Indian Wells Golf Resort
A new restaurant, an improved golf course, and high-profile tournaments are on the horizon for one of America’s most welcoming and fun golf resorts.
Indian Wells Golf Resort, which is owned by the city of Indian Wells and located in California’s Coachella Valley in the Palm Springs area, continues to improve what is already a super enjoyable experience.
The improvements include the renovation of its highly-lauded Players Course and the opening of its new Richard Blais signature restaurant, Kestrel. Meanwhile, events to be played at Indian Wells in 2025 include the Epson Tour Championship this fall and the 2025 PGA National Club Championship a few weeks later.
Both will be played on at Indian Wells’ incredibly picturesque Celebrity Course, a Clive Owen redo in 2006 of the original Ted Robinson design that opened in 1986.
More about the Players Course
The Players Course first opened in 1987, but was completely redesigned 20 years later by renowned architect John Fought. It has long been considered the more difficult of the two golf courses at Indian Wells. Fought, a former PGA Tour player and U.S. Amateur champion who is known for his original designs such as Sand Hollow in Utah and The Gallery in Arizona, is also doing the current renovation, which began in March 2025.
The Troon-managed Celebrity and Players courses have been known affectionately over the years as “The Beauty and the Beast,” which have an event history that includes the Golf Channel’s “Big Break” and the Skins Games that featured some of golf’s biggest names competing in nonofficial events.
Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort
Plenty of golf remains at Indian Wells while Players closed
Even with the Players Course closed for much of 2025, Indian Wells Golf Resort is still a great choice for a golf vacation. The Celebrity Course with its stunning mountain views, colorful flora and water features, and immaculate conditions is one of the most fun and rewarding tracks any golfer will play.
It’s not overly difficult, but at more than 7,000 yards, it’s hardly a pushover either. Signature holes on the course include the par 5 fourth, where more accomplished players often try to hit a green fronted by a pond on their second shots. And two holes later, golfers come across one of the course’s signature holes, a long par 3 that features a cascading creek along the right side.
Indian Wells is offering more to golf enthusiasts than just the Celebrity Course, though, while The Players renovation is underway. The resort has terrific practice facilities, and offers something it calls “Shots in the Night.”
It features laser putting by Nextlinks on seven dedicated greens and a new Toptracer driving range experience with multiple game options for individuals, couples, and groups. Once the sun goes down the Toptracer Range becomes a glow range with glow golf balls and light up targets on the range.
In addition, Indian Wells Golf Resort’s instruction is top notch. The Golf Academy offers lessons in all facets of the game, with both outdoor, and indoor sessions in Trackman bays.
Celebrity Course at Indian Wells Golf Course
What’s going on at the Players?
Multiple holes are being rerouted on The Players Course, most notably the ninth, 17th and 18th holes. The course, which is slightly longer than the Celebrity, will transform from a par 72 to 71 and will feature two new finishing holes. The par-3 17th and par-4 No. 18 holes are currently the only two holes on the south side of the Whitewater Wash running through the property. Both are being moved across the waterway to join the bulk of the golf course on the north side.
In addition, the par-5 ninth will be moved closer to the clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities at the turn. The project includes a “refresh” of the bunkers, tee boxes and greens on each hole.
“We are excited that one of the country’s best public golf courses is about to become even better,” said Robin Graf, general manager of Indian Wells Golf Resort. “It’s been a pleasure working with Fought and his team to realize the incredible possibilities for this project, and we can’t wait to welcome our residents and guests from around the world to experience the new design later this year.”
Indian Wells hopes The Epson Tour Championship will return to the Players Course once the renovation project is completed.
Indian Wells Golf Resort
New clubhouse restaurant open
The new Kestrel Restaurant, which is named after a colorful American falcon, is located on the top floor of the 53,000 square-foot clubhouse. Kestrel’s menu is inspired by Blais’ take on fresh California cuisine. It’s a great spot for dinner or two unwind after a round of golf.
“Kestrel is a California kitchen that represents an extension of the good life that Indian Wells Golf resort provides. Our mission is to provide a breezy, flavorful, and flowing cuisine focusing on the region’s produce, people and history. Whether it’s a burger or composed protein and grain bowl for lunch, a regional themed freshly shaken cocktail for happy hour or a locally sourced dry aged steak with cared for vegetables for a celebratory dinner, Kestrel is more than a restaurant for me, it’s a lifestyle,” said Blais, a celebrated chef and TV personality.
It’s just one of the many fun experiences for guests at Indian Wells Resort, which has several hotels within walking distance of the golf courses. The hotels include: the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa; Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort; and Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, each with their own amenities and outstanding dining.
They work together to create packages for golfers and nongolfers alike (there are so many events in the area, including one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, the Paribas Open conducted each March as well as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April).