The Indian Wells, Calif., property has begun construction on a new casual restaurant with lounge, covered terrace and display kitchen; a junior Olympic pool with covered pavilion; and a tennis center with two additional hard-surface tennis courts and two pickleball courts. The facilities are expected to open in November 2017.
City Explores Options for Indian Wells (Calif.) Golf Resort
The city council voted to spend up to $70,000 on new software and a study exploring the possibility of bringing TopGolf to the facility, which faces an operating deficit that could exceed $422,000 this year. The council noted that the property’s two 18-hole golf courses are making money, but the recently renovated clubhouse and dining venues are eating the profits.
City Requests Strategic Plan for Indian Wells (Calif.) Golf Resort
The city council is asking Troon, which manages the 36-hole, city-owned resort, to prepare a five-year strategic plan to increase revenue and make the property self-sufficient. The council suggested keeping resident fees where they are, but raising non-resident fees to make up for stagnation in golf rounds.
Indian Wells (Calif.) Golf Resort Reopens After July Storm
A “tornado-like” system ripped through the property’s two 18-hole golf courses in July, bringing down large trees, damaging bunkers, and uprooting irrigation pipes. Both golf courses are now open, though storm cleanup is ongoing and the cost is still being tallied, with the bunkers alone estimated at $1.5 million.
California Golf Properties Paint Greens Amid Drought
Painted grass is gaining interest among golf course properties in the Coachella Valley as a way to save water by allowing grass to go dormant and discontinue irrigation, but still maintain a lush look.
Under the Big Top
A tent upgrade has revitalized event business at Basking Ridge Country Club by providing a new venue for outdoor gatherings.
PGA Elects Derek Sprague as President, Creates New Palmer Award
Sprague, GM and Director of Golf at Malone (N.Y.) GC, had been Interim President since Ted Bishop was removed in October. Arnold Palmer accepted the inaugural Deacon Palmer award, named after his father and awarded to him posthumously as its first recipient.
Toscana CC to Add Eight New Holes
When the Indian Wells, Calif., property was developed in 2003, only the North Course’s front nine holes and 18th hole were built. The project is filling in the remaining holes, aiming for a November 2015 opening.
The Pie’s the Limit
At the Vintage Club, the pies (big or small) are deliciously decadent.
Classic Club Switches to Recycled Water
Following up on an agreement made last year, the Palm Desert, Calif., club has begun using recycled water for irrigation, reducing the pumping of groundwater from an aquifer that has been declining. The Berger Foundation loaned the water district more than $2.2 million to complete the pipeline that officials say expedited the project by two or three years.
It’s All About Time
To build on new awareness and momentum created by the USGA’s “While We’re Young” campaign, more clubs and courses are devising player-friendly solutions to help support the need for a faster pace of play.
Lift Your Spirits
Craft cocktails, specialty glassware and seasonal garnishes are helping these two properties further distinguish their drink menus—and themselves.
California Superintendents to Participate in Water-Use Forum
The Director of Golf Course Operations from Rancho La Quinta CC and the Golf Course Superintendent of Toscana CC will be panelists at a community meeting, co-sponsored by the city of Indio, Calif. and The Desert Sun newspaper of Palm Springs, Calif., that is being held to encourage dialogue about water problems in the Coachella Valley and explore potential solutions.
Council Approves Strategic Plan for Indian Wells (Calif.) Golf Resort
The Indian Wells City Council tasked Troon, which has managed the course for three years, with creating a five-year strategic plan to put the resort back in the black. The council voted to approve the plan, which includes a $2.25 million loan from the city, with $1.5 million allocated for a new banquet structure, $500,000 for the IW Club, $125,000 for the café and $125,000 toward a marketing re-launch campaign.