SILVERROCK RESORT GOLF CLUB
(760-777-8884)
Palm Springs Golf Course Review 6/14/05
SilverRock is an Arnold Palmer Classic Course that at 7553 yards, is the longest layout in Palm Springs and as future home of the Bob Hope Classic, is one of the longest courses on tour. Opened in early 2005, this layout is situated right at the base of Santa Rosa and Coral Mountains - and is closer to these mountains than any other course we reviewed in the Palm Springs area. Resulting are postcard quality photos, with gorgeous backdrops and surrounding vistas. Combined with outstanding conditioning from tee to green and wonderful service, SilverRock provides one of the most memorable golfing experiences in La Quinta - or anywhere! We absolutely loved this layout!
Close to 50 extremely soft sand bunkers are strategically located along the fairways and greenside - creating some very tight complexes which demand accuracy on approach. In addition, there is a plethora of desert waste areas located throughout the layout, helping to define the landing zones and also protecting the putting surfaces. It is difficult to avoid all of these sand hazards, and at some point most golfers will be confronted with some tough recoveries. A good sand game is required to score well here.
While extremely beautiful, SilverRock is also quite a challenge. Beginning in 2007, this facility will be one of the main host courses for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. The PGA Tour will experience this layout from the silver tees, which play to 7553 yards with a slope of 139. Five additional sets play to distances and slopes measuring 7101/135, 6639/130, 5974/123 for men and 137 for women (these tees are recommended for the average player), 5306/125 and 4884 yards with a slope of 118 for the ladies. There are very few forced carries, but the desert waste areas and beach sand bunkers are strategically located to squeeze the landing areas from tee to green - and they do so quite effectively!
Water comes into play on eight holes, and besides providing a beautiful aesthetic quality - also provides significant challenges. On the par five second a pond squeezes the landing zones and makes it extremely tight from 90 yards in. Ditto on number six, which affects the tee shots of all golfers who are unable to carry the large fairway bunker along the left side of the fairway. A lay up is required here, for those unwilling to risk a shot that must land in the narrow strip between the pond and sand trap. Seven is a great water hole, as a pond separates the fairway and creates a vast number of risk/reward options. Par is a great score on these two holes, which are the number one and three handicaps. The par three 8th and 17th, as well as the par four 10th and 15th present water hazards that create a need for well placed irons. Eighteen is a great finishing par five, as a pond and stream diagonally intersect the fairway, making this a classic risk reward hole.
Long hitters will be tempted to reach some of the par fives in two, but sand and water create a formidable detriment. Players who automatically hit off from the white tees, ought to reconsider here - as 6639 yards is a lot to chew for the average player. Move up a set and you will find enough challenge. This is too beautiful a course not to enjoy! Some of the current amenities include carts equipped with ice chests containing bottled water, and practice facilities that include a grass range and putting green. On course sprinkler heads are measured to the center of the green, and pin placement sheets are provided to indicate the day's hole locations. There is a temporary clubhouse with pro shop and snack area. In the next several years, plans will be completed that include a permanent upscale clubhouse fit for professional PGA Tour players, that will also benefit members and green fee paying guests.
The PGA Tour has committed to a 15-year deal that guarantees SilverRock as one of the host courses of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, beginning in 2007. Projects in the works include another golf course, plus a Destination Hotel by Loews. Our advice - play it now! This is an absolutely wonderful golf course, and the folks here go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your round. The environment is intensely beautiful - and the layout has an intensity of its own. For more info and for a direct link to the property's own website, visit our page for SilverRock Resort by clicking here.
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