INDIAN WELLS, California – Indian Wells Golf Resort, the world-class golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley, announces the reopening of its acclaimed Players Course for residents and resort guests following a comprehensive renovation led by acclaimed architect John Fought.
The new-look Players Course was showcased to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 2.
Headlining the most notable changes to the golf course is the redesign of the ninth, 17th and 18th holes. Previously separated from the rest of the golf course by the Whitewater Wash, the par-3 No. 17 and par-4 No. 18 holes have been relocated to the north side of the wash to streamline the dramatic home-stretch of the layout that played host to the 2024 Epson Tour Championship.
Additionally, the par-5 ninth is now closer to the resort’s clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities at the turn.
The project also featured a “refresh” of the bunkers, tee boxes and greens on each hole to ensure a consistent and exceptional playing experience. Off the course, part of the renovation project includes a new fire-access road that will allow fire trucks and other heavy vehicles to traverse the wash between the clubhouse and the heart of the Players Course.
“We are beyond excited to showcase our fantastic new Players Course to the golfing world,” says 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 U.S. is now even better thanks to the incredible vision and expertise of John Fought and his team.”
Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, was proud to partner with the Indian Wells City Council and the resort management team to negotiate the contractor agreement, oversee all consultants, manage budgeting and billing to stay within budget and help coordinate construction schedules to ensure timely project completion.
Originally designed by Fought in 2007, the Players Course has routinely ranked among the top public-access golf courses in the country. The structural changes made during the renovation will enhance the playability of the renowned course while also preparing the layout for its role as host of elite professional golf championships.
“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,” says Fought. “It’s been a pleasure to return to one of my favorite 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.”
Indian Wells Golf Resort recently hosted the 2025 season-ending “Race for the Card” Epson Tour Championship contested this year on its exceptional Celebrity Course, from Oct. 2 – 5. The championship was contested on the Players Course in 2024 and is due to return as the host of the championship in 2026 following the renovation.
Indian Wells Golf Resort also now showcases its new critically-acclaimed restaurant, Kestrel. Born from the creative mind of celebrity chef Richard Blais, Kestrel is located on the top floor of the clubhouse and opened in late 2024. With a menu inspired by Blais’ take on fresh California cuisine, the new restaurant and bar is the perfect setting for a night out or elevated post-round fare.
For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort, www.indianwellsgolfresort.com.