Indian Wells Golf Resort in Coachella Valley, California, has reopened its Players course following a renovation by architect John Fought.
Originally designed by Fought in 2007, the Players layout now features a redesigned ninth, as well as a redesigned and relocated seventeenth and eighteenth. Previously separated by the Whitewater Wash, the par-three seventeenth and par-four eighteenth have been relocated to the north side of the wash to “streamline the dramatic home stretch” of the Players course.
Renovation work included redesigning the ninth and relocating the seventeenth and eighteenth holes (Image: John Fought Design)
“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,” said Fought. “It’s been a pleasure to return to one of my favourite 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.”
The new par-five eighteenth plays in reverse of the first hole, along the top of the wash. The relocation of the hole has allowed for the creation of two large bunkers to the right of the fairway, as well as one large fairway bunker near the second landing zone and another in front of the green.
The renovated fifteenth hole (Photo: Indian Wells)
Bunkers, tee boxes and greens across the course were also given a “refresh” to provide a consistent playing experience at the Troon-managed golf club.
“We are beyond excited to showcase our fantastic new Players course to the golfing world,” said Robin Graf, general manager of Indian Wells Golf Resort. “Our Indian Wells residents and resort guests will quickly discover that one of the heralded municipal courses in both California and the US is now even better thanks to the incredible vision and expertise of John Fought and his team.”
“It’s been a pleasure to return to one of my favorite golf courses,” said John Fought who originally designed the Players course in 2007