Avondale Golf Club
A Rich and Compelling History
A STORIED BEGINNING, A LASTING LEGACY
One day in 1969, George Glickley, the President of Bermuda Dunes Country Club, had to wait an hour or so for a tee time. He decided to use that time to get a haircut. While at the barber shop, he learned from a manicurist that her boyfriend had a parcel of about 600 acres in Palm Desert that was for sale. The parcel was bounded by Frank Sinatra Drive on the north, El Dorado Drive on the east, Country Club Drive on the south and Cook Street on the west. Mr. Glickley immediately contacted the owner, entered into a purchase agreement, and closed escrow on the purchase within two weeks.
Mr. Glickley and his four financial partners then hired Jimmy Hines, a renowned course designer and golfer, to create a course and residential development on the eastern 240 acres of the parcel. Mr. Hines was the initial golf pro at Thunderbird Country Club, the winner of nine PGA tour events, and a member of the 1939 Ryder Cup Team.
The course and clubhouse were completed within a year after the land purchase. The round clubhouse, sitting on a man-made 67 foot hill, was described by the local press as a “Foreign Legion Fort.” At the time, the clubhouse was the tallest structure in Palm Desert.
The club’s storied history includes one of the Valley’s finest Head Pros. Fred Scherzer was appointed Head Pro at del Safari even before the club opened. Mr. Scherzer was renowned for his personable style and knowledge of the game of golf.
1986
In 1986, Del Safari Country Club transitioned to Avondale Golf Club, Palm Desert’s first member owned golf club.
50th Anniversary
Avondale Golf Club, established in 1970, was set to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a series of events to mark the milestone. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the planned celebrations were cancelled to prioritize the health and safety of members and staff. Despite the limitations, the club acknowledged the anniversary with smaller, socially distanced events and virtual gatherings. The focus remained on commemorating Avondale’s rich history and community spirit while adhering to public health guidelines during the challenging year.
Historical Landmark Application
The Avondale Golf Club’s clubhouse has recently been considered to be a historical landmark for the City of Palm Desert, California.
The clubhouse stands as a vital piece of our community’s rich history, embodying the architectural and cultural heritage of our area. This application seeks to officially designate the clubhouse as a historical landmark, recognizing its significance and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
