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Desert Dunes Golf Course Closes for Good: A Look Back

The picturesque landscape of Desert Dunes Golf Course, now closed.

News Summary

The Desert Dunes Golf Course has officially closed its doors after years of challenges, including financial losses and environmental issues. Opened in 1989, this iconic course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. was not only a golfing haven but also a community gathering spot. As the area transitions from a golf course to a nature preserve, residents reflect on the memories made on the lush landscapes of Desert Dunes and look forward to the future of the land.

Desert Dunes Golf Course Closes for Good: A Look Back

The Desert Dunes Golf Course has officially closed its doors for good, a decision that has residents and golf enthusiasts talking. This beloved course, renowned for its stunning views and unique design by Robert Trent Jones Jr., has been a fixture in the community since it opened its doors back in 1989. It was not just any golf course; it was the very first design by Trent Jones Jr. in the Coachella Valley! With its challenging holes and scenic landscapes, the course attracted golfers from all around.

The Winds of Change

Unfortunately, Desert Dunes faced its share of challenges over the years. Being located off Palm Drive, just north of Interstate 10, put it right in the path of consistent strong winds that made play difficult. In fact, there were many days when the winds made the course simply unplayable. Besides the weather issues, the course also suffered from a collapsing well and a failing watering system, further exacerbating the situation. The combination of these factors, along with ongoing financial losses, ultimately led to the course’s sad closure.

A Community Favorite

Desert Dunes was not just a golf course. It was a gathering place for the locals, a place where memories were made. It held numerous events throughout its lifetime, like competitions on the Canadian Tour and even local qualifiers for the U.S. Open. Its unique design and layout were considered some of the best in the area, making the closure even more heartbreaking for many.

The Only Game in Town

With the closure of Desert Dunes, the town now has just one remaining 18-hole regulation golf course, the Mission Lakes Country Club. For avid golfers, this situation raises concerns about their options. Grant Fuhr, a Hall of Fame NHL player and former director of golf at Desert Dunes, expressed surprise at the closure, highlighting the course’s fair design and its reputation amongst other Trent Jones Jr. masterpieces.

A Shifting Landscape

The road to closure was anything but straightforward for Desert Dunes, with a history of ownership changes, one of which even saw the course briefly renamed to The Fields by a Japanese company. This instability contributed to its declining conditions over the years, especially when compared to its neighboring courses. Despite proposals for residential development around the course, concerns over its quality made any progress difficult.

From Golf Course to Nature Preserve

As the final chapter of Desert Dunes closes, its land and wildlife have found a new caretaker in the Oswit Land Trust. While they do not own the former golf course, they have plans to transform the area into a nature preserve. This move aims to conserve the unique landscape and wildlife that flourished on the golf course site. However, the trust has made it clear it will keep details of any land negotiations quiet until they are sure nothing can hinder their plans.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the community grapples with the loss of Desert Dunes, there’s a glimmer of hope for the future. The area may soon experience changes that align more with environmental conservation, moving from a competitive golfing ground to a serene natural habitat. While dedicated golfers may miss the challenging holes and breathtaking desert views, they can take comfort in knowing that the land will continue to serve a purpose in a different, yet equally valuable way.

The Legacy Lives On

Even with the final putt marked on the scorecard, the memories made and experiences shared on Desert Dunes will live on in the hearts of those who cherished it. The hope is that as this chapter closes, a new one will open, leading the community toward a more nature-focused future.