PGA West: Stadium Course

Pete Dye opened the Stadium Course at PGA West in 1986. Dye's signature railroad-tie bunkering, severe water hazards, and spectator-sightline shaping are all here in full force. The finish sequence mimics what Dye would later create at TPC Sawgrass: a gambling par-5 16th called "San Andreas Fault," a short par-3 17th to an island green, and an intimidating par-4 18th with water all the way to the green. The course first appeared as a PGA Tour venue at the 1987 Bob Hope Classic. After tour pros found it unreasonably punishing, they petitioned to have it removed from the rota; years later it returned as part of The American Express rotation. Golf Digest ranks it #49 on America's 100 Greatest Public Courses (2023-24). GOLF Magazine places it #25 on Best Golf Courses in California and #56 on Top 100 Courses to Play in the U.S. (2024-25). Golf Digest once ranked it the 4th toughest course in America (2007). The PGA West Stadium is Dye at his most theatrical, a must-play for any architecture-curious golfer in the desert.