You don't have to stare into the night sky of Palm Springs to see stars. This desert oasis has been a golf playground for the upper echelon of who's who of Hollywood ever since the roaring 20s. Frank Sinatra loved "The Springs", and Gerald Ford was a regular fixture on the Palm Springs Golf circuit.

These days, Palm Springs Golf attracts the likes of Alice Cooper and any other of the myriad of stars you'll find at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic - the PGA Tour's annual California desert pit stop. Every year, a myriad of golfers make the journey to Palm Springs, a rite of passage if you will, lying somewhere between a golf pilgrimage to Las Vegas or Scottsdale, but can cost as much both trips combined. Yet, Palm Springs has cast a spell upon the golfing world, maintaining its hold despite the seemingly prohibitive cost. So what gives?

First of all, the weather is picture perfect for five months of the year. High temperatures in the 70s are normal between November and March, and April and May are bearable because of the low humidity. Second, golf courses are abundant and second to none in quality and conditioning. All in all, over 100 golf courses span across the Coachella Valley.

Lastly, there's the ambiance. There are plenty of chic eateries and nightclubs that have sprung up to cater to the new money. Premier designs have been popping up in and around Palm Springs since the building boom of the 1970's, but if you want to play in the peak season, you'll have to pay the price. Spring and summer months can bring great reductions in prices at some courses.