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Tamarisk Country Club
Tamarisk Country Club’s tagline is “Life is Better with Friends,” and when you enter the Club, the intimacy is felt immediately; it’s like you are in someone’s fabulous home. OK well not quite, but with a prestigious golf course, midcentury architecture, delightful landscaping, a newly renovated entry with two spectacular retrofitted dining areas, and a history with gravitas, this Club is more than a lavish abode. Overlooking the stunning greens, Tamarisk is an exceptional place where its members can truly call the club a home away from home. The contemporary and inviting decor belies the storied history and the understated elegance exudes an unstuffy and inclusive vibe, despite the legends who have walked the halls.
Since 1952, Tamarisk has been the club of choice for prominent politicians, business leaders, distinguished entrepreneurs and Hollywood heavyweights. Born in a pre-civil rights era, when racial and religious prejudice was common in the country club scene, Tamarisk dared to be different. In fact, it was born as an inclusive alternative. The mission of Tamarisk Country Club was to promote “democracy and tolerance, with the requisite of integrity, character, love of golf and companionship with fellow men.” The club was named after the indigenous Tamarisk shrubs and trees, which are known for their resilience and ability to withstand all weather challenges.
The original 65 founding Members, later known as the “Golden 65,” included entrepreneurs, financiers, celebrities, real estate tycoons, inventors, board chairmen, lawyers and physicians. Four of the five Marx Brothers, Groucho, Harpo, Zeppo, and Gummo, jumped at the chance to become founders alongside comedians George Burns, Jack Benny and others. Lucille Ball and Kirk Douglas were marquee members, and of course Frank Sinatra — who in 1954 bought five lots near the 17th fairway, forever connecting him to the Tamarisk tradition. The remaining founders included a powerhouse group of achievement and influence for that time. Today, all are welcome to enjoy the warm hospitality and world-class facilities whilst enjoying fellowship and camaraderie among friends.
Tamarisk is exclusive, but warm and inviting and with unique dimensions. More than 110 historic homes surround the grounds — although unconnected — many residents are beguiled by the fetching fairways and accessible atmosphere. In fact, one young family moved to one of the homes during the pandemic, to facilitate their 13-year-old’s budding golfing talent; they have chosen to remain.You can often see three generations of one family enjoying the club together.
In 1952, Tamarisk Country Club was the second 18-hole private club in the Coachella Valley. Ben Hogan, the golf icon, helped shape the club traditions as Tamarisk’s first Golf Professional. Hogan won the Masters, The British Open, and the American Open (now known as the US Open) while actively serving as the Club Pro. He once said Tamarisk had the “finest greens,” and the impeccable facilities are considered one of the most prestigious in the Coachella Valley. By 1969, golfers everywhere talked about the superior course and its magnificent greens. Tamarisk was selected as one of the four area clubs to play host to the inaugural Palm Springs Desert Classic, which would go on to become known as the Bob Hope Desert Classic. Recognized as one of the most popular and well-known celebrity golf tournaments, the Bob Hope Desert Classic was played at Tamarisk a total of 19 times. Tamarisk was the first desert course to add water hazards to the topography. On the greens, Tamarisk played host to many political figures including Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry Truman, JFK, and Member Gerald Ford. In the 1990’s, the club expanded its golf programs to offer frequent charity and couples tournaments. Today, the legendary golf course has evolved with the times, and you can even tour all the holes online to whet your appetite. The day we visited — a calm Monday afternoon — the lush plantings around the water features sported a dazzling mix of flowers, including a colorful array of snapdragons and pansies. This is thanks to the top notch grounds supervisor Ben Vann and his team. The renowned 18-hole golf course is the centerpiece of the club, and even if you don’t play, the course is beautiful to admire.
With fitness facilities, a spa, racquet sports, tennis, pickleball, compelling evenings like the recent Behind the Scenes Oscar Party, holiday special events and a speaker series, there is plenty to amuse, entertain, educate and enjoy. From smoothies to pilates, the health and wellness offerings are appealing. Sarah Schmolke the Membership Director says that since the pandemic “people want a setting other than their house, people are finding new ways to do things… they are looking for self care options.” Guests are welcomed by a valet and members are known by name, forging a deep sense of intimacy and belonging. What really makes Tamarisk special is the smaller number of members, many leaders in their community, but warm, humble and kind.
The Chef is Frank Shimazu, and Tamarisk has a long-standing tradition of being known as having some of the best food in the valley. The current kitchen renovation will only enhance the culinary team’s ability to augment this legacy, and continue to provide an exceptional member experience.
The two distinct dining areas express the history and style of Tamarisk well, each offering a different personality. There was one large dining space before the tantalizing makeover, spearheaded by guests and board members. Today, The Grill Room harkens back to a bygone Hollywood era. An intimate space — with green velvet chairs — it is a nod to the mid 20th century Hollywood zeitgeist, with masterful black and white framed photos of members, visitors and guests covering the walls. A who’s who of Hollywood stars, behind the scenes leaders, politicians and captains of business: you’ll see Lucille Ball mingling with Gerald Ford, Old Blue Eyes and Ben Hogan. The spacious Tamarisk Dining Room — overlooking the 18th green — features an exquisite water feature and impressive art pieces. The Art at Tamarisk is conceived to complement the masterful renovation of the Clubhouse by architect Steven Harris and Designer Lucien Rees-Roberts, both members. The new look and feel is exceptional, and sets the Tamarisk tone. Warm desert colors, stately but comfortable furniture (sourced by another member), open airy lighting and ambiance; the fresh new facelift meshes perfectly with the retro bones of the property.
The art on display is truly jaw-dropping. Brooke Hodge was the Guest Curator and along with beloved members Susan and Rod Lubeznik, the club was transformed into a living breathing gallery. We met Rod briefly— and typical of Tamarisk, he is a successful entrepreneur and businessman — he and Susan wanted to give back and share their passion for contemporary art with the club. Most of the art was curated locally, and probably why the entire vibe feels so appropriate, and I daresay perfect. A pandemic perk, Tamarisk took the opportunity to reimagine itself this last summer. The remodel was completed in November 2021. Many are lifelong members, and with changing demographics, the typical applicant is now skewing younger. Chad Johnson, General Manager says, “The rich history of Tamarisk Country Club remains the foundation of everything we are today. Every day, as I walk through the Club, I am reminded of all the wonderful people that called Tamarisk home over the past 70 years and how the Club enriched their lives. Now, as we look to the future, there is an energized enthusiasm from our members about the growth and direction of the Club. I cannot help but feel genuine excitement for the great things to come.”
There are Golf and Social Memberships. Acceptance into membership at Tamarisk Country Club is by member sponsor, but you can contact the Membership Department for more details.
Tamarisk Country Club
70-240 Frank Sinatra Dr.
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone: 760.328.2141
tamariskcc.com/
