Desert Island Country Club opens to the public
Desert Island Country Club opens to the public with championship golf and new restaurants
RANCHO MIRAGE – Desert Island Country Club, the insiders’ choice for championship golf and unique social experiences for decades, has opened its former private ties to the public and introduced several newly renovated and redesigned dining destinations open all summer .
Located in the famous Presidents’ Playground, just off historic Sunnylands on Frank Sinatra Drive, the 1971 property features an immaculate 6,715-yard golf course designed by legendary architect Desmond Muirhead. While playing, patrons enjoy the authentic club experience with amenities such as chilled towels, umbrella carts, insulated bottled water, and beverage service.
After a day on the links, guests can retreat to the Clubhouse, which houses three dining rooms, a grand ballroom, a veranda bar, and a deck with stunning views of the surrounding desert, lake, and mountains. Each venue has its own ingredient-driven menu while the kitchen regularly hosts guest chefs, mixologists and seasonal pop-up menus, all overseen by Executive Chef Jon Butler.
Desert Island recently introduced its latest dining destination The Penney, inspired by prolific local artist and Desert Island resident, Frederick Doyle Penney. It’s where Chef Butler – who has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, from Copenhagen to Los Angeles, and more recently at Mr. Lyons in Palm Springs – uses the finest local ingredients, including aguachile with prawns, roast octopus, minced steak and lamb paccheri.
The Penney itself is not one but four environments: public, private, outdoor and indoor. Patrons can take a seat at the Horseshoe Bar below, offering a plethora of liquors that are some of the best choices in the Coachella Valley. Friends gather on the terrace to drink in the scenery, while others gather for a private occasion in the Founder’s Room, closed off by its signature red velvet curtains.
Afterwards (or perhaps before the game), guests gather in The Parlor music lounge/games room, equipped with its own bar, grand piano, board games and table of games. Brunswick billiards from 1967. Guests can settle in with a craft cocktail or let the games begin with chess, backgammon, cribbage, Rummikub or Yahtzee.
“It’s club life redefined,” Desert Island Miguel Nelson said in a prepared statement. “We want to take full advantage of the unique heritage of the property while introducing it to a new generation with all modern conveniences. We believe audiences will be pleasantly surprised at what they find here, in their own backyard. »
From a day on the golf course to an evening at the Clubhouse, Desert Island Country Club seems to have something for everyone. You can book your tee time or make your restaurant reservations today by clicking here.
