Legendary Palm Springs golf course on tee to lose 'private' status.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians may vote today to take over ownership of the storied Canyon Country Club now operating as the Palm Springs National Golf Club.Members of the private-equity golf and country club at 1100 Murray Canyon Drive which is known for its Don Wexler-designed mid-century modern clubhouse, Walt Disney-donated copper lily pad water fountain, a starter shack with a red phone to the White House and a history of attracting Hollywood stars out of no where, received a letter dated July 29 that "cut to the chase" on a movement that would lift the exclusive, private status.The letter, penned by Marvin Stern, advised members that after a "steep decline" in membership and literally "dozens of initiatives taken in the last several years" to assuage that decline, dues, assessments and trail fees for the 2008-2009 year would have to anywhere from $22,000 per year to $26,000 per year on a worst case scenario to keep its members-only status."Given our recent lack of ability to attract new members, and given the slowing economy and housing market plus the severe competition in our valley, it appears, with almost certainty, that we can no longer sustain our ability to remain private,'' Stern wrote.The letter noted that the club would need 130 membership commitments to remain private. It also suggested this possible fate for the golf course:Development of a new, semi-private golf club on the course now reserved for private members.If that line of action was taken, the private club would close on Sept. 2, the letter said.Nancy Conrad, a spokeswoman for the tribal council, confirmed the Agua Caliente will be taking steps to take over ownership of the course and will probably operate a north and south course as part of Indian Canyons Golf Course Resort."One course will be semi-private and one will be public,'' she said.More information about the tribe's plans were expected to be made later today, Conrad added.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians may vote today to take over ownership of the storied Canyon Country Club now operating as the Palm Springs National Golf Club.Members of the private-equity golf and country club at 1100 Murray Canyon Drive which is known for its Don Wexler-designed mid-century modern clubhouse, Walt Disney-donated copper lily pad water fountain, a starter shack with a red phone to the White House and a history of attracting Hollywood stars out of no where, received a letter dated July 29 that "cut to the chase" on a movement that would lift the exclusive, private status.The letter, penned by Marvin Stern, advised members that after a "steep decline" in membership and literally "dozens of initiatives taken in the last several years" to assuage that decline, dues, assessments and trail fees for the 2008-2009 year would have to anywhere from $22,000 per year to $26,000 per year on a worst case scenario to keep its members-only status."Given our recent lack of ability to attract new members, and given the slowing economy and housing market plus the severe competition in our valley, it appears, with almost certainty, that we can no longer sustain our ability to remain private,'' Stern wrote.The letter noted that the club would need 130 membership commitments to remain private. It also suggested this possible fate for the golf course:Development of a new, semi-private golf club on the course now reserved for private members.If that line of action was taken, the private club would close on Sept. 2, the letter said.Nancy Conrad, a spokeswoman for the tribal council, confirmed the Agua Caliente will be taking steps to take over ownership of the course and will probably operate a north and south course as part of Indian Canyons Golf Course Resort."One course will be semi-private and one will be public,'' she said.More information about the tribe's plans were expected to be made later today, Conrad added.
