PGA West- Greg Norman Resort Course

PGA WEST- Greg Norman Resort Course- hole 17 

PGA WEST is a remarkable golf resort & housing estate in Palm Springs, California.

 

The resort is home to 6 golf courses designed by some of the great names in golf:

PGA WEST- Arnold Palmer Private

PGA WEST- Greg Norman Resort

PGA WEST- Jack Nicklaus Private

PGA WEST- NIcklaus Tournament

PGA WEST- Stadium

PGA WEST- Tom Weiskopf Private

 

Members of the PGA WEST club get daily access to all 6 courses, while the public can access the Stadium, Nicklaus Tournament & Greg Norman Resort courses

 

PGA WEST- Greg Norman Resort Course

 The Greg Norman Resort Course has a different look and feel to the other PGA WEST courses- Norman draws on Melbourne Sandbelt influences to sculpt a course with bunkers dominant, and a more linksy feel. 

Originally the course was considered too hard for the punters, but since the renovation a few years back, the softened course has blossomed.

There are vast expanses of sand to negiotate- it really does feel like a desert course.

But, while it is still challenging it is eminently playable for all standard of player

Whereas the Stadium & Nicklaus Tournament courses demand precise, well flighted approaches to carry water and bunkers- often to raised greens (target golf)- the Norman course has greens that allow the ball to bounce in where necessary.

 

This contrast in styles complements the Stadium & Nicklaus courses nicely

 

Notable holes include:

 

- hole 1, an interesting par 4 to set the tone- water and bunkers off the tee, and a fairway that narrows as it goes, then widens nearer the green

 

 

- hole 7, a pretty par 3 with water in play

- hole 9, a short par 4 with water and bunkers challenging the tee shot, and a wide shallow green

- hole 11, a nicely bunkered par 4 with an Australian Sandbelt feel (see pic mid page)

- hole 16, a challenging par 5 that bends around water

- hole 17, another picturesque par 3 with water, bunkers and desert landscape combining beautifully (see pic top of page)

- hole 18, a strong par 4: a typical Norman finish!

 

PGA WEST- Greg Norman Resort Course- hole 18

 

Since the renovations a few years ago, the Norman course has become a favourite of the locals. It flies under the radar a little compared to it's illustrious neighbours, but offers a nice contrast to them and will be a feature of Travelling Golfer trips to Palm Springs