Membership, of course, has its benefits. But signing up for temporary membership has its own set of advantages.
With no long-term commitment, and some great deals to boot, seasonal golf memberships can be found across the desert as tee sheets turn away from peak season.
From east to west, short-term association is available at some of the valley’s top tracks, with a host of these resort courses offering a stay option to complement your play.
bermuda dunes country club
On the east end of the valley, 27 holes of classic, Billy Bell–designed play can be enjoyed at Bermuda Dunes Country Club. An original Bob Hope Classic host, the club with its Family Trial Membership gives guests a taste of the grounds starting with a month of unlimited golf.
42765 Adams St., Bermuda Dunes. 760-345-2771; www.bermudadunescc.com
Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club
In Palm Desert, the Nick Faldo–drawn grounds of Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Golf Club can be enjoyed with a Summer Access Card. Also, on-site villas are for rent through Marriott Vacation Club.
9002 Shadow Ridge Road, Palm Desert. 760-674-2700; www.golfshadowridge.com
La Quinta Country Club
For more pro-style play, experience the celebrated layout and stellar greens of longtime and current CareerBuilder Challenge host La Quinta Country Club, which offers a Summer Preview Program running June through September with unlimited play for summer members, their spouses, and children under age 22 for $1,500.
77750 Ave. 50, La Quinta. 760-972-4894; www.lqcc.org
Desert Willow Golf Resort
To experience the superb, dual-course grounds at Desert Willow Golf Resort, frequent players will be well-served by the Platinum Card ($369 for nonresidents of Palm Desert), which results in a host of benefits, including nearly 60 percent off rack rates in the summer months.
38995 Desert Willow
Drive
Palm Desert.
760-346-0015; www.desertwillow.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT
Shadow Mountain Golf Club
Those swinging for a midvalley classic golf experience may enjoy Palm Desert’s first golf course, the Gene Sarazen–designed Shadow Mountain Golf Club, with individual memberships offered at $350 per month.
73800 Ironwood St.
Palm Desert
760-346-8242;
www.shadowmtgc.com
JW Marriott Desert Springs
Take on the two Ted Robinson—drawn courses at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert with a 12-month membership ($2,000) that includes unlimited golf, along with full access to the on-site tennis and Oasis Pool facilities.
74855 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert
760-341-2211
www.marriott.com
Desert Princess Country Club
June through September, golfers can take on the diverse 27 holes found at Desert Princess Country Club in Cathedral City for a $399 fee that provides unlimited golf after 10 a.m., along with a small bucket of range balls.
28555 Landau Blvd.
Cathedral City
760-322-1655;
www.desertprincesscc.com
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
Go from course to court at Omni Rancho Las Palmas, where seasonal memberships start with a one-month run to play unlimited golf and tennis. Special rates are available for home renters, and the resort’s Unlimited Couple pass should be investigated for the twosome seeking no restrictions.
41000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage
760-568-2727
www.omnihotels.com
Escena Golf Club
In Palm Springs, get a great summer deal at view-laden Escena Golf Club, where a nominal up-front cost results in guaranteed, frequent-player rate savings for Escena Club members. Members also receive a free round of play along with six guest passes at club rate.
1100 Clubhouse View Drive
Palm Springs
760-778-2737
www.escenagolf.com
Westin Mission Hills
In Rancho Mirage, a Club Membership at the Westin Mission Hills sports an array of value, with one-time individual ($159) and family ($499) options that provide 30 percent off green fees.
71333 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage
760-328-5955
www.westin
missionhills.com