See main article: 1991 Newsweek Champions Cup and the Virginia Slims of Palm Springs.
Jim Courier defeated Guy Forget in the final, 4–6, 6–3, 4–6, 6–3, 7–6(7–4) to win the men's singles tennis title at the 1991 Indian Wells Masters.
Stefan Edberg was the defending champion, but lost to Forget in the semifinals.
The top eight seeds receive a bye into the second round.