In a strategic move to elevate the high quality of Indian Wells Golf Resort, the Indian Wells City Council approved a $13.5 million redesign of the resort’s Players Course. The decision, finalized in a 3-2 vote on October 24, allocates $12 million to comprehensive course renovations and an additional $1.5 million for a new fire access road.
The Project Details
The redesign, helmed by the original course architect, John Fought, includes relocating the 17th and 18th holes, rebuilding greens and tee boxes, and overhauling the outdated irrigation system. The redesign aims to update the 17-year-old course and address significant wear and deferred maintenance, such as bunker reshaping, sand trap reduction, and an expanded short-game practice area. City Manager Christopher Freeland highlighted the need to maintain the course’s appeal amidst stiff regional competition, with PGA West and Desert Willow undergoing significant recent upgrades.
Fought’s updated design moves two key holes north of the Whitewater Channel, providing space for a more expansive and strategically designed course layout. An additional fire access road, funded by a Riverside County structural fire tax credit, is intended to enhance emergency response times to the course’s pavilion, which hosts large events but currently lacks efficient emergency access.
Economic Rationale
Representatives of the hotel resorts adjacent to the course expressed the belief that a redesigned course – versus a basic refurbishment – will significantly enhance the resort’s marketability, potentially increasing revenue through green fees, tournaments, and associated spending at the resort. The project is partly seen as a means to attract the LPGA Tour back to the area. The tour’s Epson developmental series recently held its championship on the Players Course, and city officials are optimistic about the LPGA’s return, bolstered by course improvements that could meet the standards for a premier tournament.
The funding structure leverages loan repayments tied to redevelopment efforts and land sale proceeds. Although a gap in financing will require short-term support from the general fund, this sum is slated for repayment in 2026. The council’s fiscal plan avoids dipping into existing general fund reserves, reflecting a commitment to financial prudence amidst rising construction costs.
Divergent Views in the Council
The project’s approval followed extensive deliberation, as some council members raised concerns over the rapid increase in estimated project costs—from an initial $8.7 million to $13.5 million. Councilmember Ty Peabody, who voted against the redesign, voiced disappointment over what he described as a lack of recent public input. While the city has held numerous community meetings on the project over the past few years, Peabody has questioned the adequacy of feedback from residents since April.
Conversely, a project supporter, Councilmember Donna Griffith, emphasized the extensive planning process, underscoring that multiple city committees and public forums reviewed the redesign. The City’s Golf Resort Advisory Committee also unanimously supported the renovation in March. “I think that our residents know this is coming,” Griffith said, citing both resident support and the long-term competitive benefits of the upgrade.
Looking Ahead
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with a projected reopening in November 2025. During the closure, the resort anticipates a net revenue loss of approximately $1 million, primarily due to the reduction of an estimated 22,400 golf rounds. This financial impact, however, has been incorporated into the city’s operational budget, minimizing unanticipated strains on resources.
Ultimately, the council’s decision reflects a calculated investment in Indian Wells Golf Resort’s long-term success. With the redesigned course expected to draw increased interest from high-profile tournaments and golf enthusiasts alike, city officials are optimistic that the revitalized Players Course will reaffirm Indian Wells’ status as a leading golf destination.
