I managed to squeeze in a round at the Classic Club before driving back home. Golfweek ranks the Classic Club #8 in California, right ahead of Torrey Pines. The course was built for the Bob Hope Classic Tournament, hence the name, but Phil Mickelson and other Tour players didn't like the windy conditions so it's no longer the host course as of 2009. But my motto is: play where the pros don't want to be play.
I really liked the course. Unlike other Palm Springs area courses the Classic Club is a standalone golf course, not part of some resort, hotel or community. There's just a huge clubhouse and the course. Very isolated and very tranquil out there. The Classic Club is run by Troon Golf, the same management company that runs Indian Wells. Just like Indian Wells the facilities and service were great.
The fairways are very wide and very open. No houses to distract you. Really tempts you to try to crush the ball every time. There's water troubles off the tee on several holes but if your driver is half decent you'll be fine. The bigger problem is the approach shots. Several greens are very well protected by bunkers and water. Got a hint of the wind when we made the turn but wasn't too bad.
Got in a few pars and one birdie after my 7-iron got within a foot of the hole. But overall score, nothing to write home about. Still a fun round.
I would put the Classic Club in the "should play" category for courses in Palm Springs area. So here's a summary of courses I'd recommend:
Thumbs Up
- Indian Wells Celebrity
- The Classic Club
- TPC Stadium
Thumbs Down
- Terra Lago (North)
Neutral
- Gary Player Signature
- Westin Mission Hills Pete Dye Course
- TPC Stadium
