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 Water features aren't too intrusive on Tahquitz Creek's Resort course. (Photo: Eddie Meeks) I recruited my friend Deron for the trip to the desert. We made many of these excursions in years past, and it felt good to be doing something that made us feel 18 again. LAY OF THE LAND Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort was once Palm Springs Municipal Golf Course. The original course, now known as the Legends, was a favorite of my dad’s because of its defining feature. It had no bunkers. It was wall-to-wall grass with nary a grain of sand to be found. When the course changed names in the mid-90s, the Legends course was spruced up to include bunkers with depth and character. At the same time, golf course designer Ted Robinson was brought in to build the Resort course. In season, the course is lush with beautiful mountain views and smooth bentgrass greens that bend and break in the subtlest of ways. Both Deron and I were sporting high single-digit handicaps that we couldn’t play to on most courses, so we played from the white tees that stretched out just under 6,600 yards. FRIENDLY FRONT The opening hole is a mere 330 yards straight away. We both avoided the one bunker in play off the tee, which left us with short pitches that led to birdies. We were feeling good from the start. What we found over the next several holes was a pleasant walk in a well-kept park. The grass was lush and the trees were spaced in a way that our shots were never completely obstructed. Those facts, coupled with bunkers and water features that were readily avoidable, took big numbers out of the equation on the scorecard, barring careless play, of course. The most exciting and picturesque hole on the front nine is No. 8, a par 3 of 167 yards. Clusters of palm trees, strategically placed bunkers and a creek surround the green. It was the only shot I stood over where I felt my heart rate go up. LEAVE THE ASPIRIN AT HOME The round continued with holes that seem suited to yield nothing worse than a bogey. Our ragged drives always seemed to find an opening to the green and our spotty iron shots left us nothing worse than a simple pitch to the flag. On the off chance that either of us hit a green, the surfaces were smooth enough for us to make aggressive runs at putts without fear of a three-jack. Neither of us played particularly well, but we were rarely in any serious trouble. We each shot an 81 and I don’t think we could have scored much worse. It was as if the course whispered in our ears for 18 holes that we really weren’t that bad and golf could be fun. With its “resort” fairways, greens, and layout, Tahquitz Creek allowed us to let loose and enjoy a relaxing round without fear of bodily harm or loss of golf balls. RATES AND INFORMATION Tahquitz Creek is located just south of the 10 freeway. Green fees can creep over the $100 plateau during the prime season, but discounts and stay-and-play packages are offered throughout the year. For more, call (760) 328-1005 or visit tahquitzgolfresort.com. |
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