Detailed description of ODonnell Golf Club
O'Donnell Golf Club, is a Private, 9 hole golf course located in Palm Springs, California.
O' Donnell Golf Club was built by Thomas A. O'Donnell, an oilman who came to Palm Springs in the mid-1920s. In 1927 Mr. O'Donnell planned and during the next few years, built at his own expense the golf course that bears his name with its palm trees, oleanders and tamarisks, and its green carpet of Bermuda and rye grasses. The course never was allowed to die during all the years since it was constructed and now forms the cushioned turf so greatly appreciated by their members and guests. The greens are bent grass. The nine hole course has two tee positions for those wishing to play a double loop 18-hole round.
In 1944 O'Donnell Golf Club was established as a private, non-profit club.
The course plays to a 9-hole par of 35 and 9-hole distance of 2,601 yards.
From the 1930's to the 1960's the Palm Springs Invitational Golf Championship was hosted at The O’Donnell Golf Club. Tour players who competed here include: Al Geiberger, Ken Venturi, and Gene Littler. The club also attracted celebrities members including Mr. and Mrs. William Powell, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Hope, Kirk Douglas, William Holden, and Clark Gable.
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Member (cart included), played on Saturday, March 2010 at 8am
O'Donnell is the oldest golf course in the entire Coachella Valley, built in 1927, and the only course situated in downtown Palm Springs. What makes this a very special course is the limited play it draws from a fairly small, seasonal membership. In other words, you can breeze through 18 holes in less than 3 hours. Yes, it's only 9 holes, but a challenging 18 hole game can be had by playing the back 9 from not only different tees but, in same cases, a variety of different tee boxes. All together, an 18 hole round will include 4 Par 5's, 2 long Par 3's, four 130 yard Par 3's and a nice variety of 4 pars. Greens are very small and, in the words of Ben Hogan who played here, "there is a premium for accuracy". Yes, it's private, but guests of the Hyatt nearby and the occasional walk-in are welcome. Guest rates are pretty modest given the overall great experience of playing here.