The Classic Club

The Classic Club is the Arnold Palmer design that opened in Palm Desert in 2006 and carries the design hallmarks of Palmer's later career: generous fairways that invite aggressive tee shots, strategic bunkering that punishes the wrong side rather than the middle, and green complexes that reward precision on approach. At 7,305 yards and slope 144, it plays long by Coachella Valley standards and demands length off the tee to reach the greens in regulation from the back markers.

The Bermuda greens are the distinguishing feature. Most courses in the valley overseed Bermuda fairways with ryegrass during peak season while running Bermuda or bentgrass on the putting surfaces. The Classic Club's Bermuda greens play differently, tending toward grain, running at moderate speeds, and rewarding an approach that lands with purpose rather than spinning back on a firm surface. If you are used to bentgrass or Poa annua greens you will need to adjust your read and your speed within the first few holes. Palmer's bunkering is placed with intent, guarding the landing zones where an aggressive drive would gain the most advantage and protecting the angles that make birdie most accessible.

Arnold Palmer's longest Coachella Valley design, with Bermuda greens and a Bob Hope pedigree. Best at the off-peak price.