Here Are 4 Reasons to Check out the Newly Reimagined Desert Island Country Club
Desert Island Country Club, a legacy course and piece of golf history in Rancho Mirage, has recently reopened to impress locals and visitors alike with an ultra-hip makeover by Miguel Nelson, conceptual artist and founder of Marvimon Productions.
“I fell in love with Desert Island as a unique property with excellent bones, spectacular outdoor amenities and multiple communities coming together to enjoy its natural beauty—an ideal canvas for the unique, transformative projects I’m passionate about,” Nelson says.
From the pristinely manicured golf course and decadent dining options to the theatrical venues for private and live events, this Rancho Mirage club has been reborn as a truly chic and exciting oasis. The best part? It’s now open to the public! Here are four reasons Desert Island Country Club is a lavish dream come true for those who like to putt, sip, savor and stay awhile.
Tee Time
Originally opened in 1971, Desert Island Country Club’s golf course was designed by the iconic golf architect Desmond Muirhead just before starting his famous partnership with golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
Featuring the largest lake in the Greater Palm Springs region, gentle slopes and an easily walkable layout, this stunning 120-acre course presents enough of a challenge for those who are seeking to test their game and enjoy a scenic view from any angle. The course also offers many of luxe amenities like chef-forward refreshment stations, chilled towels, a coffee and cocktail pit stop and high-end golf carts. Additionally, there aren’t any homes on the course—not something you see every day on a desert golf course!
Local Insight: Desert Island has just launched a limited number of memberships. Don’t sleep on this opportunity—especially if you’re interested in priority tee times, exclusive dining discounts and additional club perks.
Dine in Decadence
Desert Island Country Club now has three dining options available to members and the public, all featuring the incredible vision of Chef Jon Butler of LA’s Republique.
9 ½
After a day out on the green, head over to 9 ½ (located near the Golf Shoppe and between Holes 1, 9, 10 and 18) for a quick stop and refreshment. Throughout the day, 9 ½’s menu features different casual bites for breakfast, lunch and snack time as well as a special golden hour menu after 2 p.m. Snack on classic bites like tater tots, smoked chicken wings and french fries with Di Burger sauce and caramelized onions as the sun begins to sink behind the mountains.
5/2
Parlour
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you can boogie down to the Parlour to enjoy a lively cocktail piano lounge with original artwork, billiards and table games. Guests can also grab light bites and a libation from the beautifully curated bar menu. Enjoy art by Nelson and murals by artist-in-residence Stacy Smith on the walls, a weekend DJ and live piano tunes.
The Penney
Want to indulge in something truly spectacular? Reserve a table at The Penney to experience a world-class culinary and cocktail program curated by Executive Chef Jon Butler. Open Wednesday through Sunday, The Penney offers something every foodie will love, from a weekly menu promoting ingredient seasonality to a beautiful rare spirits library. Belly up to the restaurant’s sunken horseshoe bar or enjoy spectacular views of the lake and the mountains from the outdoor terrace.
Perfectly Curated Events
Thanks to Desert Island Country Club’s connection with Marvimon Productions, those looking to rent a venue space for a private event can count on gaining access to all the custom equipment, personalized service and top-notch support they need to make their event a total success. Event spaces include the stunning late-century ballroom with breathtaking views of the course and the mountains, the intimate and private Founders Room, the beautiful Southern Verandah and the three aforementioned dining spaces. For wedding ceremonies, nuptials can be held on the West Range, Fairway Seven, Fairway Nine, Palm Grove and the Northern Gallery.
Endless Entertainment
Aside from being a sought-out venue for private events, Desert Island Country Club boasts a booming calendar of happenings that’ll keep you coming back for more! Recurring events include live music from resident pianist Eric Frankson, DJ Lucky Leonard at the Parlour and the popular MCM Séance at The Penney. This mid-century modern-inspired evening includes chef-curated dishes, handcrafted cocktail pairings (zero-proof options available) and, on certain evenings, special treats and entertainment. Stay up to date on all of Desert Island Country Club’s upcoming events by following on social media.
Desert Island Country Club
71777 Frank Sinatra Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760.328.2111
@desertislandcountryclub
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
