Stone Eagle GC

Stone Eagle GC- hole 12 

Located high on the hills overlooking Palm Springs, Stone Eagle is routed through the most unlikely and unwelcoming golfing landscape I can imagine.

However, Tom Doak & his Renaissance team have sculpted a golf course that is clearly a level above it’s competitors.

 

 Stone Eagle opened in 2005, and I was fortunate enough to play the course then. I was fascinated then, and nothing has changed.

Having since played most of Doak’s better courses world wide I still rank Stone Eagle in the upper echelon of his work.

 

 

There are no weak holes, and the dramatic terrain offers a variety with holes that turn every which way.

Some require carries to greens tucked behind gullies- the positioning of the greens in this landscape is a real feature of the course.

And those greens have enough movement to test anyone’s putting stroke.

 

The bunkering is a highlight- each hole is framed by delightfully artistic shaping that complements the rugged stone surroundings perfectly

I think the par 3's are outstanding- including the tricky short par 3 nineteenth hole

 

There is no rest- and no end to the fun- on one of the most entertaining courses I have ever played

 

The entire site is devoid of housing- there are houses on the property, but they are further down the mountain.

So the ambience of Stone Eagle is pure- it is just the golf course and the raw terrain it was carved out of- and all it just adds to the character of the course

 

Notable holes include:

 

- hole 1, a strong uphill par 4 with a tricky green- the beauty of the surrounding is overwhelming!

 

 

- hole 7, a long severely downhill par 3- the view over Palm Springs from the tee is awesome!

- hole 8, a superb par 5 with tee shot framed by 'blowouts' and bunkers and a teasing approach over a gully in front of the green

 

 

- hole 12, a world class par 3 (see pic top of page)

- hole 15, another strong par 3 over a gully

- hole 18, an epic long par 4 with dramatic green side bunkering

 

 

 Stone Eagle GC is a private members course and as such only playable as a guest of a member.

It really is worth the effort of getting to know a member!

 

Highly recommended- a "Travelling Golfer must play!"