THE LAKES COUNTRY CLUB

Desert winds sweep across this Ted Robinson design where water hazards define nearly every hole, creating a stark contrast to the surrounding Coachella Valley landscape. The par-3 17th demands a precise mid-iron over a serpentine lake that claims more Titleists than a pro shop, while the closing hole features an island green that separates champions from weekend warriors. Robinson's strategic bunkering and elevated greens reward course management over pure distance, making this a thinking player's test in one of golf's most unforgiving climates.