It is 120 degrees. The air feels like a physical weight against your chest, and the horizon is shimmering in a way that makes the mountains look like they're melting. You are standing on a patch of vibrant, defiant green grass in the middle of a salt-crusted basin. This is the Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, and honestly, it shouldn’t exist.
Most people think of Death Valley National Park as a place where things go to die. It’s the land of the 134-degree world record temperature, the "Moving Stones," and jagged salt spires. Yet, here is an 18-hole course. It is the lowest elevation golf course in the world, sitting at 214 feet below sea level.
Playing here isn't just about the score. It’s about the absurdity of it. You’re hitting a ball in a place where the barometric pressure is higher than anywhere else you’ve likely played, which actually affects how the ball flies. Gravity feels the same, but the air is denser. It’s thick. Your drives won’t carry as far as they do at your home course in the suburbs.
What it’s Actually Like to Play at 214 Feet Below Sea Level
The first thing you notice isn't the heat—it’s the silence. Death Valley has a way of swallowing sound. When you tee off on the first hole at the Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, the "thwack" of the driver sounds crisper, but the ball seems to hit an invisible wall sooner than expected.
Scientifically, this makes sense. At sea level, air is denser than at high altitudes like Denver. But at 214 feet below sea level? The air is even heavier. Golfers who are used to "thin air" boosting their distance are often humbled here. You’ll find yourself pulling a 6-iron for a shot that usually requires an 8-iron. It’s a subtle mental game that messes with your confidence before you even reach the first green.
The course itself was originally established in 1927. It wasn't always this lush 18-hole layout. Back then, it was just a three-hole loop built for the workers of the Pacific Coast Borax Company. It was a way to keep morale up in one of the most isolated places on Earth. Eventually, it expanded to nine holes, and by 1968, William P. Bell (who worked on famous tracks like Torrey Pines and Riviera) redesigned it into the 18-hole par-70 course it is today.
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The Heat and the "Summer Heat Survival"
If you play in the winter, it’s paradise. January temperatures usually hover around 65 or 70 degrees. It’s perfect. But some people—the "Heat Seekers"—insist on playing in July.
I wouldn't recommend it unless you have a death wish or a very high tolerance for misery. If you do go in the summer, tee times start at sunrise. By 10:00 AM, the ground is literally radiating heat back at you. The carts are equipped with heavy-duty tops and sometimes even fans, but they can only do so much. You have to drink water constantly. Not "when you're thirsty." Constantly.
One fascinating quirk about the Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is the irrigation. In a place that gets less than two inches of rain a year, how is the grass green? It’s all about the springs. The resort uses water from natural Travertine Springs, which flows by gravity down to the oasis. It’s a closed-loop system of sorts. They aren't pumping in city water; they are using what the desert provides, which is why the resort area exists in the first place.
The Design: Small Greens and Deep Bunkers
Don't expect a massive, 7,500-yard championship monster. This course is short. It’s only about 6,236 yards from the back tees. On paper, that sounds like a cakewalk. It isn't.
The fairways are narrow and lined with tamarisk and palm trees. If you spray your ball, you aren't just in the rough; you’re in the desert. Or worse, you’re stuck behind a tree that has been hardened by decades of extreme wind and sun. The greens are small—very small. They require precision. Because the course is so low, the grass grows differently, and the breaks can be deceptive.
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- The Signature 14th Hole: This is a long par 5 that plays into the prevailing wind. It feels like it never ends.
- The Water Hazards: Yes, there is water in the desert. Several holes feature ponds that serve as a sanctuary for migrating birds.
- The Bunkers: They are well-placed. The sand is often heavy, especially if there’s been any moisture in the air.
The greens are usually a Bermuda hybrid. They have to be. Any other grass would simply shrivel and die in the August sun. The maintenance crew here are basically magicians. They have to balance soil salinity—which is naturally high in Death Valley—with the needs of the turf. If the salt levels get too high, the grass "burns" from the roots up.
Wildlife and the "Coyote Rule"
You aren't alone out there. The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. This means it’s a legitimate habitat. You’ll see roadrunners darting across the fairways. You’ll see coyotes.
The coyotes are a famous part of the experience. They are smart, and frankly, they’re a bit bored. They have been known to wait for a golfer to hit a ball and then chase it down, thinking it’s a toy or prey. There used to be a local "Coyote Rule": if a coyote steals your ball, you get a free drop. Honestly, don't try to get the ball back. They are faster than you.
You might also see the Desert Bighorn Sheep if you’re lucky, though they usually stay higher up in the Funeral Mountains. The birds are the real stars, though. Because this is one of the only water sources for miles, you'll see everything from hawks to tiny migratory songbirds.
Why This Course Matters for Travel and History
The Oasis at Death Valley (which includes the Inn and the Ranch) has hosted Hollywood royalty for decades. Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard all spent time here. It was the ultimate "getaway" because, in the 1930s and 40s, no one could find you here. The golf course was the centerpiece of that luxury.
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It represents a weird era of American engineering—the idea that we could build a lush garden in the hottest place on the planet. It’s a bit kitschy, sure. The "19th Hole" bar is a great place to grab a beer and look at the photos of the old days. But there’s a real history of resilience here.
Practical Tips for Your Round
If you’re actually going to do this, don't just show up with a bag of clubs and hope for the best.
- Book in Advance: Especially in the winter. It’s a bucket-list destination for golfers worldwide.
- Check the Wind: The wind in Death Valley can go from a breeze to a 40-mph gale in minutes. It blows through the canyon gaps and can turn a par 4 into a par 6.
- Sun Protection: This is non-negotiable. Even in the winter, the UV rays are intense because of the reflection off the salt flats.
- Stay at the Ranch: The Ranch at Death Valley is right next to the course. It’s more casual and "cowboy" than the Inn, and it’s much more convenient for early tee times.
- Look for the "Below Sea Level" Marker: There’s a marker near the pro shop. Take the photo. It’s the whole reason you’re there.
Is it Worth the Drive?
Death Valley is a long haul. It’s about two hours from Las Vegas and nearly five from Los Angeles. Driving through the Mojave to get here is an experience in itself. You pass through ghost towns and vast expanses of nothingness.
Is the golf "world-class" in terms of difficulty? Probably not. You can find more challenging courses in Scottsdale or Palm Springs. But you won't find another course where you can look up at the mountains and know you are standing below the level of the ocean.
The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is a novelty, but it’s a high-quality one. It’s well-maintained, the staff knows the history, and the experience of playing in such a hostile environment is something you’ll talk about for years. It’s the ultimate "check the box" round for any serious golfer.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to play the lowest course on Earth, start by checking the weather patterns for late October or early November. This is the "sweet spot" where the crowds are thin but the temperatures have dropped into the 80s.
Call the pro shop directly to ask about "overseeding" schedules. Like most desert courses, they shut down for a couple of weeks in the fall to transition the grass for winter. You don't want to drive all that way just to find the course closed or the fairways covered in sand and seed. Pack extra hydration tablets, leave your "high altitude" expectations at home, and prepare for the heaviest air you've ever swung a club through.