2026–2027 Coachella Valley Golf Tournament Guide: Events, Dates & Where to Stay
Welcome to the Golf Capital of the West
The Coachella Valley is home to some of the most iconic golf courses and professional tournaments in the country, making it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world. Every winter, thousands of visitors travel to Greater Palm Springs to watch PGA TOUR professionals compete, experience championship-caliber courses, and enjoy the region's renowned sunshine, luxury resorts, and vibrant dining scene.
Whether you're planning to attend The American Express, cheer on golf legends at the Galleri Classic, or organize a golf getaway with friends, choosing the right accommodations can make all the difference. Staying in a professionally managed vacation rental provides the space, comfort, and convenience needed to enjoy everything the Coachella Valley has to offer while remaining close to the action.
At Coachella Valley Getaways, we offer luxury vacation rentals throughout La Quinta, Indio, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage, and surrounding communities. Many of our homes feature private pools, spacious outdoor living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and easy access to the valley's premier golf courses and tournament venues.
This guide highlights the biggest golf tournaments taking place throughout the 2026 and 2027 season while helping you plan an unforgettable golf vacation in Southern California.
Why the Coachella Valley Is One of America's Premier Golf Destinations
Few destinations in the United States offer the combination of world-class golf, ideal weather, and luxury accommodations found in the Coachella Valley.
Greater Palm Springs is home to more than 110 golf courses, ranging from public resort layouts to exclusive private clubs designed by some of golf's most celebrated architects. The region's winter temperatures, which typically range from the upper 60s to mid-70s, create ideal playing conditions while much of the country experiences cold weather and snow.
Visitors can experience legendary courses including:
PGA WEST®
La Quinta Country Club
Indian Wells Golf Resort
Desert Willow Golf Resort
SilverRock Resort
Classic Club
Mission Hills Country Club
Marriott Shadow Ridge Golf Club
Escena Golf Club
Eagle Falls Golf Course
Beyond the fairways, visitors enjoy award-winning restaurants, luxury spas, hiking trails, shopping along El Paseo, and countless outdoor activities that make the Coachella Valley one of California's top vacation destinations.
For many travelers, attending a professional golf tournament is only part of the experience. It's common to combine tournament attendance with several rounds at public courses, creating a week-long golf vacation that blends championship golf with relaxation.
2026–2027 Major Golf Tournaments in the Coachella Valley
The Coachella Valley hosts professional and amateur tournaments throughout the year, but two professional events stand out as the region's marquee competitions.
| Tournament | Typical Time | Venue | Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| The American Express | January | PGA WEST® & La Quinta Country Club | PGA TOUR |
| Galleri Classic | March | Mission Hills Country Club | PGA TOUR Champions |
| Coachella Valley Amateur Championship | Winter | Rotating Valley Courses | Amateur Championship |
| SCGA & USGA Qualifiers | Throughout the Year | Various Local Courses | Amateur & Professional Qualifying |
The American Express: The Coachella Valley's Premier PGA TOUR Event
Every January, the PGA TOUR returns to La Quinta for The American Express, one of the longest-running tournaments on the PGA TOUR schedule. Originally established in 1960 as the Palm Springs Golf Classic, the tournament has become a signature stop on the PGA TOUR's annual West Coast Swing and continues to attract many of the game's biggest stars.
For the 2026 tournament, competition is scheduled for January 19–25, 2026, while the event returns again in January 2027, continuing its long tradition of bringing world-class golf to the desert. Tournament organizers have announced the 2027 event will return to La Quinta during the week of January 18–24, 2027.
Unlike most PGA TOUR events, The American Express is played across three championship venues during the opening rounds:
Pete Dye Stadium Course at PGA WEST®
Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA WEST®
La Quinta Country Club
Following the first three rounds, the field is reduced, and the final round is contested on the renowned Pete Dye Stadium Course, widely recognized as one of the most challenging and visually striking layouts on the PGA TOUR.
Over the years, The American Express has welcomed many of golf's biggest names, and its unique desert setting, celebrity history, and breathtaking mountain backdrop have made it one of the most recognizable tournaments in professional golf.
What Spectators Can Expect
Attending The American Express is about much more than watching professional golf. The tournament offers an engaging experience for golf fans of all ages, with opportunities to get close to the action while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere that has become a hallmark of the event.
Visitors can expect:
Four days of PGA TOUR competition featuring many of the world's top-ranked golfers
Access to multiple championship courses during the early rounds
Practice areas where fans can watch professionals prepare before each round
Food vendors, hospitality venues, and premium viewing areas
Live entertainment and special events during tournament week
Beautiful views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape
Many attendees choose to spend several days exploring the area, combining tournament attendance with rounds at nearby public golf courses, dining in Old Town La Quinta, or relaxing by the pool at their vacation rental.
Where to Stay During The American Express
Choosing accommodations close to the tournament allows you to spend less time driving and more time enjoying your golf vacation.
La Quinta
La Quinta is the closest city to PGA WEST® and remains the most popular choice for tournament attendees. Staying here places you just minutes from the tournament while providing convenient access to Old Town La Quinta's restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and nightlife.
Indio
Indio offers spacious vacation homes that are ideal for golf groups and families. Many homes include private pools, outdoor kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and easy access to both PGA WEST® and La Quinta Country Club, making it one of the best values during tournament week.
Palm Desert
Palm Desert provides a central location with excellent shopping along El Paseo, acclaimed restaurants, and quick access to golf courses throughout the valley. It's an excellent choice for visitors planning to explore beyond tournament play.
Whether you're traveling with friends for a golf getaway or bringing the entire family, a vacation rental provides more flexibility, privacy, and amenities than a traditional hotel, allowing everyone to relax after a day on the course.
Golf Beyond The American Express
While The American Express is the Coachella Valley's premier PGA TOUR event, it's far from the only reason golfers visit the desert. Throughout the year, the region hosts amateur championships, Southern California Golf Association events, U.S. Golf Association qualifying rounds, charity tournaments, and competitive amateur tours that attract players from across the country.
For many visitors, the opportunity to play the same courses as the professionals is just as exciting as watching tournament golf. Combined with more than 110 golf courses, sunshine nearly every day of the year, and luxury vacation rentals throughout the valley, the Coachella Valley remains one of America's premier golf destinations regardless of when you visit.
The Galleri Classic: A New Chapter in Desert Golf
From 2023 through 2025, the Galleri Classic brought PGA TOUR Champions players to Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, giving golf fans the chance to watch many of the sport's legendary players compete on the historic Dinah Shore Tournament Course.
Mission Hills has long been one of the Coachella Valley's most recognizable golf venues. For decades, it hosted the LPGA's Chevron Championship before becoming home to the Galleri Classic, continuing its tradition as a championship-caliber venue.
Although tournament organizers announced that the Galleri Classic will not return to the desert in 2026, Mission Hills Country Club remains one of the area's iconic golf destinations and continues to be an important part of the valley's golf legacy.
Visitors staying in Rancho Mirage can still enjoy nearby championship golf, luxury resorts, fine dining, and convenient access to the rest of the Coachella Valley.
Amateur Golf Tournaments Throughout the Year
Professional tournaments may receive the most attention, but the Coachella Valley also hosts numerous amateur competitions that welcome golfers of varying skill levels.
Throughout the season, visitors can find:
Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) championships and qualifiers
USGA qualifying events
Southern California PGA open tournaments
Regional amateur championships
Charity golf tournaments benefiting local organizations
Competitive amateur tours held on many of the valley's premier courses
These events provide excellent opportunities for amateur golfers to compete while experiencing championship-caliber facilities that are used by professionals throughout the year. Tournament schedules vary annually, so it's always a good idea to check official event calendars when planning your trip.
Best Public Golf Courses to Play During Your Visit
One of the biggest advantages of planning a golf vacation in the Coachella Valley is the incredible selection of public and resort courses available to visitors. Whether you're a scratch golfer looking for a championship challenge or simply hoping to enjoy a scenic round with friends, there's a course that fits your style.
PGA WEST®
Few golf destinations carry the prestige of PGA WEST. Home to the Pete Dye Stadium Course and the Nicklaus Tournament Course used during The American Express, PGA WEST offers golfers the opportunity to experience the same layouts played by PGA TOUR professionals.
Many of our vacation rentals in La Quinta and Indio are located just minutes away, making PGA WEST one of the most convenient courses for visitors staying with Coachella Valley Getaways.
Best for: Experienced golfers, bucket-list golf trips, tournament fans
Desert Willow Golf Resort
Located in Palm Desert, Desert Willow Golf Resort features two award-winning public courses—Firecliff and Mountain View. Beautiful conditioning, dramatic mountain scenery, and excellent practice facilities have made it one of the valley's most popular public golf destinations.
Best for: Couples, vacation golfers, mixed-skill groups
Indian Wells Golf Resort
Home to the Celebrity Course and Players Course, Indian Wells Golf Resort combines spectacular desert views with beautifully maintained fairways. The resort also offers one of the valley's best practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse with outdoor dining overlooking the course.
Best for: Resort golfers and visitors staying in Indian Wells or Palm Desert
SilverRock Resort
SilverRock has become one of the premier public golf courses in the desert thanks to its wide fairways, dramatic mountain backdrop, and tournament-quality conditions.
Originally developed to host professional events, the course offers generous landing areas alongside memorable risk-and-reward holes that appeal to golfers of every skill level.
Best for: Mid- to low-handicap golfers seeking a championship experience
Classic Club
Designed by Arnold Palmer, Classic Club is known for immaculate course conditions, expansive practice facilities, and a layout that rewards strategic shot-making. Its convenient location near Interstate 10 makes it easy to reach from anywhere in the valley.
Best for: Golf enthusiasts looking for a premium daily-fee course
Escena Golf Club
Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs and Palm Springs International Airport, Escena offers one of the easiest golf experiences for travelers arriving by air. The modern clubhouse, scenic mountain views, and forgiving layout make it an excellent first-round course after checking into your vacation rental.
Best for: First-day rounds and casual vacation golfers
Why Stay in a Vacation Rental Instead of a Hotel?
Golf trips are often best enjoyed with friends, family, or fellow golfers, and a vacation rental offers significantly more flexibility than booking multiple hotel rooms.
When you stay with Coachella Valley Getaways, you'll enjoy amenities designed to help you relax after a day on the course, including:
Private swimming pools and spas
Outdoor dining areas with BBQ grills
Spacious living rooms for gathering after your round
Fully equipped kitchens for preparing meals
Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
Garages and driveways with plenty of parking
Laundry facilities for longer stays
Convenient locations near golf courses, restaurants, and shopping
Instead of being limited to a single hotel room, you'll have an entire home where your group can unwind, share stories from the course, and prepare for another day of golf.
