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Here’s how to play PGA West’s Stadium course (and stay at a Top 100 Resort for three nights!) for $2,350

January 17, 2020

The PGA Tour has left the paradise of Hawaii and moved on to the mainland for this week’s The American Express in La Quinta, Calif. And while it’s not a tropical locale, the Southern California desert is an incredible golf destination — especially during the winter months.

La Quinta’s temperatures average from highs in the mid-70s in February to the low-to-mid 80s in March and April. Truly ideal! Here’s how to take a weekend getaway of your own to La Quinta — which just happens to be home to one of GOLF‘s Top 100 Resorts, the La Quinta Resort & Club — for only $2,350.

AIRFARE: ~$350

Your best bet when it comes to an arrival airport is Palm Springs (PSP), which is super-charming, albeit small. Because of this, long-haul direct flights are somewhat scarce, so depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll have to connect. But the close proximity to your destination is worth it! The alternative is flying into LAX, which leaves you with a two-hour drive — and that’s without traffic.

On a Friday to Monday itinerary I selected in late February, I found a direct flight on Jetblue from JFK to PSP, but it’s a late-nighter. A one-stop that gets you in at a reasonable hour starts at around $330. From BOS, it’s $370 and from ORD and DEN, you can get to PSP direct for $492 and $259, respectively (all prices via Expedia).

TOTAL AIRFARE: ~$350

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: $45

You won’t need a rental car for a stay at La Quinta Resort, where every amenity you’ll need is on property, including shuttles to the golf courses.

The drive from the airport to the resort is about 20 miles, and will take a little over a half hour. In an Uber, you can expect to pay around $45 each way — not bad, especially when you’re splitting with someone!

TOTAL SPEND: $350 + $45 = $395

The Mountain Course at La Quinta.
The Mountain Course at La Quinta.
Courtesy Photo

LODGING AND GREEN FEES: $2,045.50

With La Quinta Resort’s Unlimited Golf package, you can get overnight accommodations in one of the resort’s luxury casitas, as well as unlimited golf on five stunning resort courses: La Quinta’s own Dunes and Mountain layouts, or PGA West’s Stadium, Nicklaus and Norman courses. A round on the Stadium course is subject to a $50 surcharge, but you are entitled to free replays, as well as a round on one of the courses after check-in, subject to availability. So, for a three-night stay, you could potentially play five rounds! One round round on check-in day, and 36 holes each day on the other two days.

Or, you can limit yourself to one round a day, and enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer — like the 41 pools, 53 hot spas, 21 meticulously maintained tennis courts, and more.

TOTAL LODING AND GREEN FEES SPEND: $3,201.00 (inclusive of taxes and resort fees) / two people = $1,600.50 + $50 Stadium course surcharge = $1,650.50

Note: The rate is the same for a king bedroom, or two double beds.

TOTAL SPEND: $395 + $1,650.50 = $2,045.50

A scenic view of the Dunes Course at La Quinta in California.
A scenic view of the Dunes Course at La Quinta in California.
Courtesy Photo

DINING: $300

With seven restaurants on property, you won’t experience any culinary boredom during a long weekend at La Quinta Resort. Try this budget on for size:

Arrival dinner: $50

Day 1 golf course lunch: $25

Day 1 dinner: $50

Day 2 golf course lunch: $25

Day 2 dinner: $50

Miscellaneous breakfasts and snacks: $100

TOTAL DINING SPEND: $300

TOTAL SPEND: $2,045.50 + $300 = $2,345.50 

And there you have it! Three nights in a Top 100 Resort, and three rounds at world-class courses, all for under $2,350! Ready to book? Happy travels!

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