Palm Desert Golf

The Palm Desert area is a golfer's paradise. One does not realise how many golf courses there are here because so many of them are behind the walls and the berms that protect them from snoops and sneaks. However, get to elevation and it becomes quite evident that the Coachella Valley is riddled with golf courses. One of the most intriguing is the Iron Eagle course that I wanted to see, but it is off the beaten track and accessible only via private driveway. Until one hikes the Hopalong Cassidy trail. As one gets to the lighted cross on the hill, the view to the backside of the course tells all. In the photo above, the famous Big Horn course is in the bottom left. Above and in the dry hills is the Iron Eagle Course. This photo was taken from the lookout near the top of the highway that crests the mountains and then goes southward to Hemet. Click on it for a better view.

The contrasts are striking. Keep in mind that I was using a telephoto lens to bring everything closer.

By a quirk of nature, the acoustics here were amazing. Perhaps the wind, the contour of the hills, or a combination, but I could hear every word these golfers were saying.

Seeing this course from above was an unexpected but delightful bonus for sticking it out on the longest hike we attempted. Effort does have its rewards. Next goal ... actually play it.