Golf in Palm Springs

There’s never a bad time to visit Palm Springs, California. Likewise, there’s never a bad time to golf when in Palm Springs—except for those days when the temperature reaches 115 degrees or so. Located just over a hundred miles east of Los Angeles, and less than a hundred miles from the Mexican border, Palm Springs has been the playground of Hollywood’s rich and famous since the 1930s. In fact, the streets in the downtown area are covered with sidewalk stars depicting the likes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra.

Though golf plays an important role in this Southern California resort town, it’s ironically difficult finding a comprehensive guide to the area’s golf courses, of which there are more than a hundred. That’s why I was pleasantly surprised to discover Lumpy’s Desert Golf Guide, available at local tourist outlets and visitors bureaus. Though Lumpy’s Web site (www.lumpys.com) is purely an online golf store, the tri-fold golf guide that Lumpy’s publishes in hard copy offers a map and listing of area golf courses—public, semi-private and private— as well as practice facilities. Although more than half of the 102 courses listed on the guide are private, there are still plenty of quality golf courses available to the public.

RVers will appreciate that there are a few RV-golf resorts in the Palm Springs area. The exclusive private Outdoor Resorts of America (www.outdoor-resorts.com) offers two resorts, each of which gives access to golf at private courses like PGA West, Landmark Golf Club, and Mission Hills Country Club. The Sands RV & Golf Resort, which is open to the public, offers more than 500 RV sites. This adults-only park is located in Desert Hot Springs, just 15 minutes from Palm Springs. The nine-hole, 2,300-yard executive golf course is closed from July 1 through Nov. 1, but snowbirds can take full advantage of its manicured fairways and greens, as well as the scenic San Jacinto Mountains. Full amenities are available. Phone (800) 772-7808 or visit www.sandsrvresort.com.

Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant
For those who live for golf and want the ultimate golf dining experience, a visit to Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant is a must. Located just down the street from Palm Springs in La Quinta, Arnold Palmer’s is a tribute to the great PGA professional who won seven majors and 62 PGA Tour events. His illustrious career was as entertaining as his current restaurant menu. But before you get to the menu, your eyes can’t help scanning the walls that are replete with a plethora of photos of the other “King.” Memorabilia scanning a career that began in the 1950s are displayed floor-to-ceiling in this elegant and clubby establishment. These include letters from Presidents Eisenhower and Nixon, photos of Palmer with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, and magazine covers of the Latrobe, Pennsylvania, native adorning the covers of TV Guide, Sports Illustrated, Golf Digest, and numerous other publications. A favorite of many patrons is a photo of a frustrated Arnold Palmer with club in hand. The large print quote next to it reads: “Hit it hard, go find it, hit it hard again.” Keeping with the theme, a muted flat-screen TV shows the latest Golf Channel highlights.

Palmer, who won the Palm Springs Desert Golf Classic in 1960, is a La Quinta resident now, and a frequent visitor to his own restaurant. The menu is very golfer friendly. For example, Arnie’s Pub Menu features a section of goodies called “Using a Sand Wedge.” Here, you’ll find a delectable array of sandwiches (get it?), such as the Triple Bogey, which includes three tasty sliders, one each of barbecue beef, crab cake, and cheese burger, and served with homemade macaroni and cheese. “Off the Tee” is another menu section with appetizers like shrimp cocktail, salads, and oysters on the half shell. From the main menu under Arnie’s Favorites, you’ll find beef medallions, Palmer Style. This includes mashed potatoes and vegetables, smothered in blue cheese.

Arnold Palmer’s impressive wine list features an extensive selection of California wines, including its own private label Chardonnay and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine Spectator magazine took notice of the wine list, which offers more than 380 selections, and awarded the restaurant its coveted Award of Excellence again in 2007. In addition, The Mobile Travel Guide awarded the restaurant its prized three-star rating for excellence.

In addition to the restaurant’s amazing photo-tribute to golf, an inviting courtyard with outdoor fireplace and an oversized patio open up to a nine-hole putting green. These, along with casual outdoor dining and spectacular views of the Santa Rosa Mountains make it a dining experience not to be missed.

Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant is open for dinner nightly Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Arnie’s Pub opens at 3 p.m., and features live music nightly. www.arnoldpalmers.net.

Rick Stedman is an avid RVer, golfer and writer who lives in Yakima, Washington. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com