Thunderbird Country Club

Thunderbird Country Club Luxury Real Estate

Thunderbird Country Club’s legacy began in 1951 as the “President’s Club” with a blue-chip pedigree that continues today. Long known as the “Club of Presidents,” President Barack Obama chooses to play golf at Thunderbird whenever he visits the Coachella Valley. That fact sets the bar for just how special golf and the Thunderbird lifestyle is for all.

Presidential Members included President Eisenhower while President and Mrs. Ford called Thunderbird their primary residence for years after leaving the White House. Other Presidential players and visitors include President Nixon (when he was vice-president and a guest of President Eisenhower, President Johnson, President H.W. Bush, and President John F. Kennedy.

Well-known members have included golf great Arnold Palmer, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Carol Channing, and baseball great Ralph Kiner. It’s no surprise the luxury homes inside the gates are as distinctive as Thunderbird’s history. More fun and not well-known facts to ponder is the Ford Thunderbird was named after Thunderbird Country Club thanks in part to Ernest Breech, Chairman of Ford being a proud Member. Also, Thunderbird was the home of the first motorized golf cart in the country.

It all began in December 1946 when Frank Bogert, one of the men who along with his influential friends made Palm Springs one of the country’s great resort destinations opened Thunderbird Ranch as a dude ranch which quickly attracted the glamour of Hollywood. Early investors in Thunderbird Country Club were Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Randolph Scott, Leonard Firestone, Ralph Kiner, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, Phil Harris and Alice Faye.

Bogert, along with the nationally noted architect George Kaufmann, began to landscape every curve of the ranch’s panoramic six hundred thirty-three acres of pristine Rancho Mirage landscape. The Desert’s natural environment with the surrounding San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains are the perfect backdrop for the beauty that is Thunderbird year-round. Thunderbird quickly caught the attention of the country’s top industrialists, CEOs, and celebrities.

Where Thunderbird’s 4th Fairway is today was the site of the stables. In 1949, Johnny Dawson, a top amateur golfer with Larry Hughes designed and built the area’s first eighteen-hole golf course at Thunderbird Country Club. Part of the course was redesigned by Ted Robinson after devastating rains caused severe damage. President Gerald Ford presided over the reopening. Over the years, Thunderbird was home to the prestigious Ryder Cup. Thunderbird’s first pro-member tournament evolved into the world-renowned Bob Hope Desert Classic.

The tradition of dining at Thunderbird from Saturday night dinners to Sunday brunch to holiday celebrations continues melding fine chef-inspired fare experienced among friends both old and new. From elegant indoor dining to casual outdoor fare where, the surrounding views of Mt. San Jacinto, and the Santa Rosa Mountains showcase desert living and first-class culinary adventures.

Socializing at Thunderbird has always been about Members enjoying and celebrating life together. Members celebrating life’s milestones among friends and family from weddings to anniversaries to graduation parties, be assured the event whether in the 48,000 square foot Clubhouse or on the grounds will be a magical memory for all thanks to Thunderbird’s unique setting and dedicated staff.

With wellness top-of-mind for most Thunderbird Members, the Fitness Center is active with personal trainers, Pilates, nature and fitness hikes. Workshops that Members love include how to fall safely, happy hour dance lessons to cooking lessons for your canine friends. Thunderbird’s Spa offers custom-crafted massage and aesthetician services. Complimentary classes offer something for all Members to indulge. From Pilates to TRX to yoga, cardio, spin and stretch it’s easy to stay in shape no matter your age.

Thunderbird’s prime Rancho Mirage location is perfect to take advantage of the City’s nearby top-rated dining, shopping and entertainment destinations. Rancho Mirage is different than any other city in America. If hiking or biking appeals, you’ll find some of the Coachella Valley’s best trails just outside the gates of Thunderbird. Where else but Rancho Mirage can you drive down Frank Sinatra and make a right on Bob Hope?

Large lots, panoramic views, and wide streets set the tone for living at Thunderbird. Custom sprawling contemporary homes with walls of glass seamlessly incorporate sophisticated indoor-outdoor living. Mid-Century Modern showplaces front the golf course as well as luxury ranch style estates. Neighboring Thunderbird Heights with its Contemporary, Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean style homes are part of Thunderbird Country Club and enjoy the same privileges of living in this elite community. With so many options to choose from, full-time residents, second-home owners, retirees and snowbirds, all enjoy this special brand of luxury living that is Thunderbird.

Things to Do at Thunderbird Country Club

Thunderbird Country Club’s amenities and services all provided by a five-star staff who take care of all Members.

• Tennis and pickleball courts offer an action-packed calendar of events, practices, and friendly competitions and tournaments that both sports aficionados and amateurs enjoy. Golf Tournaments are challenging and keep Members at the top of their game.
• Residents agree that parties at Thunderbird are unique no matter the event.
• An evening of drinks and dinner among family and friends at Thunderbird can’t be beat for food, fun and great company.

Thunderbird Country Club is for those who have their unique legacy to celebrate. Start today by calling to schedule your tour of Thunderbird Country Club luxury real estate today.