Indian Wells reopens Players Course

Indian Wells Golf Resort is reopening its Players Course for residents and resort guests following a comprehensive renovation led by golf course architect John Fought. 

Headlining the more notable changes to the course is the redesign of the 9th, 17th and 18th holes. Previously separated from the rest of the course by the Whitewater Wash, the par-3 No. 17 and par-4 No. 18 holes have been relocated to the north side of the wash to streamline the dramatic homestretch of the layout that played host to the 2024 Epson Tour Championship. Additionally, the par-5 9th is now closer to the resort’s clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities at the turn. 

The project also featured a “refresh” of the bunkers, tee boxes and greens on each hole to ensure a consistent and exceptional playing experience. Off the course, the renovation project includes a new fire-access road that will allow fire trucks and other heavy vehicles to traverse the wash between the clubhouse and the heart of the Players Course.

“We are beyond excited to showcase our fantastic new Players Course to the golfing world,” Indian Wells Golf Resort GM Robin Graf said. “Our Indian Wells residents and resort guests will quickly discover that one of the heralded municipal courses in both California and the U.S. is now even better thanks to the incredible vision and expertise of John Fought and his team.”

Troon partnered with Indian Wells City Council and the resort management team to negotiate the contractor agreement, oversee all consultants, manage budgeting and billing to stay within budget and help coordinate construction schedules to ensure timely project completion.

Originally designed by Fought in 2007, the Players Course has routinely ranked among the top public-access golf courses in the country. The structural changes made during the renovation will enhance the playability of the renowned course while also preparing the layout for its role as host of elite professional golf championships.

“The Players Course has been among the top golf courses in California ever since we first broke ground here in 2007, and we had the opportunity to not only refresh the entire golf course, but also to complete our original vision of the layout,” Fought said. “It’s been a pleasure to return to one of my favorite golf courses and one that I have many fond memories of, and I’m confident that the renovated Players Course will create new memories for golfers for many years to come.”