PGA West

The Jack Nicklaus Private course at PGA West opened in 1987 as part of the ambitious desert golf development in La Quinta, California. Nicklaus designed this layout to complement the resort's other championship courses, creating a members-only facility that contrasts with the more public-facing Stadium and TPC Stadium courses on the property. The routing occupies relatively flat desert terrain, with the Santa Rosa Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to the east. The course measures over 7,200 yards from the championship tees and features the strategic design principles Nicklaus favored during this period of his architectural career. Large, undulating greens require careful approach play, and the bunkering—both greenside and fairway—demands precise positioning. Water comes into play on several holes, a notable feature given the desert setting, with lakes and streams integrated into the design. The layout incorporates native desert landscaping alongside more traditional turf areas, reflecting the transitional style of desert golf architecture in the late 1980s. As a private club within the larger PGA West community, the Nicklaus Private course serves members seeking a less tournament-oriented experience than the resort's Stadium courses. The facility operates independently with its own clubhouse and amenities. The course has remained largely outside the public spotlight, hosting member events rather than professional tournaments, which distinguishes it from its more famous neighbors in the La Quinta resort corridor.