What a celebration at Indian Wells Golf Resort (IWGR) in California’s Coachella Valley! Golf architect John Fought unveiled the completion of his renovation of the Gamers Course, already ranked excessive on the annual finest lists within the nation.Kestral, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge at IWGR was the venue serving filet mignon, seafood, French caviar, and different beautiful dishes.
The Group
Managed by Troon, VP illustration included Kris Strauss and William O’Brian and extra. We beforehand met the GM Robin Graf at 4 Seasons Lodge within the Ozarks. He’s loving life within the desert. Joe Williams remains to be the Director of Golf, having seen all of it in his 30 years at IWGR. Owned by the Metropolis of Indian Wells, the Mayor, Bruce Whitman and Metropolis Supervisor, Chris Freeland have been in the home as properly, congratulating the entire staff together with Director of Agronomy Nick Leitner. Troon partnered with the town and the resort administration staff to barter the contractor settlement, oversee consultants, handle budgets and billing, and assist coordinate building schedules to make sure well timed venture completion inside funds.
The Architect
We spoke with architect John Fought, who initially designed the Gamers Course in 2007. He was thrilled to reshape the course to his authentic intent – inserting all of the holes on the identical aspect of the Whitewater Wash. John shared how he grew to become a Golf Architect by default, “As an accountant I screwed up my backbone, talked with Bob Cupp and received into design.”
Philosophically, John prefers programs that require technique with out being penal – a mindset influenced by hitting balls with Ben Hogan, who emphasised course administration. He likes greens to be open within the entrance so gamers of all ranges can roll the ball up. A lot of the inexperienced shapes remained the identical, simply barely bigger. All 18 greens, tee packing containers, and bunkers have been refreshed to create constant situations.
Fought is particularly happy that the Gamers Course stays uncluttered by housing. He’s performed The Masters 3 times and a number of other US Open venues the place homes don’t intrude on the pure magnificence. His purpose is to combine the landforms and pure assets, and on the Gamers Course, each gap enjoys a pleasant view of the encircling mountains.
Gamers Redesign
John by no means appreciated 17 and 18 so when the Metropolis steered eradicating them to make means for a possible resort property, he stated, “sure, sure, sure!” “I can’t even let you know how a lot enjoyable this was.” Relocating the 2 holes required reorganizing the remainder of the routing like puzzle items. Many holes stay recognizable, however some seem in a distinct order – Gap 4, for instance, is now Gap 14. He says that “7 is a little bit of Redan.”
Gap 13 beforehand supplied a free drop on account of what was believed to be a Native American burial web site. A mound obstructed visibility which John famous was unacceptable for a resort course. “If the routing’s not proper, it doesn’t matter how good the course is.” The Metropolis labored with the tribe to decrease the mound in cautious six-inch lifts. Thankfully, no human stays have been discovered, and there will likely be no extra free drops.
In the present day, the brand new 17 and 18 run alongside the complete course aspect of the deep wash coming house to the clubhouse. Drives should favor the best aspect – something left is gone. 17 is paying homage to Riviera’s quantity 4 and 18, a par 5 is in John’s view an ideal ending gap: gamers tied can go for it whereas these with a lead can select warning. “Play it boldly for an eagle or get bitten,” he laughed. This will likely be important when the Epson Tour gamers return for the 2026 Epson Tour Championship which they performed on the Gamers Course in 2024, then shifted to IWGA’s second course, Movie star in 2025 throughout building.
Is that this the final redesign? John doubts it. “You can also make any golf course higher. Augusta Nationwide closes each summer season to enhance one thing.” For now, although, the brand new Gamers Course ought to elate each residents and company for ages.
Movie star Course
IWGR’s different designer, Clive Clark, attended to help John Fought’s accomplishment. We performed Clark’s Movie star Course the following day in sturdy winds. One phrase describes it: PRETTY. Annual flowers positioned with meticulous intention, create a floral fantasy adorned by waterfalls and mountain views. Fortunate geese paddle via the lakes and ponds as fortunate golfers are captivated by the sweetness. The seventeenth gap is particularly gorgeous.
Earlier than or after the spherical, Kestral, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge at Indian Wells Golf Resort is just wonderful. Movie star Chef Richard has made it his new house and his methods – together with liquid hydrogen infusion for a lighter margarita – retains issues ingenious.
Lodging Choices
IWGR companions with 4 motels, all in strolling distance and supported by complimentary shuttles. We’ve stayed at each the Grand Hyatt, and The Renaissance every positioned on reverse sides of the clubhouse with swimming pools, spas, eating places, and golf course views.
On this journey, we stayed throughout the road on the Tommy Bahama Miramonte, a boutique property surrounded by olive and citrus groves. Our room ignored a lemon tree heavy with fruit and the close by hideaway pool’s jacuzzi and a cup of joe grew to become our morning ritual. Evenings ended round out of doors firepits, sharing nightcaps and chats with fellow vacationers.
IWGR is a vacation spot inside the Larger Palm Springs space, making it simple to discover further golf programs, world-class buying, and the wealthy historical past of Hollywood’s desert retreats. https://www.indianwellsgolfresort.com/
