Every designer has a passion project.
Mine combines two things I love: great design and the incredible golf courses of the Coachella Valley.
What started as a simple idea quickly turned into one of the most detailed illustration projects I’ve ever tackled.
The Challenge
The Coachella Valley is home to more than 100 golf courses spread across several cities and communities.
I wanted to create something that wasn’t just accurate—it needed to be beautiful enough to frame, useful enough to reference, and detailed enough that golfers could immediately recognize the places they love.
That meant balancing geography, typography, illustration, and information in a way that felt elegant rather than overwhelming.
Research Comes First
Before I drew a single line, I spent countless hours researching.
- Course locations.
- Roads.
- Mountain ranges.
- City boundaries.
- Neighborhoods.
- Resort communities.
Even the smallest details mattered because the finished map needed to feel authentic to people who know the Valley.
Finding the Right Style
There were dozens of directions I could have taken.
- Flat and modern.
- Vintage.
- Satellite-inspired.
- Minimalist.
Ultimately, I chose an illustrated style that highlights the Valley’s unique landscape while celebrating its world-famous golf culture.
The goal wasn’t to create another road map.
It was to create something people would proudly hang on their wall.
Every Detail Matters
One of the most enjoyable parts of the project has been refining the details.
- Typography.
- Icons.
- Color palettes.
- Terrain.
- Course markers.
Every revision brings the map closer to the original vision.
As with most creative projects, it’s the little things that often take the most time.
More Than a Map
For me, this project represents more than cartography.
It’s a celebration of a place that has become home and a tribute to one of the greatest golf destinations in the world.
I hope golfers, residents, and visitors alike see it as both a useful guide and a piece of art.
What’s Next?
The map continues to evolve, and I’m excited to share updates as it moves closer to completion.
It’s been an incredibly rewarding project and a reminder that the best creative work often begins with simple curiosity and a willingness to keep improving.
Stay tuned—there’s much more to come.
