The Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, California is undergoing a major redesign of its Players Course, with the goal of potentially attracting professional golf tournaments and enhancing the overall experience for players. Designed by John Fought, the current redesign project will eliminate the par-3 17th and par-5 18th holes and reroute the course to meet the needs of the city of Indian Wells. The project, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025, will see significant changes to the course layout.
The city of Indian Wells is also sponsoring the Epson Tour Championship, the final event of the year for the LPGA’s developmental tour, on the Players Course. With plans to potentially host additional tournaments in the future, the redesign is aimed at making the course more appealing for professional events. The city has had initial discussions with the LPGA about hosting tournaments in the future, as part of the Epson Tour Championship discussions.
One of the key changes in the redesign is the addition of a new par-3 ninth hole that will return to the pavilion area, making for a more seamless playing experience. This change will also benefit the Fairway Grill, located near the pavilion, by increasing revenue from golfers finishing their front nine rounds. The course will remain a par 71, with four par 5s and an extra par 3, offering golfers a unique and challenging layout.
Construction on the new course is set to begin in mid-March of 2025, with a target completion date of July to allow for the growth of base Bermuda grass and overseeding with cool-weather grass for a November opening. The renovation will include new bunkers on each hole, improved teeing areas, and renovated greens to enhance the overall playability of the course. Additionally, the remaining holes on the course will see renovations to add more interest and maintain the award-winning status of the course.
The redesign project also includes the construction of new holes along the edge of the wash, creating a new set of closing holes and eliminating the existing 17th and 18th holes entirely. The new layout will connect the nines differently, with renumbered holes to accommodate the changes. Fought, a renowned golf course designer with experience hosting major tournaments, is focused on preserving the best elements of the course while adding new features to enhance the player experience.
The city of Indian Wells has approved a nearly $9 million project to redesign the Players Course, with enhancements such as a fire access road and family-friendly amenities for the Renaissance hotel. The collaborative effort between the city, the hotel, and the golf resort aims to create a world-class golf destination that meets the needs of both players and spectators. With the potential for hosting professional tournaments in the future, the redesigned course is poised to become a premier golf destination in Southern California.
