PGA West - Stadium Course

PGA West Stadium Course was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1986 in La Quinta, California, purpose-built for spectator golf with stadium mounding around many holes. It debuted hosting the 1986 Skins Game featuring Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Lee Trevino, instantly making the island-green 17th one of the most famous holes in desert golf.

The course served as a PGA Tour venue and continues in the American Express tournament rotation. Lee Trevino famously called it the hardest course he had ever played. Deep pot bunkers, railroad-tie bulkheads, and forced carries earned it a reputation as one of the most punishing resort layouts in America.

The 17th hole, nicknamed Alcatraz, is among the most iconic island greens in golf after TPC Sawgrass.

PGA West Stadium is a relentless Pete Dye design with deep pot bunkers, railroad-tie bulkheads, and the famous island-green 17th. Stadium mounding frames many holes. At 7,300 yards from the tips, this is one of the toughest resort courses in America.

The Coachella Valley desert setting means warm dry conditions most of the year with dramatic mountain backdrops.

Many hazards look worse than they are — trust your yardage and ignore Dye's visual intimidation. The island green at 17 plays shorter than it looks but demands a committed swing.

Avoid the deep pot bunkers at all costs. Some are so deep the only play is sideways. Course management is far more important than power.