GOLF recently unveiled its newest Top 100 Courses in the U.S. ranking for 2024-25, which includes 11 newcomers. Among these newcomers is Ladera, located in Thermal, California, and ranked 87th on the list. Ladera is a private club that opened in 2023 and was designed by architects Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. The golf course is nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains in the lower Coachella Valley, providing players with a peaceful setting for their game.
Ladera’s design is unique, with every inch of the desert site meticulously manipulated by Hanse and Wagner. The fairways feature appealing diagonal carries over barrancas, low-lying vegetation, and strategically placed bunkers, challenging players to showcase their shotmaking skills. Standout holes at Ladera include the 210-yard par-3 12th with a Biarritz type swale at the rear of the green, and the drivable par-4 15th with an elevated, angled green. The 18th hole is also notable for its massive bunkers that add to the strategic aspects of the course.
Golf raters have praised Ladera for its angular design, subtle and thoughtful design work around the greens, and unique holes that provide an equal mix of birdies and double bogeys. The course’s engineering feat of transforming a flat lemon tree grove into a landscape with significant elevation changes and tumbling fairways is also commendable. Some have even hailed Ladera as the best golf course in the Palm Springs area, a top 10 course in the state, and possibly the best desert course in the world.
Players who have experienced Ladera rave about the inspiration drawn from iconic courses like Riviera and the challenging yet enjoyable gameplay offered by the layout. The blind approach shots, diagonal bisecting ridges, and strategic bunkering all contribute to a memorable golfing experience at Ladera. Hanse and Wagner’s ability to transform the desert terrain into a top-tier golf course in just a year’s time is considered a remarkable achievement in the golf course design industry.
If you’re looking to explore new golf courses near you, consider adding Ladera to your list of must-play destinations. With its stunning desert backdrop, strategically designed layout, and challenging yet fair course setup, Ladera offers a unique and memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. Book a tee time at Ladera and discover why this newcomer has quickly made its mark on the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. ranking.
