WESTIN MISSION HILLS RESORT (760-328-3198)
Gary Player Course
Palm Springs Golf Course Review 8/18/05
The Gary Player Course at Westin Mission Hills Resort is a par championship course and is one of two layouts on property owned and managed by Troon Golf -with both open for public play. The Player Course, with its own clubhouse and practice facilities, is located just a couple miles down the road and has been rated with 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest. The Pete Dye course is located on the resort property, and is equally as beautiful. The Westin Mission Hills is a full service luxury resort, featuring a variety of upscale accommodations with outstanding amenities that include a beautiful spa, multiple swimming pools and Jacuzzis, the Cactus Kid's Club and play area, fitness center, tennis courts, fine and casual dining, plus recreational activities that include basketball, croquet, sand volleyball, shuffleboard and more. Stay and play packages are available. The Golf Academy on property offers a variety of instructional programs including individual and group lessons. For more info on the resort, visit our page for The Westin Mission Hills Resort by clicking here.
The Player Course is situated just a two minute drive from the resort property and features its own clubhouse with 1,000 square foot pro shop, the Gary Player Grill featuring indoor/outdoor eating facilities, a grass range and a practice green. Built in 1991, this course is open for public play and upon initiation was voted "One of the Top Ten New Resort Courses" in the United States by Golf Magazine. Considered to be one of the best courses in the Palm Springs area, this is the only Gary Player Signature course in Southern California. It has served as the home to the 1992 Senior PGA Tour Qualifying, the 1992/93 California State Open, 1992-99 and 2002 LPGA Tour Qualifying, 1993 US Open Local Qualifying, and the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Four sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 7062 yards/131 slope, 6643 yards/124 slope, 6044 yards/115 slope for men and 130 for women, and 4907 yards with a slope of 118 from the forward sets. There are 68 sand bunkers situated on the perimeters of the well manicured fairways, or greenside near the medium sized, sloped putting surfaces. Water comes into play on 11 holes, with a few forced carries.
There is a nice mix of tightly tree lined landing zones, together with those that are open and meandering with generous playing areas. From the two back tees this is a formidable challenge, accentuated by the long par fours that require both precision and distance. Numbers one, two, four, nine, fourteen, sixteen and eighteen all play to distances covering more than 400 yards. From the Silver sets (6044 yards) the layout is very playable for average golfers and high handicappers. From the forward tees many of the water hazards are basically taken out of play, with the exception of forced carries to the green complexes on the par three 5th and 12th and the par five 11th.
Land on the greens in regulation, and good scores can be had. Though the putting surfaces present slopes and ridges, most of the pin placements provide level areas which from which birdies and pars are possible. Pin placement sheets on the back of carts are helpful, indicating the day's hole locations. Sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, and 150 yard stakes are visible on all par fours and fives. Golfers should appreciate the straight forward start, as holes one and two present good scoring opportunities. From there on challenges await in a variety of hole designs with one constant - the gorgeous mountain backdrops that frame the fairways, tees and greens as the course winds through an upscale residential community. The route finishes with a long par five and beautiful par four that can make or break a round.
With excellent conditioning, spectacular scenery and wonderful service - it is no wonder this course is recognized as one of the best in the Palm Springs area. Stay and play packages are available through the resort, and the golfing public is welcome all season long. For more info, visit our page for the Gary Player Course at Westin Mission Hills Resort, with direct link to the properties' website by clicking here.
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