Greater palm spring is a cluster of over twenty villages in the coachella valley, 100 miles east of los angeles, with over eighty golf courses. Unfortunately, the majority are private clubs with high walls, no-entry fences, and bubbling fountains located in lavish gardens.

However, culture has not been stifled in these safe havens. The most revered of the valley's retreats, la quinta resort & club, has a guest list that reads like a who's who in american filmmaking. La quinta started as a small group of cottages in 1926 and quickly became the favorite destination for hollywood's "golden era" stars.

Despite the fact that la quinta has experienced many ownership changes and has evolved dramatically since its inception, the resort nevertheless exudes a calm elegance and beauty. Although the hotel's original concept, la quinta country club, was long since sold to its owners, pete dye was hired to design a pair of courses at the resort in the late 1970s.

The above passage is an selected selection from brian mccallan's book golf resorts of the world – the best places to relax and enjoy.