The valley has been enjoying some great golf weather so far this winter.

Very soon, however, we should be entering our cold and rainy season. The Desert will beckon for avid golfers, and PGA West is a favorite stop.

PGA West sits at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, just around the bend from La Quinta. The area has undergone a tremendous amount of growth in the past decade, including shopping malls and many new private golf clubs. Everything that you need is now available within a 10-minute drive.

If you are looking for a second home in the desert, you may want to look into The Residence Club at PGA West. These luxury homes may be purchased on a fractional basis. The Residence Club is located just before the main entrance to PGA West, less than five minutes from any of the PGA West courses and less than 10 minutes from La Quinta Resort courses.

 

Owners have playing privileges at five courses: the Greg Norman Course; TPC Stadium Course; The Nicklaus Tournament Course; and La Quinta Resort Mountain and Dunes courses. If that’s not enough, they even have their own putting green. Private clubs such as The Palms, Plantation, La Quinta Country Club, The Quarry, Tradition and Hideaway are all within a short drive.

The Nicklaus Tournament Course is a fair test, which can be played progressively tougher the farther back you go. The approach shots to the greens are well guarded and less receptive to longer shots. There is a fair amount of water, but nothing like the Stadium Course.

The Stadium Course was built to be the toughest course in the U.S. It hosted several of the first Skins Games. Who can forget Trevino’s hole-in-one on the brutal Island Green 17th.

The bunkers are tough at the Nicklaus Course, but again not as tough as the monster craters found at the Stadium Course. The Nicklaus Tournament Course has hosted the PGA Qualifying school several times in recent years.

 

Within walking distance from the La Quinta Resort are the Mountain and Dunes courses.

The Mountain Course was unique when it opened and has been copied frequently. Pete Dye carved a beautiful layout out of the side of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Many of the holes feature forced carries over moon-like terrain. The Skins Game also was played here. While Dye is known for railroad  ties, on the Mountain Course old railroad cars serve as bridges over the rough desert terrain. Most of the course has no homes on it, which enhances the experience as well.

The Dunes Course is a bit friendlier to inexperienced players, but it, too, can have some teeth.

The Greg Norman Course recently opened to rave reviews and can be walked, which is rare in the desert.

 

All of these courses feature spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the La Quinta area. La Quinta also has the least wind of any city in the desert due to its mountain cove location.

One day you may just want to practice instead of playing. There are two excellent options. The Nicklaus Tournament Course has a large practice area with multiple putting greens, chipping greens and a large grass hitting area. The La Quinta Resort also has great practice facilities.

The grass in the desert is among the best anywhere in the world, and this includes the practice areas. Don’t feel bad about making a “pro-patch” on the range as it will surely grow back in a couple of weeks.

 

At The Residence Club, the villas are well-designed and luxuriously appointed, with Spanish Colonial architecture and 3,300 square feet of living space. The layout includes dual master suites as well as a private casita suite. A large gourmet kitchen flows into the living and dining room.

Out back are a dining courtyard and spa and pool with a fire pit. The units are ideal whether you are vacationing with friends or family. The private casita allows friends or business associates to come and go undisturbed.

The Owners’ Clubhouse recently opened. Here, weekly receptions are held in the lounge for members to get acquainted.

The lounge area continues outdoors with more great desert vistas. The building also contains a large pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

The concierge service is excellent and can handle all your needs from tee times to grocery shopping.

 

For more info visit www.residenceclubpgawest.com or call 800-650-9200.