Channing Benjamin
Channing Benjamin
Channing Benjamin
Channing Benjamin
Channing Benjamin
Channing Benjamin
Overview
The developers of The Quarry hired Tom Fazio in the early 1990s with instructions that he top his design of Shadow Creek (ranked No. 27 on this year’s list). Fazio was savvy enough to ignore those instructions, because he recognized The Quarry site was a much better piece of topography than what he’d been provided in Las Vegas. Thus The Quarry has more variety, starting and ending in a gravel quarry now lavishly landscaped. In between, holes play on high desert overlooking the Palm Springs Valley and in a valley, with four holes tucked in an isolated notch of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The course regularly receives some of the highest Conditioning scores in the ranking.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1999.
2023-'24 ranking: 91st.
Previous ranking: 85th,
Highest ranking: No. 44, 2009-'10.
Best in State: Ranked ninth, 2011-'12, 2015-'16, 2019-'20. Ranked 10th, 2017-'18. Ranked inside the top 10, 1999-2010. Ranked 11th, 2013-'14, 2021-'22. Ranked inside the top 15, 1995-'97.
2023-'24 ranking: 12th.
Previous ranking: 11th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Quarry at La Quinta is a Tom Fazio design that was in fantastic condition. The landscape and water features were pretty amazing and we even saw big horn sheep on the back nine. They have a short course there that is really great as well."
Read More2025
Review
“The best conditioned course I've ever played, it feels like they vacuumed the fairways. Much better than Shadow Creek."
Read More2025
Review
“The Quarry is an impeccably maintained desert course with phenomenal views as the holes meander under the Santa Rosa mountains. The variety of holes left me with multiple club selection decisions and strategic options to attack fairways and green complexes. Bomb a driver to have a short shot in or lay back with an iron or hybrid to avoid a tight landing area? Can I clear the wasteland to reach the fairway or lay up short of it? Lots of ways to attack The Quarry and fun to be able to choose my own adventure when a hole suits my eye or has me fearing hazards."
Read More2025
Review
“If you get the chance to place here, take it. Make sure to play the par 3 course as well, might be the best one I have ever played!"
Read More2025
Review
“Located in the Coachella Valley in the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this Tom Fazio designed private course opened for play in 1994. The area beautiful views of the valley and elevation changes. The course conditioning is one of the best in the nation. The are waterfalls , creeks and lakes throughout the course."
Read More2023
Review
“This Tom Fazio designed course is one of the finest conditioned golf courses one will play. Wide fairways and wonderful views are prevalent throughout. The staff is welcoming and attentive. Don't pass on playing this one if offered the opportunity."
Read More2023
Review
“Course is superbly conditioned. There is great variety in holes, terrain. Course is challenging but eminently doable with good thoughtful play. Not an easy course to receive an invitation to, but if you get a chance to play it, don't pass it up!"
Read More2023
Review
“A beautiful and serene setting which has significant variation in terrain and feel, from the flatlands near the clubhouse, to the elevated adjacent area, to the 4 holes of the "cove" which are surprisingly varied and exceedingly quiet and peaceful. Conditions are exceptional, as are aesthetics which show an incredible attention to detail. Course has above average layout variety, but despite all of these attributes, it is demanding but fair, and scorable with good play."
Read More2023
Review
“One of the best conditioned courses I have ever played. So unique picking up your divots and bringing them with you. Firm, fast, and perfect greens. A really great set of par 3 holes. The back tees on 17 are special."
Read More2023
Review
“This course certainly belongs in the top 100. A great mixture of easy, medium and difficult holes. The backdrops on the back nine just scream for you to take a picture on almost every hole. The prettiest desert course this rater has ever played. The firmness of the greens were excellent. They awarded a well struck shot and punished a poor one. This is a layout you will never get tied of playing."
Read More2023
Readers
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