ALWAYS EXTRAORDINARY
Celebrating 60 Years...
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The Beginning In 1958 the founders, Roy Crummer, Col. Courtney Turner and John Elsbach, led by Chicago attorney Leonard Ettelson purchased the La Quinta Hotel and 1,000 acres of land around it. They set aside 130 acres of sand and sagebrush and said, “We’re going to create a country club that will be unequaled in the Coachella Valley.” Ultimately that’s exactly what they did. Designed by architect Lawrence M. Hughes, this traditional course featured tree-lined fairways, lakes, bunkers and gently rolling terrain. When first opened, it could play to 7,200 yards with holes as long as 535 yards and as short as 160 yards.
Lawrence Hughes: About the Architect Growing up in Chillicothe, Missouri, Lawrence Hughes was exposed to some of the finest architects in golf. His father, Henry T. Hughes, worked with Donald Ross as a construction supervisor for Ross’ designs. In his late teens, Larry and his brother went to work with their father during the construction of The Broadmoor, which is where his interest in golf course architecture began. Hughes teamed up with Johnny Dawson, a prestigious amateur golfer, and took on development of courses in Southern California, which vaulted him to a long career in golf course architecture. During this career, Hughes was assisted on many of his designs by his brothers Frank and Henry. Hughes was elected to ASGCA in 1959. He served as a member for 16 years until his death in 1975. Other courses he designed: Las Posas Country Club (Camarillo, California), Thunderbird Country Club (Rancho Mirage, California), Marin Country Club (Novato, California), Coronado Country Club (El Paso, Texas), Eldorado Country Club (Indian Wells, California), Paradise Valley (Scottsdale, Arizona), La Caùada Flintridge Country Club (Los Angeles, California).
1959 The Opening On Saturday, November 15 the new La Quinta Country Club 18-hole championship golf course opened for play at the La Quinta Hotel. Twenty-eight Charter Members and representatives from the political and entertainment worlds attended the opening ceremonies. On the tee for the first round was Bing Crosby, Phil Harris, Ed Crowley, John Raitt, Randolph Scott...and a comedian named Bob Hope. Three weeks after the course was opened, La Quinta CC played host to its first tournament on December 4th. Ninety players battled it out for consolation honors in the Senior Open. The first Clubhouse was described as being “one of the most beautiful clubhouses in the area.” Early members called this “The Shack” and loved being a part of it.
1960
The Dedication October 23rd was a big day in the history of La Quinta Country Club. The Club had been open for almost a year, but it had not been officially dedicated by anyone, much less the President of the United States! The sitting President flew in on “Marine One” to make a timeless moment in the Club’s history. Said the news writers of that day: “President Dwight D. Eisenhower topped off his desert vacation by dedicating the $500,000 La Quinta Country Club 18-hole championship course, then took an 8-iron and hit a ball 125 yards right down the middle of the fairway.” He chatted with friends, promised to come back for a longer stay, and then departed by helicopter. Dwight Eisenhower, who would become a close friend of Arnold Palmer in the decades ahead, was the first President to tee it up at the Bob Hope Classic.
The 1960s
Tournaments & Television La Quinta Country Club rose to national attention when ABC recorded an “All-Star Golf” series match between 1958 National Open champion Tommy Bolt and 1959 PGA champion Bob Rosburg (LQCC Member). 1962: Jack Nicklaus makes his debut appearance at the Championship of the U.S.A. tournament at La Quinta Country Club. Gene Littler won the tournament. 1963: The Club hosts CBS’s Match Play Classic tournament, a weeklong event created especially for television. It took 2 weeks for the tournament to actually air. 1964: The Club played an integral part of The Palm Springs Golf Classic, which also began the tournament’s affiliation with the PGA Tour. When the Club joined The Palm Springs Classic, the course was described as “one of the toughest in the Desert.” 1965: Bob Hope adds his name to the Palm Springs Golf Classic. Originally held at La Quinta Country Club, Indian Wells Country Club and Bermuda Dunes Country Club, the tournament is renamed The Bob Hope Desert Classic, or as tournament enthusiasts will go on to call it “The Hope.” Notable winners included: Arnold Palmer (1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1973), Jack Nicklaus (1963) and Billy Casper (1965, 1969).
Jimmy Demaret (center) hosts the Championship of the USA, a four-player tournament including (from left to right): the US Amateur (Jack Nicklaus), the winner of the Masters (Gary Player), winner of the US Open (Gene Littler) and National PGA champion (Jerry Barber, not pictured).
The 1960s Ellsworth Vines
Ellsworth “Elly” Vines came to La Quinta in 1963 as the Director of Golf and Tennis. He promoted the Club, the course, and the tournaments, and worked hard to recruit new members for the young Club. Elly was the world’s No. 1 ranked tennis player in 1932, 1935, 1936 and 1937 before becoming a PGA Tour Professional in 1940. He was one of the greatest athletes of his day. In the early 1930s, he was playing in and winning amateur championships and had won every tournament he entered, including the US championship (1931 & 1932) and Wimbledon (1932) and just about every tennis title then existing. Elly retired from tennis and became a PGA Tour professional, where he was inducted into the California Golf Hall of Fame; although he never won a major, he remained a top contender in most tournaments. To the rest of the world, Elly stood for everything that was fine and good and decent in the world of sports, and if La Quinta Country Club was good enough for Elly Vines, it was a club to be taken seriously by golfers everywhere.
The 1960s
Women’s Golf & A New Home 1963: The La Quinta Women’s Auxiliary is the first official group formed at the Club. There were so few Members that everyone who played in the Auxiliary was on the golf committee. 1965: Member Naomi Hughes and Head Golf Professional Dick Goeckner start a ladies invitational tournament. They wanted it to be a fun tournament and named it “Fiesta Alegre,” meaning “Fun Festival.” 1966: On March 19 the new 36,700 square-foot “majestic” Clubhouse is unveiled to 400 social and civic leaders. Designed with tall carved doors handmade in Mexico, Mexican tiles on either side of the double fireplace, vast patios surrounding the dining room and bar with 20-foot high ceilings and wooden beams, the Clubhouse was called “The Jewel of the Desert.”
The 1970s
The Members Take Over A new decade dawned. No one could foresee the future, but it was to be a decade of remarkable change and growth for La Quinta Country Club. 1971: Leonard and Luela Ettelson controlled the Club to the point where golfers weren’t allowed to sit in “HER” dining room chairs in shorts, they couldn’t go in “HER” favorite room in the Clubhouse (called the “no-no” room), and members would get bumped off the tee if a hotel guest wanted their tee time. Things needed to change and it was time for the members to take over the Club. The Board of Directors led by Club President George Collins took it to the membership, and in a vote of 341 to 8 in favor, both parties agreed on a purchase price and La Quinta Country Club became a private equity-owned golf club.
The 1970s
Birth Of The Men’s Roadrunner 1970: The La Quinta Invitational was a two-man team event for low and scratch golfers (some handicaps of two and zero, for both players). It was a tremendous amateur field! The “Roadrunner” flight was created for members with higher handicaps to play in the event. The Roadrunner flight took over and became the Men’s Roadrunner Member-Guest. 1971: The Club hires its second Head Golf Professional, Dave Evans. In the Club’s 60 years of existence, there have only been five (5) Head Golf Professionals: Dick Goeckner, Dave Evans, Jeff Jackson, Mike Cross and Chris Gilley.
The 1970s
The Beginning Of A Legacy 1973: The Club creates a communication piece and the first monthly newsletter hits the streets. Highlights was a six-page document with pictures. 1974: President John Popkess oversees the build of the halfway house (now the Tee House). When it was first opened, “you wouldn’t believe the controversy and criticism it caused,” said Popkess. It was originally named “The Pophouse.” 1975: Club events were active, but business on normal dinner nights was slow. To enhance dinner nights, the Club institutes the Social Membership. 1978: In July the masthead logo featuring “Little Joe” and the golf bag is replaced with the Roadrunner to avoid conflict with the La Quinta Hotel (who had prior possession of “Little Joe”). 1978: The Club resurfaces all the greens to Tifton 328 (a Bermuda hybrid) to make a uniform putting surface.
The 1970s
Hope Takes Hold Comedian Bob Hope stepped in to create the desert’s biggest golf attraction and the Bob Hope Desert Classic became‌well a classic. Players included: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Billy Casper, Johnny Miller, Cary Middlecoff, Ken Venturi, Tommy Jacobs, Bruce Lietzke, Craig Stadler, and Jay Hass. Regular celebrity visitors to La Quinta Country Club during this time included: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Clint Eastwood (LQCC Member), Glen Campbell, and Andy Williams (LQCC Member). Professional athletes like Willie Mays, Mickey Rooney, Joe Louis, and Johnny Bench also took part. PGA Professional Johnny Miller became the first backto-back winner in the history of The Hope, winning in 1975 and 1976.
Bob Hope with “Classic Queen” Barbara Eden (singer/actress best known for her role as “Jeannie” in the hit television show I Dream of Jeannie).
The 1980s A City Is Born
1981: The Tee House is rebuilt. 1982: The City of La Quinta is officially incorporated on May 1st. It was named for La Quinta Resort, which was established in 1926. The word La Quinta means “home” and “fifth.” This was a fitting name as it was the fifth “home” or city in the Coachella Valley. 1983: A wall is built around the Club and neighborhood. 1984: The Club has 400 members and tee times are an issue on Sundays. The double shotgun was established.
Familiar faces seen on the course were singer/ songwriters Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin
The 1980s
Celebrities & Celebrations 1986: The Hope partners with a new title sponsor and is renamed the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (title sponsor for 22 years). 1987: The tournament rotation now includes PGA West. Celebrity notables to participate in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic over the years included: Singer and Rock Legends: Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf, Huey Lewis, Michael Bolton and Justin Timberlake. Pro athletes: Kelly Slater (surfer), Michael Jordan, Yogi Bera and John Elway. Actors: Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, Luke Wilson, Kevin Nealon, Carson Daly, and more.
The 1990s
The Famous Fivesome The entire nation turned their eyes toward the Coachella Valley as the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic became the “West Coast” White House. In 1995, three Presidents of the United States of America participated in the iconic round of The Hope played at Indian Wells Country Club: Gerald Ford, sitting President of the United States Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Bob Hope himself (91 years old) had the honor of playing in this fivesome along with the 1994 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic winner, Scott Hoch. For the record, Ford shot a 100, Clinton 93, Bush 92…and Bob Hope’s score was kept a secret. Former Vice President Dan Quayle would also go on to participate in the The Hope as a notable celebrity.
The 1990s
The Course Redesign 1999: The course is redesigned by architects Damian Pascuzzo and Robert Muir Graves. The objective was to add length and aesthetic appeal. The greens and bunkers were redesigned, new tees were added, and the fairways were regrassed with Tifgreen 328 Hybrid Bermuda. The remodel also allowed for enlarging the lakes on #3, #4 and between #9 and #18. The lake on #7 was built. Despite these modifications, the course retained its prized image on the PGA Tour. It’s worth mentioning these greens were (and still are) slowed for The Hope, to keep green speeds consistent with the other courses in the event.
The 2000s The King Reigns
Arnold Palmer, otherwise known as “The King,� returned to host the 50th Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 2009. The tournament, which was first played in 1959, had Palmer winning in dominating fashion. In terms of golf, Palmer did more to shape the Desert than any single figure, with the possible exception of his friend Bob Hope. Palmer won 62 PGA Tour events, including seven major titles. In 2001, at the age of 71, Palmer shot a 71 on the course he designed, in the tournament he helped make famous. Winners of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and beyond include: Phil Mickelson, David Duval, Fred Couples, Tom Kite, Charley Hoffman, Justin Leonard, Peter Jacobsen, Corey Pavin, Jay Haas, Brian Gay (LQCC Member), Patrick Reed (LQCC Member), Bill Haas, Jason Dufner (LQCC Member) and Jon Rahm.
The 2000s
Tragedy To Triumph 2005: An earthquake shakes the Coachella Valley, leaving the Clubhouse cracked and condemned. 2007: The Club operates out of 9 trailers as construction on the new Clubhouse begins. Offices, dining and several of the Club’s parties were held in the trailers over the next couple of years. 2009: A new 37,000 square foot, two-story Santa Barbara style Clubhouse opens. Members were excited that the course maintenance building was now set apart from the Clubhouse. The driving range was also redesigned with sunken targets and a heightened wall (as golf technology enhanced over the years, the members were hitting golf balls over Avenue 50 into a vacant lot). The flagpole at the first tee was the official flagpole from the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. It was dontated to the Club by the Novotny family in memory of longtime member and movie writer/director, Frank Capra. 2015: The Men’s Locker Room is renamed after long time Locker Room Attendant Jimmy Staeben.
The 2000s
Records Set On Course 2017: Canadian PGA Tour Professional Adam Hadwin shoots a course record (59) in the CareerBuilder Challenge. Hadwin was the first Canadian golfer to ever shoot 59 on tour and the 9th player to ever shoot 59 on tour – the 4th player to shoot 59 playing a par 72 course. “I don’t know … I don’t know. Perfect, I guess?” – Hadwin said on how it felt to shoot 59. Hadwin would finish 2nd in the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge behind Hudson Swafford (LQCC Member). The Club was honored to have Hadwin accept an honorary membership for his achievement. 2019: Phil Mickelson shoots a 12-under (60) during the 2019 tournament, setting multiple records: • Tied the lowest opening round in Desert Classic history • Tied the lowest round of his career • Became the first PGA Tour player with three career scores of 60 or lower
“La Quinta’s greens are among the best on Tour.” — Phil Mickelson, PGA Legend
Who’s Who
At La Quinta Country Club
FRANK CAPRA Film Director, Producer, Writer Capra became one of America’s most influential directors during the 1930s. His best-known film is It’s a Wonderful Life. Among his other leading films were It Happened One Night, (which became the first film to win all five top Oscars), You Can’t Take It with You, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He hosted the 8th Academy Awards ceremony (1936). He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, worked alongside the Writers Guild of America, and was head of the Directors Guild of America. He is the 10th recipient of the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.
EARL “RED” BLAIK College Head Coach The head football coach at the United States Military Academy West Point, his alma mater, for 18 seasons, 1941 to 1958, and directed a series of superb teams. His teams were named national champions in 1944 and 1945. Three of his players - Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis and Pete Dawkins - won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s outstanding collegiate players. Many of his players were All-America choices.
CLINT EASTWOOD Actor, Filmmaker, Musician and Politician Eastwood’s career has spanned more than 50 years in both television and film. One of the most popular Hollywood stars in the 1960s, Eastwood appeared in several television series, most notably starring in Rawhide. He has starred in 42 films, including Hang ‘Em High (his first American western), Escape from Alcatraz, The Bridges of Madison County, and Gran Torino. Dirty Harry proved to be one of his most successful characters, creating a cinema icon. Eastwood has received multiple awards and nominations for his work in the films Unforgiven, Mystic River, and Million Dollar Baby, among others. He received the Irving G. Thalberg Award for lifetime achievement and the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.
GEORGE BLANDA NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback George made his football debut with the Chicago Bears, played for the Houston Oilers and left his legacy with the Oakland Raiders. Blanda holds 12 professional football records including: One of two players to play in 4 different decades: (40s, 50s, 60s, 70s), oldest player to play in an NFL game: 48 years, 109 days, the first player ever to score over 2,000 points, most seasons played: 26, most pass attempts in a single game: 68 (until D. Brees had 70 in 2014), and most passing touchdowns in a game: 7 (tied with 7 others).
JOHN BRODY NFL Quarterback, Senior PGA Tour Professional Golfer Brody was a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL) for seventeen seasons. He retired as the third most prolific career passer in NFL history, was the league MVP in 1970, and a two-time Pro Bowler. He had a second career as a Senior PGA Tour (now the Champions Tour) professional golfer from 1985 to 1998. Brodie had one win and twelve top-ten finishes. He was also a television broadcaster for both sports.
BOB “ROSSIE“ ROSBURG PGA Tour Professional Golfer, Sports Color Analyst Rossie won six times on the PGA Tour, his biggest victory coming at the 1959 PGA Championship. His last victory came in the 1972 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. He was hired by ABC Sports in 1974. Instead of sitting in a tower, the network decided it needed a golfer to call the action from the course. Today, every network has on-course reporters. He was famous for responding to questions about a particular shot by saying, “He’s got no chance.”
CHUCK KNOX NFL Head Coach One of the winningest coaches in NFL history, Knox was a three-time NFL Coach of the Year - twice while with the Seahawks in 1983 and 1984. He believed so strongly in the running game that it earned him the nickname “Ground Chuck”. He led Seattle to their first division title, playoff win and conference championship appearance, and was the first coach in NFL history to lead three different teams (Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills) to the NFL playoffs. He became a member of the Seahawks Ring of Honor. As Knox said himself, “What you do speaks so well, no need to hear what you say.”
STEVE YEAGER Major League Baseball Catcher Yeager spent 14 of the 15 seasons of his Major League Baseball career, from 1972 through 1985, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was co-MVP of the 1981 World Series. His last year, 1986, he played for the Seattle Mariners. Yeager was catcher during his playing days, but portrayed a relief pitcher in the movie Major League. Today, Yeager is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Major League catching coach.
DENISE DUBARRY HAY Actress, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Film Producer Hay began her career as an actress in such TV series as Black Sheep Squadron and CHiPs, and the Oscar-winning film, Being There. She made a greater mark in business, co-founding one of the leading global direct response companies, Thane International, with husband Bill Hay. She was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (1998). Response Magazine included her in the “21 People Leading Us Into the 21st Century.” She was leading philanthropist in the Coachella Valley, involved in the Olive Crest nonprofit for abused and at-risk children, and founder and president of the Palm Springs Women in Film and Television.
JIMMY POWELL PGA Tour Professional Golfer Powell played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s, but his greatest success came on the Senior PGA Tour in the early to mid1990s. He made golfing history by becoming the first professional to win a Super Senior as well as a Senior PGA Tour event. Today he is a golf course designer.
NORM KIMBALL Canadian Football Executive Norman began working for the Edmonton Eskimos organization as the minor football coordinator. His involvement continued up to 1986, where as general manager and then executive manager, he built the Eskimos into one of North America’s preeminent pro sports organizations, leading the team to an unprecedented run of nine Grey Cup appearances in ten years, with six Grey Cup victories. He was an inductee in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame. Football Alberta also created the Norm Kimball “Coach of the Year” Award in his honor.
ANDY WILLIAMS American Singer Williams delighted television audiences as the handsome crooner and star of The Andy Williams Show (1962–67 and 1969–71), a musicalvariety program that won three Emmy Awards and showcased emerging talents, including the Osmond Brothers, Elton John and the Mamas and Papas. Though Williams had only one number-one hit song, “Butterfly,” he earned 18 gold and 3 platinum albums. His bestknown recordings featured his signature tune “Moon River”, the theme songs from the films Love Story, The Way We Were, and The Days of Wine and Roses, and his renditions of holiday classics.
GENERAL TRUMAN (TED) LANDON Four-Star Air Force General Landon was the Commander-in Chief of the US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) under President Kennedy (1961-63) and is also remembered as the leader of a flight of unarmed B-17 Flying Fortress bomber aircraft whose arrival in Hawaii on the morning of December 7, 1941 coincided with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. For his evasive actions that day he received the Silver Star. While retired, Landon was still on an extremely high level…so much so that twice a year he was called back to Washington D.C. to be briefed on what was going on around the world. He was Club President in 1977.
FRANK HUGHES La Quinta Country Club Course Architect (Original) Brother of course designer, Lawrence Hughes, he became a member after building this course because it was his favorite golf course; he was so proud of it. His wife Naomi started the Fiesta Alegre and Ladies Team Play.
JOHN MAHAFFIE Cinematographer and Assistant Director Mahaffie, a New Zealand native, is a 40-plus year veteran of the film industry who worked his way up to become one of the world’s leading second-unit directors for films requiring massive amounts of blockbuster action and CGI visuals. Second-unit filming, of the last 15 years, has really become a completely different specialist role of action and technology; i.e. the large battle and action scenes. Movies include: Lord of the Rings (trilogy), Zero Dark Thirty, Aquaman, SpiderMan: Homecoming, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Avengers; just to name a few.
GEORGE LOPEZ Comedian, Actor Lopez’s multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, stand-up comedy, and late-night television, most well-known for starring in his selfproduced ABC sitcom, George Lopez. His Grammy nominated stand-up comedy examines race and ethnic relations, including Mexican American culture. Lopez has received several honors for his work and contributions to the Latino community. Lopez has co-hosted the Emmy Awards and hosted the Latin Grammy Awards. In 2006, Lopez received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He served as tournament host to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic in 2007 and 2008, and later joined the Club. In addition to his achievements, Time magazine named him one of “The Top 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America.” The Harris Poll also named him one of the Top Ten Favorite Television Personalities.
JACK GING American Actor Ging appeared in several movies and TV shows, including three which he played opposite his friend Clint Eastwood: Hang ‘Em High (1986), Play Misty for Me (1971) and High Plains Drifter (1973). He is best known for his role as General Harlan “Bull” Fulbright on The A-Team.
PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD Former President of the United States of America Ford was a fixture at the Bob Hope Classic with his frequent errant tee shots that had the gallery ducking for cover on more than one occasion. “I can tell I’m getting better at golf because I’m hitting fewer spectators,” he once quipped, showing the sense of humor that was tested during his presidency but flourished after the job was done.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Former President of the United States of America Although President Eisenhower dedicated the Club, it was his brother Edgar who would become a long-time member of La Quinta CC. Along with his close friends Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer, Eisenhower would enjoy nearly a decade of sun and golf in the Coachella Valley, including attending The Hope annually. Eisenhower gave the Coachella Valley golf scene its biggest boost by twice coming to the area as the sitting President of the United States of America to play - that legacy lives on today.
BOB HOPE Stand up Comedian, Vaudevillian, Actor, Singer, Dancer, Athlete, Author and Centenarian
Hope was known for his rapid-fire delivery of jokes and one-liners, and for his success in virtually all entertainment media. He was also known for his decades of overseas USO tours entertaining U.S. troops. Named “Entertainer of the Century” by several periodicals and organizations. He was a true American icon. Hope was perhaps the only entertainer to achieve front-line success in all the major entertainment media—stage, movies, radio, and television. He was also an iconic tournament host and one of the most famous men in the world, who kept crowds laughing and entertained on the fairways for more than three decades. He drew an A-list of celebrities through his relationships in Hollywood and in Washington, D.C., putting La Quinta CC on the map.
Always Extraor
La Quinta Country Club is a place, a community, a personal retreat where golf is just the drawing card for an infectious lifestyle that celebrates good times and laughter with engaging, friendly and fun-loving people from around the world.
rdinary
Unique Sanctuary The grounds are a unique sanctuary bordered by magnificent neighbors, the ruggedly breathtaking San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains. Surrounded by this scenic beauty, offering inspiring views in every direction, La Quinta Country Club is a place that somehow manages to stay hidden while being well-known, an authentic Coachella Valley oasis providing relaxing privacy, refined amenities, and a comfortably active way of life that is still remarkably near everything that matters.
“The course is challenging, beautiful and always in immaculate condition. The clubhouse facilities are first class and the members are energetic, enthusiastic and welcoming.” — Dave & Jan McLintock, Members British Columbia, Canada
The Best Of The Best The La Quinta Country Club experience is about appreciating the best life has to offer—making wonderful new memories with family and friends, playing one of the nation’s most storied golf courses, or enjoying a dining and social culture that treats each meal, each glass and each gathering as a delightful celebration.
A Lifestyle Of Lifelong Friends This is a place where the line between fellow Members and lifelong friends blur. Where the day-to-day routine for golfers, food and wine enthusiasts and wellness seekers effortlessly fit together. We honor our history and tradition as we welcome new friends and neighbors to this casually refined, always engaging desert oasis known as La Quinta Country Club.
“We found that La Quinta Country Club offers the perfect balance of community and challenging golf. Being part of “The Hope” also gives us an opportunity to walk out the back door and watch Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, and Greg Norman walk by.”
— George & Jean Stephenson, Members Bronxville, New York
A Legen Course
ndary
Tees to Greens La Quinta Country Club is not your typical desert course. It’s described as being a tighter course, well bunkered with mature trees and lush fairways. It requires strategic course management, which is why both pros and amateurs alike favor it. The fairways have been a virtual Walk of Fame. The elite of Hollywood, Monarchs, Presidents and The King – Arnold Palmer – have matched their wits and talents with these famous 18 holes.
“La Quinta was probably the best shape I’ve ever seen a golf course ever be; up there with Augusta.” — Jon Rahm, CareerBuilder Challenge Champion, 2018
A Paradise For All Whether you’re a scratch golfer, a beginner, or somewhere in between, you’ll soon realize why this is a paradise for all player levels. There is not “one” signature hole at La Quinta Country Club because all 18 holes are unique on its own. Each hole is effortlessly blended together with mature trees. The 18th hole captures one of the best views from the tee. Just beyond the lake stands the Santa Barbara style Clubhouse with the majestic Santa Rosa mountains in the background. Pair the breathtaking views with perfect weather and it is not hard to see why members call this place home.
It’s All In The Science The grass and overseed process used on the course creates a dense and uniform stand of turf, which contributes to good lies and excellent conditions throughout the course. Tee & Fairways: 328 Hybrid Bermuda overseeded with perennial ryegrass. Greens: Tifdwarf Hybrid Bermuda overseeded with poa trivialis & perennial ryegrass. Rough: Common Bermuda overseeded with perennial ryegrass.
“La Quinta Country Club is so pure... The greens are like carpet.” — Zach Johnson, 12-Time PGA Tour Winner
Creativ
Culinar
ve
ry
La Quinta Country Club is a “foodie” culture, led by an award winning Executive Chef who celebrates a love of great food and a passion for unique dishes. Whether preparing an intimate Chef’s Table dinner, a wine paired gourmet night, or a traditional wood fired paella event, his team of kitchen visionaries enhance every culinary experience.
“California Cuisine is a melting pot of cultures, local ingredients and fusion cuisine; and here at La Quinta Country Club we make the connection between fresh food and the local farms that supply them.”
— Bradd Bennick, Executive Chef
Inspired Touches Members and guests enjoy relaxing meals on the outdoor terrace, and the main dining room always impresses with panoramic vistas, traditional oversized fireplace, and a Wine Room filled with fine and vintage offerings and Members’ private collections. Dining at the Club is complemented by attentive waiters who know you by name, and private celebrations are guided by a professional staff who oversee every detail.
Lively
Social S
Life here is delightfully distinguished by a social calendar filled with fun: traditions, events, excursions and celebrations that make it easy for everyone to explore new interests, share common passions, and experience life more fully! Our Members eagerly anticipate and cherish monthly “all member” parties including: opening party, theme nights and holiday traditions. The cornerstone of relationship building can be found in the lounge at our Tuesday Happy Hours… Any member will tell you it’s the place to be!
Scene
“It’s the people, they’re fantastic. We joined as social members, and we loved it so much that we bought a house here and became regular members.” — George & Penny Facchini, Members Chicago, Illinois
Clubs Within The Club Members take “ownership” through a variety of ‘Clubs with the Club’. These include: bocce, book clubs, bible study, card groups, Ladies Auxiliary, men’s golf groups, Couples golf, Ladies Outbounders (who dine and discover the Coachella Valley), Summer Swizzlers, and more. In addition to these clubs, the camaraderie is enhanced with Girls Night Out, Men’s Stag Nights, and excursions to horse races and local farms.
A Family Affair Members love bonding over friendly, yet competitive, games of golf. The Club’s three major golf tournaments include: the Ladies Fiesta Alegre Member-Guest, the Men’s Roadrunner Member-Guest, and the Couples Parejas Calientes Member-Member Tournament & Fiesta. Several members play with their kids in these events, who in turn have converted to members themselves, continuing on the family legacy.
Giving Back Over the course of more than five decades, The Bob Hope Classic in all its incarnations has provided significant contributions to benefit many local charities including food banks, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Eisenhower Medical Center, and several more. The Club believes that “we are better by making everything around us better� and generously supports several foundations and charities including: Folds of Honor Foundation, the Marines from Twentynine Palms, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission toy drive and its own Employee Scholarship Fund.
Honoring Their Sacrifice, Educating Their Legacy In 2014, the La Quinta Country Club started the idea of “making our mark” on the lives who have made the greatest sacrifice. The Folds of Honor Foundation – a nonprofit group that provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members – was introduced to the members. Within 3 weeks of the introduction, the first “Patriot Day at La Quinta Country Club” was played. Five years later, this prestigious event which continuously sells out has raised over $1 million dollars for the charity.
Educating Our Legacy The Employee Partner Scholarship Foundation (established in 2016) provides educational support in the form of scholarship funds for the employees, and sons and daughters of employees, of La Quinta Country Club. It is an independent tax-deductible organization that is member driven. The fund raised over $100,000 in its first year and has exceeded the fundraising goal each year.
Sincere Gratitude The Members look forward to celebrating a wonderful tradition that has truly enhanced the Thanksgiving and Easter experience with hosting Marines (and their families) from the Twentynine Palms Base in Yucca Valley. The Marine guests have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day by playing golf, entertaining their kids with kids programming, utilizing the facilities and indulging in the day’s feast.
Over 100 Marines and family members attend each year.
“The reason we love La Quinta Country Club is that it’s smaller – everyone knows your name, our staff is second to none, our golf course is second to none, our food is second to none, and our members are second to none.” — Tim & Julie Stupka, Members Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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La Quinta Country Club is one of the top 5% of all private clubs in the country that is both a Distinguished Club as well as a Platinum Club of America.
Distinguished Club Award La Quinta Country Club is the recipient of the Distinguished Club award by BoardRoom Magazine which recognizes fine private clubs that operate at the highest standards. A club-specific rating system evaluates the club, its management, and its staff based on a process that distills and measures a club’s “Member Experience.” Member Experience is that special combination of qualities that a private club provides its members such as: the facilities, products & services provided, quality of the staff, management & governance. Intangible criteria are also considered: magical moments, members befriended, memorable events and tournaments attended, club traditions, history, and heritage proudly recognized.
Platinum Club Of America The Seven Selection Criteria for Platinum Clubs of America are recommended, frequently reviewed and approved by the Club Leaders Forum Advisory Board. Club General Managers, Presidents and Owners are asked to consider the Criteria when casting their votes. The following form the benchmark of Excellence in the Private Club Industry. 1. UNIVERSAL RECOGNITION The finest clubs in the nation are recognized as such by members of a well-traveled American and global society that frequent Private Clubs. Whether recognized from inception or through the accumulated passage of time, these clubs are set apart as domiciles of excellence for their traditional history, their ability to attract and retain exceptional members and the experience they deliver. 2. EXCELLENCE IN AMENITIES AND FACILITIES It is the complete array of amenities and facilities that provides excellence and fulfillment of the members’ needs in every function and activity that makes it great. Remarkable Clubs ensure that their amenities and facilities remain relevant. There is commitment to invest on a regular and planned basis in maintenance, supervision and replacement of the grounds, equipment and furnishings. America’s finest clubs evaluate the benefits of developing new, and repurposing existing amenities and facilities while building reserves. 3. CALIBER OF STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE LEVELS A maxim of the finest clubs remains, ‘ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen with mutual respect’. Clubs who attract outstanding employees in the community are known to provide an excellent work environment, unique culture and leading compensation and benefits. Employees are a Club’s most important asset, and personal and professional growth is encouraged. The quality of management is reflected by a staff that is well trained, well-mannered and highly motivated to provide an extraordinary experience for their members.
4. QUALITY AND COMMITMENT OF MEMBERSHIP Great members are the custodians and heart and soul of the most respected and successful clubs. Members who represent the best qualities are those that reflect the values of the community in which they live. They celebrate their heritage and faithfully observe their time-honored traditions. Responsible members preserve the Club’s legacy by perpetuating the institution to provide for the next generation of Members. They also work hard to attract prospective new members who share the same values and commitments. 5. GOVERNANCE AND PRUDENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT The nation’s finest clubs are venerable institutions. They are governed by presidents, owners and directors who understand that their key role is to strategically set policies. Leaders are goal-driven, they allow management to manage and are not influenced by personal agendas. High-caliber boards work diligently term after term to ensure continuity of effort and direction with efficient succession planning. They possess the wisdom to plan well and invest well. Prudent boards understand the need for regular dues increases and occasional assessments, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 6. ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES Change moves at a greater pace every year. Clubs must effect changes for tomorrow’s member while preserving the Club’s integrity and experience for today’s core member. Great Clubs work at anticipating the needs and interests of their members and prospective members. These Clubs adopt a mission statement that resonates with members and defines the Club’s principles, which are supported by a strategic plan to achieve the goals. Great clubs are able to maintain traditions and remain flexible to adapt to members’ ever-changing demands and expectations. 7. OVERALL EXPERIENCE Clubs of Excellence provide an ‘Unparalleled Experience’ every day, one member at a time, and display exceptional governance. They are committed to making decisions in the best interests of their members and those serving them. Best practices are consistently observed and frequently refined. America’s finest clubs encourage staff to take initiative and support their efforts to deliver outstanding service. Remarkable clubs continue to treasure their shared experience, celebrate their achievements and appreciate one another, like family.
2019 © La Quinta Country Club — 77-750 Avenue 50, La Quinta, CA 92253