PGA West: Stadium Course
La Quinta, CA • Public
John Henebry
JPHenebry
Overview
Originally private, the Stadium Course (the original 18 at PGA West) was among the rota of courses for the old Bob Hope Desert Classic until some pros, objecting to its difficulty, petitioned to remove it. (It’s now back.) It's Pete Dye at his rambunctious best, with a finish mimicking his later design at TPC Sawgrass: a gambling par-5 16th (called San Andreas Fault), a short par-3 17th to an island green and an intimidating par-4 18th with water all the way to the green. Though hideous in its difficulty and aesthetics by 1980s standards (it was can't miss television when it hosted the 1987 Skins Game), it's matured into a noble piece of architecture that represents the tail end of Dye's extreme middle phase.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked No. 72, 1991-'92. Ranked No. 93, 1993-'94.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked for six years from 2013-'18.
Highest ranking: No. 168, 2013-'14.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since inaugural edition in 2003-'04.
Highest ranking: No. 40, 2015-'16.
Previous ranking: No. 55, 2021-'22.
2023-'24 ranking: No. 49.
Best in State: Ranked 24th, 2013-'14. Ranked 25th, 2015-'16. Ranked 29th, 2011-'12, 2017-'18.
2023-'24 ranking: 33rd.
Previous ranking: 31st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“A real treat to play this Pete Dye gem, played it the week he passed away, so was keenly aware of him that day. Such a good driving golf course as strategic angles are so important here, and having to flirt with trouble to get the best approach is in evidence on almost every hole. Par 3s and par 5s are very strong at Stadium, and come with lots of options, but also the need to execute to make a good score possible. Had never played there in all of these years, but really enjoyed it, particularly holes 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18."
Read More2021
Review
“A daunting test, but with tees as short as 4,000 yards, this course can be managed by most players. Beautiful views enhance the enjoyment and the course is wonderfully conditioned. Pricey, but if you enjoy playing where the pros compete, well worth it."
Read More2021
Review
“One of the most interesting and fun days I've had on the golf course."
Read More2021
Review
“Trick me up and test my patience. This course can ramp up the stress level. Tough, stern, unforgiving in places, and memorable."
Read More2018
Review
“Course really wasn’t that hard. The fairways are super wide and rough is minimal. Definitely prepare yourself for a long round. Took over 6 hours to finish my round, mainly because people play the wrong tee boxes. Make sure you play to your ability, and don’t try to play above it. Hole 18 is one of the toughest tee shot you will have in golf."
Read More2018
Review
“Man-made edginess. Nothing natural about the layout. Some compelling holes and an exciting stretch towards the finish on 16 and 17. Something to be played once while vacationing. Would not be keen on playing it over and over again."
Read More2018
Review
“Very difficult Pete Dye design and clearly not for everyone."
Read More2018
Review
“Over the years the course has softened. It isn't the beast it once was. It is a strong test, though and it keeps you off balance all the way around."
Read More2018
Review
“Fun and very challenging. Quintessential Dye design with lots of water, railroad ties and many risk/reward decisions. Host of Skins Game 5 where Trevino aced the island hole on 17. Not as tough as it used to be, but still a very good test and a very interesting course."
Read More2018
Review
“Host of an annual PGA Tour event each winter. Very challenging Pete Dye design. The PGA West restaurant, located in the clubhouse of the Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses, is a great place to head after the round. "
Read More2018
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