Over the past 100 years, golf has become a significant part of life in the Coachella Valley, with many influential individuals playing a key role in shaping the golf scene in the area. One of these individuals is Thomas O’Donnell, a wealthy oilman who created one of the first golf courses in Palm Springs, which still exists today as the desert’s oldest course. Another notable figure is amateur golfer Johnny Dawson, who developed Thunderbird Country Club and other courses in the area during the golden age of course development.
Dwight Eisenhower, the first president to play golf in the desert, helped popularize the game in the 1950s through his love of golf and friendships with other golfers such as Bob Hope and Arnold Palmer. Bob Hope, a beloved actor and comedian, played a significant role in promoting golf in the area through events like the Bob Hope Desert Classic, which became one of the PGA Tour’s most popular events. Arnold Palmer, another iconic figure in the sport, won multiple Bob Hope Desert Classics and designed several courses in the Coachella Valley.
Dinah Shore, who initially knew little about golf, became a passionate advocate for the women’s game after becoming the host of an LPGA tournament at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. Ernie Dunlevie, a key figure in the development of Bermuda Dunes Country Club and the Palm Springs Golf Classic, helped guide the tournament to success in charitable donations and mentored a young Arnold Palmer.
Ernie Vossler and Joe Walser reshaped golf in the area by bringing high-profile designers to La Quinta Resort and developing PGA West, which contributed to the marketing success of the desert and their developments. Bill Bone revolutionized the concept of living around golf courses by developing residential housing adjacent to golf courses like Sunrise Country Club in Rancho Mirage. David Foster played a crucial role in reshaping the LPGA by creating the Colgate Dinah Shore Winner’s Circle tournament at Mission Hills Country Club.
In addition to these key figures, there are also several honorable mentions who have made significant contributions to the golf scene in the Coachella Valley. From Amy Alcott’s iconic victory celebrations to Bill Clinton’s hosting of the Bob Hope Classic, each individual has left their mark on the golf community in the area. Jack Nicklaus, Ted Robinson, Frank Sinatra, and Annika Sorenstam are just a few of the other influential individuals who have shaped the desert’s golf landscape over the years. Their contributions have not only helped to popularize the game of golf in the Coachella Valley but also reinforced its reputation as a premier golf destination.
