The Indian Wells Golf Resort is taking steps to stay competitive and attract the LPGA Tour back to Coachella Valley with a $13.5 million redesign of one of its main courses. The City Council voted 3-2 to approve the project, which includes a $12 million contract with Troon and a golf landscaping company for the Player’s Course redesign, as well as $1.5 million for a new fire access road on the property. The redesign, led by John Fought, involves moving holes, rehabilitating greens, replacing irrigation systems, and rerouting the entire course. Construction is set to begin in March 2025 with a planned opening in November of the same year.
The project aims to revitalize the 17-year-old Players Course, addressing issues such as the irrigation system and bunkers to improve its ranking among golf destinations in the area. City Manager Christopher Freeland emphasized the need to compete with other local golf resorts that have undergone recent renovations. The remodel is expected to increase revenue for the resort and potentially attract the LPGA back to Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley.
Funding for the project will come from loan repayments received by the city through the successor agency of the Indian Wells Redevelopment Agency, as well as potential land sales. The council approved the project despite concerns about cost increases and lack of community input. While some council members questioned the final bid’s significant jump from initial estimates, others highlighted extensive public engagement and support for the project. The project is seen as a positive business decision for the city and a potential opportunity to host LPGA events in the future.
