If there was ever a golf course built for the Skins Game, it is the Celebrity Course at Indian Wells. Starting just last year, this golf course has played host to the annual silly season PGA Tour Skins Game. For the past two years Stephan Ames has won the crown of most skins. The golf course was designed by Clive Clark, former member of the European Ryder Cup team, and features very dramatic golf for skins play. The golf course is over 7,000 yards but plays shorter due to the hard desert ground.

The Celebrity course has several unique qualities that make it perfect for skins play. First, there are only two par-3's on the entire golf course - one on each side of the layout. One measures 180 yards and the other, over 230 yards. Par-3's are some of the least appealing holes during a skins competition at this level because most times they result in a halve.

There is an over-abundance of par-4's on this golf course with fourteen of the eighteen holes being par-4's. As you make your way around the golf course it can sometimes be hard to remember that you are playing in a desert and not a tropical climate. The landscape surrounding the golf course is comprised of ponds, streams, and lush palm trees that line many of the fairways and greens.

it becomes obvious that as Clark was designing the golf course, he was thinking of the average golfer and how much drama he could give these players. The white sand bunkers are a stark contrast to the lush fairways and greens. Although many of the golf holes are short, players will want to weigh the risk and reward for going after some of these greens from the tee.

The fairways are undulating and can easily kick your ball into a place where only the fish feel at home. Water is an important feature on this golf course and many of the holes require a carry over water to reach the fairway. Clark has also used this hazard to surround the greens.

Typical of golf courses that host PGA Tour events you can always expect this golf course to be in great condition. Fast greens and fairways are the rule rather than the exception here on the Celebrity golf course. If you do decide to play the course, you will definitely have a great time. The par-4 12th hole is a great opportunity to score a birdie as the hole only measures 258 yards from the back tee, on many courses that is considered a par-3.

Clark has done a wonderful job of keeping you interested in your game and giving you a chance to score. Too often designers focus only on how difficult they can make their golf courses which takes away the purpose of the game. The unique layout and great conditions make this golf course a must play when you are looking for golf in California.

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