LA QUINTA, Calif. -- No PGA Tour, no problem at SilverRock Resort.
This splendid Arnold Palmer design was one of the hosts of the former Bob Hope Classic from 2008-2011 before the PGA Tour changed the tournament's format, eliminating the need for so many golf courses.
Even without the pros, SilverRock remains relevant. It's one of the premier playgrounds in the Coachella Valley.
The city-owned municipal course, which opened in 2005, stretches to 7,578 yards. For a desert golf course, SilverRock sure is soaked with water hazards. Water will prove to be a significant threat on all three shots of the par-5 seventh hole. A canal dissects holes 10, 12 and 15 on the back nine. Take an extra club to avoid another pond on the intimidating par-3 17th hole.
The fairways skirt deep bunkering, the desert landscape, and most impressively, the Santa Rosa Mountains. Several holes, such as the fifth and 17th, run adjacent to the rocky ledges of the mountains. It takes extra effort to play golf and not to get caught up in their grandeur.
Visually, SilverRock is pure gold.
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The par-3 third hole is one of many beauties at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, California. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The par-5 second hole at SilverRock Resort ends at this green. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The seventh hole is one of two par 5s at SilverRock Resort longer than 600 yards. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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A rock pile causes trouble on the par-3 eighth hole at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, California. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The Santa Rosa Mountains loom over the 10th hole at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, California. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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Huge bunkers line the 11th fairway at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, California. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
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The front bunker of the 16th hole at SilverRock Resort swallows shots. Jason Scott Deegan/GolfPass
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To clear the water, use one extra club on the 17th hole at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta, California. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
