Thunderbird Country Club, Rancho Mirage CA, established in 1951, is a notable piece of history in the city. Three thousand palms trees were brought in, underground power and telephone wires were installed, and winter rye was planted. Golf course architect, Lawrence Hughes, worked with Johnny Dawson over the summer of 1950 to build the par-72, all grass, 18-hole golf course, with fabulous views, delightful weather, and beautiful, expansive greens. In 1954 it was the birthplace of golf carts and was the course to play by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers, and even Presidents Eisenhower and Ford. Today, it remains the prestigious club to heads of industries, politicians, film industry notables, and people who appreciate the club’s uniqueness.
In 2003, the 48,000 square foot clubhouse (originally designed by William F. Cody) was renovated to reflect a modern look while retaining its’ rich history’s atmosphere.
Thunderbird Country Club continues to be known for fine dining, championship golf, unparalleled tennis, state-of-the-art fitness center, luxurious spa treatments, and numerous activities and events.
The community offers several neighborhoods:
- Thunderbird Cove
- Thunderbird Estates
- Thunderbird Heights
- Thunderbird North
- Thunderbird Terrace
- Thunderbird Villas
- Thunderbird Palms East