Indian Wells Golf Resort is taking steps to remain competitive and attract the LPGA Tour back to the Coachella Valley with a $13.5 million redesign project. The City Council voted 3-2 in favor of the remodel, with $12 million allocated for Troon, the resort’s management company, to work on the Player’s Course redesign, and an additional $1.5 million for a new fire access road. The course redesign, planned by John Fought, the original course designer, includes relocating holes, rehabilitating greens and tee boxes, replacing the irrigation system, and rerouting the course.
City officials emphasized the need for the remodel to maintain the resort’s competitiveness in the golf market, particularly against local competitors like PGA West and Desert Willow. Hotel officials indicated that a new course would be easier to market than a rehabilitation and could generate more revenue for the resort. The hope is also to attract the LPGA Tour back to the Coachella Valley, following the Epson Tour event held at the Indian Wells Golf Resort Player’s Course.
Funding for the project will largely come from loan repayments received through the Indian Wells Redevelopment Agency as well as potential land sales. The project is scheduled to begin construction in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by November 2025. However, the closure of the Player’s Course during the construction period is anticipated to result in a net loss of about $1 million for the resort. Despite concerns over the increase in costs and lack of community input, the council approved the project and the fire access road.
While some council members expressed reservations about the project’s cost escalation and timing of information dissemination, others were convinced of the potential benefits. The approval process for the redesign has been ongoing for years, with various city meetings and engagement sessions conducted to gather feedback. Ultimately, the majority of the council approved the funding for the project and the selection of Troon as the project manager.
The project aims to revitalize the Player’s Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort and position it as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. By enhancing the course’s infrastructure, layout, and amenities, the resort hopes to attract a wider audience and boost its competitiveness in the market. With the backing of city officials and community support, the redesigned course is poised to elevate the resort’s profile and potentially pave the way for hosting prestigious golf tournaments in the future.
