 3 p.m., hit up Adobe Grill for Oaxacan-style ceviche and spicy margs.