The Top 100 Newest GOLF Courses in the US ranking includes 11 newcomers, which we’ll introduce you to here. Meet Ladera in Thermal, Calif.
CHANNING BENJAMIN
GOLF recently released its latest rankings of Top 100 Courses in USA (2024-2525)a list that includes 11 arrivals. Some of them you may recognize. Others you may not. Here, in the spotlight for newcomers, we’ll introduce you to these 100 best beginner gems.
In the spotlight of newcomers: Ladera / Rank: 87
Location: Thermal, California.
Business: Private
YEAR OPEN: 2023
Architect: Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner
What you need to know about Ladera
Located in the lower Coachella Valley, this private clubhouse rises against the Santa Rosa Mountains and offers one of the game’s most peaceful settings. Given that Jim Wagner and Gil Hanse rigged every inch of this desert country, they were free to configure the freeways as they wished. Some tip shots now require attractive diagonal carries like barrages, low vegetation and well-placed bunkers on the inside of the doglegs. Standout holes include the 210-yard par-3 12th that features a Biarritz-style swale at the back of the green and the rolling par-4 15th that plays to a raised, angled green. The best of the bunch might be the 18th, with its massive bunker on the left working in perfect unison with a sister bunker on the front right. This is strategic golf at a high level.
What our reviewers say
“The Ladera joins the Top 100 as the most angular design that Gil Hanse has produced. Although the fairways are generous, there is a certain preferred position to approach the greens. Creating creative shots is a must due to Hanse and Wagner’s subtle and thoughtful design work on and around the greens. The 10th and 15th holes are unique and original holes where birdies and double bogeys will come in equal numbers.”
“It’s impossible to play the Ladera and not think about the inspiration the Riviera must have given the Hanse/Wagner design team. My personal favorite hole is the blind approach shot to the diagonal ridge split into the green on the long par-4 4th hole.”
“An amazing feat of engineering, taking this flat grove of lemon trees, digging huge gullies through the property and shaping all that fill into very significant elevation changes and drop-offs, and then running 18 beautiful holes of golf in the landscape. And they did it all in one year! Crazy impressive. This is the best golf course in the Palm Springs area by far, top 10 in the state for sure and definitely the best desert course on the planet. Well done to Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner for creating a great day of golf for anyone lucky enough to play there.”
