Hi John!
Yes, I visit the lower desert/Coachella valley a few times- year round. For me, May/June are some my favorite time to visit. It's definitely short pants and guaranteed no need for any layering at all. Sun blocks and brim hats are more of a concern by some, but the mornings are fab- 70s-80s in temps and I never think of it at all.
Both courses that you're scheduling to visit are great courses in my opinion and they are a lot of fun. Shadow ridge gets a lot more play than the Classic. Both of them are wide open and their greens are a pleasure to putt on (I doubt it, but to be sure, call and check at the pro shop if aeration are scheduled prior to your visit). The slope/rating at the classic is higher. The Classic is also only a few miles from Shadow Ridge, but there seems there seem little more wind on the north side of the freeway 10 for some reason. Nevertheless, I love playing there.
I'm jealous- but have a great time- trust your Titleist!
_n.

I thought the Classic Club was 'okay'.

However, I really enjoyed playing the Gary Player course at Mission Hills, and the North Course at Terra Lago.

Yes, I've enjoyed the Gary Player course at Mission Hills as well and just played it a few weeks ago. One of my other favorites is Escena, but I'll have to look into Terra Lago.

John- My family has a place out in the desert. I have played Classic Club, Desert Willow( both courses) Silver Rock and Inidan Wells. I would say try FireCliff at Desert Willow, that is by far my favorite course of the ones Ive played. I am heading out in Nov and thinking of going to CC again and trying Mission Hills or Shadow Ridge. Hope that helps, enjoy it out there. It is such a beautiful place

The Classic Course is nice, but it might be rather windy there. That is one of the reasons the PGA Tour stopped playing the Hope at that course (at least that is what I heard). The hospitality is great, but if you are looking for a few great courses here are my suggestions:

1. Gary Player @ Mission Hills

2. Dunes Course @ La Quinta

3. PGA West Stadium (How could you not!)

4. Indian Wells Golf Course.

Have fun and hit'em straight!

John

Looks like this group could easily do a TT outing down the desert!

So I went on Golf Now with a little over two weeks before our trip to make a tee time at Classic Club. Our options were 7:00 AM which is too early after a night of fun, or 10:40, which in June in Palm Springs isn't Ideal. Soooo, we opted to play the PGA West stadium course on our second day. That should be memorable. Hopefully my clubs make the return trip home.