The Golf Club at Terra Lago is a brilliant choice for golfers who want to experience the dramatic side of California desert golf. Set in Indio at the eastern end of the Coachella Valley, close to Palm Springs, the club combines emerald fairways with rugged desert hills and sweeping mountain views. We particularly like its sense of space: this is golf where the landscape is a big part of the challenge, rather than simply a backdrop.

Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, Terra Lago has two 18-hole, par-72 championship layouts, the North and South. The North is the more theatrical of the pair, with elevated tees, noticeable changes in height and a striking island-green par three. The view from the seventh tee stretches across the valley and is worth a moment before you reach for a club. Terra Lago also has tournament heritage, having staged the PGA Tour Skins Game between 1999 and 2002.

The South Course has a different personality, with rolling desert terrain, carefully placed bunkers and holes that reward a sensible line from the tee. Its second hole, nicknamed the Box Car, runs alongside a canal and features an unusual bridge made from a railway carriage. Both layouts can test stronger players, but a choice of tees makes the experience more approachable for mixed-handicap groups. There is also a golf shop and practice area, with accommodation available nearby rather than at the club itself.

For a longer Palm Springs golf holiday, we'd pair Terra Lago with Indian Wells Golf Resort or Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert. Combine those rounds with a comfortable desert hotel and relaxed evenings in the Coachella Valley, and we can create a tailor-made California golf trip with plenty of variety.