
Escena Course
Escena Golf Club
About this course
Escena Golf Club, sculpted into the desert foothills near Palm Springs, plays as a modern ode to classic desert target golf. Marked by generous fairways tempting aggressive lines, the 18-hole Nicklaus Design course quickly introduces the reality of strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that reward careful planning over brute force. The architectural details reflect a late 20th-century approach, emphasizing playability for a range of skill levels while demanding precision on approach shots to undulating greens. Though not a fixture on professional tour circuits, Escena has quietly cultivated a reputation for its challenging yet fair layout, and for its stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Escena has attracted a diverse community of golfers, who are drawn to the course's blend of natural beauty and modern design. Post-round, many gather at the clubhouse, celebrated locally for its inventive Southwestern cuisine and curated selection of regional craft beers, providing a fitting conclusion to a day on the links.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in CA
Quick facts
- Location
- Palm Springs, CA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 2005
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,173 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.2/130
- Course Vaults score
- 7.1
Getting there
The gateway to Escena Golf Club is Palm Springs International Airport, a compact desert hub just fifteen minutes north of the property via Gene Autry Trail and Interstate 10. Private arrivals often touch down at Thermal Airport, the region's dedicated executive facility roughly twenty minutes southeast, favored by those seeking discretion in the Coachella Valley. The drive itself is quintessentially Southern California desert - wide skies, date palm groves, and the dramatic Santa Rosa Mountains rising sharply to the south - before the final turn into Escena's guard-gated enclave, where the course unfolds against a backdrop of raw, sunlit ridgelines.

FAQ
Common questions about Escena
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Escena has a Course Vaults score of 7.1 out of 10 based on 31 logged golfers.
Escena was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
Yes. Escena is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Escena is 72.
Escena plays 7,173 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Escena is 130.



