05.23.2022 Valerie Roca
When it comes to golf course real estate in the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage is among the most desirable locations—and for good reason. With its resort lifestyle, picture-perfect views, and many of the best golf courses in the Greater Palm Springs area, Rancho Mirage is nothing short of a golfer’s paradise.
For those in search of the perfect golf course home, however, it can be hard to differentiate between different golf communities in Rancho Mirage. When looking at homes for sale, which features and amenities matter most? What should home buyers look for in a private golf course community?
In this article, we’ve compiled 11 key features to put on your wish list. We’ll examine the following in detail, and what to look for in each.
Top golf community features:
- Clubhouse
- Practice facilities
- PGA instruction
- Locker room facilities
- Community events
- Accessible tee times
- Equipment demonstrations
Top golf course home features:
- Storage options
- Putting greens
- Home location
Read on to explore key features to look for in a Rancho Mirage golf community, so you can find the perfect golf course home—and the ultimate golf lifestyle.
Golf Course Community Features
Before visiting any golf course homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, top features you’ll want to research at a private country club or golf course community include the following:
1. Course Accessibility
Accessible tee times and a faster pace of play during the “peak season” from November to April is perhaps the most sought after feature of any golf community in Rancho Mirage. A standard pace of play is 4-hour rounds. Anything shorter is considered highly-desirable for golf courses in Rancho Mirage.
2. An Active Clubhouse Community
The clubhouse is the hub of activity in a golf community, where members can dine, relax, and gather for club events large and small. The architectural design of a clubhouse should be optimized for social interactions, which means beautiful landscape views and modern fixtures to serve as the perfect backdrop for family and friends. Ask when the clubhouse was last renovated, and be sure to tour it in person.
What kind of social events are offered at the golf clubhouse? What kind of dining options are available? How about member luncheons, large gatherings, and casual happy hours? Are guests welcome? The more questions you ask when joining a club, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit.
3. Golf Practice Facility Features
Does the golf course feature a fully-appointed practice facility—that is, a spacious area with a putting green, chipping green with bunkers, a driving range, and fairway bunkers? Most golfers prefer ranges located near the clubhouse, ideally by the first and 10th holes for maximum convenience, running in a north-south direction to avoid the sun’s glare.
4. PGA Pro Instruction
Country clubs offering PGA instructions should have instructors certified through the official PGA program. The best country clubs in Rancho Mirage offer personalized instruction from former PGA professionals who are committed to improving all aspects of your game. Whether you’re an experienced golfer looking to take your swing to the next level, or a beginner in need of basic instruction, the best golf pros will help you get the most enjoyment out of your time on the course.
5. Luxurious Locker Rooms
Locker rooms are for more than changing clothes and storing items. They are social hubs that have areas for a post-round snack and many other activities. Some locker rooms have fireplaces, widescreen televisions, lounge areas, card-room facilities, staff attendants, and much more. Consider the locker room amenities you prefer and be sure to tour the facilities when you visit each club on your list.
6. Golf Training Simulators
Golf simulators are an increasingly popular feature that is bringing a new wave of technology to golf programs in Rancho Mirage and beyond. Helping to train players for a wide variety of course conditions and game variables, these realistic screens are equipped with sensors to pick up your club speed and movement, mapping the path of the ball using radar technology. Players hit a live golf ball, with a real club, into a virtual simulation and receive instant diagnostic data to help identify areas to improve.
7. Club Events & Member Tournaments
Ask for a country club’s social calendar to see what kind of golf activities and member events are offered. Typical events include golf and tennis tournaments, and pickleball competitions. There’s no substitute for visiting a country club, meeting members, and experiencing the atmosphere in person, so plan to tour the golf communities on your list. It’s a great way to find the right social fit and the right level of competition.
8. Equipment Demonstrations
The best country clubs in Rancho Mirage will have visiting experts who discuss and demo new equipment from leading golf companies. These hands-on demonstrations are enviable perks and a great way to experience new equipment prototypes before anyone else, while learning golf tips from former PGA pros and other leading industry representatives.
Golf Course Home Features
When searching for golf course homes for sale in Rancho Mirage, consider these residence features that top the list for many golfers:
9. Prime Location on the Golf Course
One of the key factors in a home’s price will be its location on the golf course. Houses for sale on the greenbelt offer the most privacy, while houses on the fairway will usually have the best views. If you like watching other people play on the golf course from your house, then check out real estate near the tee box or putting greens.
10. Golf Cart Storage Options
Golf carts can be left outside for long periods of time, but this shortens their lifespan. Having a special space for your golf cart in a garage or covered storage area will protect it from bad weather, dust, and the harsh desert sun. Some country clubs have designated areas with storage fees for golf carts, while many homes have dedicated storage.
11. Private Putting Greens
Having a personal green on your property lets you warm up before hitting the golf course and work on your game any time it’s convenient. Make sure the putting green has wrinkle-resistant, high-quality turf that is the right size for you. Adjustable break-putting features can also help you practice putting uphill, downhill, and left or right.
Finding the Best Country Club Homes for Sale
Finding the right community features and course amenities is an essential part of choosing the right golf course home. Do your homework by researching golf communities and the best country clubs in Rancho Mirage. Then, schedule tours to experience them in person. Be sure to meet members and staff, and ask plenty of questions, so you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice for your needs.
The best place to start? Download our free Membership Discovery Guide, a complete resource for golfers looking to find the perfect golf lifestyle in Rancho Mirage.
