What a celebration Indian Wells Golf Resort (IWGR) In the Coachella Valley, California! golf architect John Foote Announcing the completion of renovations to Players Stadium, which has topped annual best-of-the-year rankings nationally.
Kestral, Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge by IWGR Filet mignon, seafood, French caviar and other exquisite dishes are served here.
team
Managed by Troon including Vice President representation Chris Strauss and William O’Brien etc. We’ve met GM before Robin Graff Four Seasons Inn in the Ozarks. He loved life in the desert. Joe Williams Still serving as Director of Golf, I’ve seen it all firsthand in my 30 years with IWGR. Owned by the Mayor of Indian WellsBruce Whitman and city manager, Chris Freeland We are also at home and congratulations to the entire team including the Director of Agronomy Nick Lightner. Troon works with the city and resort management teams to negotiate contractor agreements, oversee consultants, manage budgets and billing, and help coordinate construction schedules to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
architect
We talk to architects John FooteThe Players Course was originally designed in 2007. He’s excited to redesign the course as he originally intended – putting all the holes on the same side of the Whitewater River. John shared how he became a golf architect by default, “I twisted my spine as an accountant, talked to Bob Cupp and got into the design field.”
Philosophically, John preferred courses that required strategy without being punished—a mentality influenced by Ben Hogan, who emphasized course management. He likes the front of the green to be open so players of all levels can roll the ball up. Most of the green shapes remain the same, just slightly larger. All 18 greens, tees and bunkers have been updated to create consistent conditions.
Felt is particularly pleased that the Players Field is still kept tidy by housing. He has competed in three Masters tournaments and played at multiple U.S. Open venues where the houses do not impede on the natural beauty. His goal was to integrate the terrain and natural resources so that every hole on the Players Course offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Player redesign
John never liked Nos. 17 and 18, so when the city suggested demolishing them to make way for potential hotel property, he said, “Yeah, yeah, yeah!” “I can’t even tell you how much fun that would be.” Relocating the two holes required reorganizing the rest of the route like a jigsaw puzzle. Many holes are still recognizable, but some appear in a different order – for example, No. 4 is now No. 14. He said “Number 7 is a bit like Redan”.
There is a free ball drop before the 13th hole because it is considered a Native American burial site. John noted that the mounds impeded visibility, which is unacceptable for a resort course. “It doesn’t matter how good the course is if it’s not aligned correctly.” The city worked with the tribe to carefully lower the mound using a six-inch lift. Fortunately, no human remains were found, and there will be no more free drops.
Today the new tracks 17 and 18 run the full length of Deep Water back to the clubhouse. Driving has to be to the right – all the rest disappears. The 17th hole is reminiscent of Riviera’s Nos. 4 and 18, and in John’s opinion, the par 5 is a perfect finishing hole: the tied player can continue to chase, while the leading player can choose to be cautious. “Play for the eagles or you’ll get bitten,” he said with a laugh. This will be significant when Epson Tour players return for the 2026 Epson Tour Championship. They will play at The Players Course in 2024, then move to the IWGA’s second course, the Celebrity Course, in 2025 during construction.
Is this the last redesign? John was skeptical. “You can make any golf course better. Augusta National closes every summer for improvements.” For now, though, the new Players Course should keep residents and guests excited for a long time to come.
celebrity course
Another designer from IWGR, Clive Clarkjoin in to support John Ford’s achievements. The next day we played the Clark Celebrity Course in strong winds. One word to describe it: beautiful. Carefully arranged annual flowers create a floral fantasy with waterfalls and mountain views. Lucky ducks paddle across lakes and ponds, and lucky golfers are mesmerized by the beautiful scenery. The 17th hole is especially stunning.
Before or after a turn, Kestral, Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge at Indian Wells Golf Resort Simply amazing. Celebrity chef Richard has made it his new home, keeping things creative with his techniques (including infusing liquid hydrogen for a lighter margarita).
Accommodation options
IWGR partners with four hotels, all within walking distance and offering free shuttles. we have all lived Grand Hyatt Hoteland Renaissance Each is located on opposite sides of the clubhouse and features a pool, spa, restaurant and golf course views.
On this trip, we stayed across the street Tommy Bahama Miramontea boutique hotel surrounded by olive trees and citrus groves. Our room overlooked a fruit-laden lemon tree, and a jacuzzi and a cup of coffee at the nearby secluded pool became our morning ritual. End the evening around the outdoor fire pit, drinking nightcaps and chatting with other travelers.
IWGR is a destination in the greater Palm Springs area that makes it easy to explore more golf courses, world-class shopping, and the rich history of the Hollywood Desert Resort.
