Bandon Dunes might be a better option for four to eight flat bellies who want to play 45 a day, but if you're looking for a full-service destination with great golf and perfect weather, La Quinta is the place. Rooms range from casitas (starting at $229 a night in the spring) to suites ($699 a night). Located 30 minutes from the Palm Springs International Airport, the resort has a Jim McLean golf school, 41 heated outdoor pools, 23 tennis courts, seven restaurants, nine boutique shops, horseback riding, hiking and desert Jeep tours. Mahoney warns not to visit in July or August, unless you want to squeeze in a round before 9 a.m. Otherwise, you're looking at triple-digit temperatures that will melt your soft spikes.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CAMPUS LIFE
The Adobe Grill restaurant is one of seven dining options at the resort. It's a great choice for authentic Mexican food and features a massive margarita. It's the size of a small bathtub, so buyer beware -- if you drink two, the bathtub is where you might sleep.
HERE'S THE RUB
Among several unique treatments offered by the spa is the "PGA West Golflexology" ($135), a 50-minute focus on areas most affected by golf (neck,
FOOD FOR AN ARMY
Be sure to make reservations at Arnold Palmer's (arnoldpalmers.net) just down the street from La Quinta. Save room for the banana split -- and save time to see the shrine of images and memorabilia from the King's career. This is where he eats when he's in town, so have your camera phone ready.
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