Built in the 1920s, La Quinta is the original desert hideaway—and it’s retained much of its character nearly a century later. Opened in 1926 by entrepreneur Walter H. Morgan as a health retreat for Hollywood stars in need of a respite, La Quinta quickly became the place for glitterati to gather away from the pesky paparazzi and would be our home for the week.

Round 1 – Greg Norman Course at PGA West

The newest course at PGA WEST and the only Greg Norman-designed golf course in the Coachella Valley was the group’s opening test. Sporting only 68 acres of lush manicured turf, 102 white crushed marble bunkers and shark blue water coming into play on 9 holes, the course offers a truly “Outback” experience! After warming up their games on the immaculate practice facilities, the group set off with clear blue skies and the temperature touching the 90’s.

Scoring would prove very close at the top of the leaderboard with 4 couples recording scores of 35pts. It wasn’t until Matt & Angie Harrison returned to the clubhouse that we had clear leaders, when they signed for a scorching 41pts to match the weather. But after a scintillating 23pts on the back 9, Terry & Gill Somerfield topped the field at the close of play also scoring 41pts but winning on countback.

We returned to La Quinta for the first of our group dinners, in a stunning setting beside a waterfall “Al Fresco”

Round 2 – The Classic Club

Having the previous day held US Open qualifying and a PGA Tour venue, we knew we were in for a treat when we arrived the following morning at The Classic Club. This Arnold Palmer designed course, boasts immaculate conditioned surfaces. With generous landing areas from the tee, its defence is the numerous water hazards and the super quick putting surfaces.

Scoring was proving difficult, with most of the group returning and posting scores in the low 30’s. But one couple continued their fine form of the day before, being able to cope with the lightning fast greens. Matt & Angie Harrison had “dovetailed” beautifully and with a fantastic score of 41pts won the day by 8 shots!

Tomorrow would be a welcome days rest, to lie beside the numerous pools and hot tubs at the resort and re-charge the batteries ready to take on the famous “Firecliff”course at Desert Willow.

Round 3 –  The Firecliff Course at Desert Willow

The “Firecliff” course is consistently ranked the No.1 layout in the Palm Springs area open to the public. The Desert Willow Resort possesses two championship layouts with “Mountain View” being the sister course. The Firecliff golf course is a true test of skill where golfers must negotiate their way around extensive natural areas, numerous water features and more than 100 bunkers/waste areas. The backdrop of the desert mountains makes this a truly stunning setting.

The previous day off had seemed to have done the trick, as the whole group upped their game. Brendan & Mary Barber from Muswell Hill signed for a wonderful 40pts. Hot on their tails, Terry & Gill Somerfield matched their score. But the day would belong to the Goodwood duo of John & Alison Moss. They had negotiated their way around the beautiful layout brilliantly and returned to the clubhouse signing for a “best of the day” score of 41pts.

Round 4 – The Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West

The heat had slowly been building up during the week and so it proved for our last round when temperatures would nudge 100 degrees on the course. Challenge, beauty and drama permeate every Jack Nicklaus-designed course, and this masterful design is no exception. Around every corner you will find a new challenge, including the rare feature of two island greens. Along with the Stadium Course it is the bi-annual host of the PGA TOUR’s final round of Q-School, which is attended by some of the best players in the world. although very forgiving off the tee it is extremely demanding around the greens. 

The draw would put our leaders and second-place couples out together given them the chance to see exactly what was required to take the title. Brendan & Mary Barber who had played consistent golf all week, set the pace when they returned to sign for 35pts. Garry & Sue Bartram had saved their best to last, when they raced around this demanding layout in a brilliant 39pts.

But how had our leaders faired? They had a wonderful day together. Battling hard, Terry & Gill had shot a solid 35pts to cement their runners-up spot. But the week belonged to Matt & Angie. Leading from the start, they had played another wonderful round to record 38pts. This duo have the amazing art of “ham & egging it”. It seems when one of them has a bad hole, the other is right there to save the day! They would take the title of “Palm Springs Mixed Pairs” champions by a healthy 10 shots.

After another incredible “Al Fresco” meal sadly the week had come to an end. Palm Springs, La Quinta Resort and all four golf courses went beyond our wildest expectations. This truly is a magical place for a golf trip. Many thanks to all the staff at La Quinta for taking such great care of us. To all the pro-shop teams, starters and marshals at all four courses for making each day so special.