By: Jack Kirkwood

Webster’s good dictionary defines the word “spacious” as quote, very large in extent, unquote.  And “spaciousness” as the noun describing what spacious is all about.

As you walk up to the grand and spacious front entrance of the new and spectacular Indian Wells Golf Resort Clubhouse, you will get that very feeling.  After nearly 26 months of conception and changes and construction, delayed a bit here and there as often happens with the creative design of exceptional buildings, The City of Indian Wells has its “IW Club,” a huge undertaking and surely something special to behold.

While there is that feeling of vast floor space, certainly nothing is out of place or unnecessary nor is there any spot in all of the 53,000 square feet of warmth and grandeur that is lacking in whatever makes the right first time impression or any later impression.  The big pro shop occupies the east end of the building and was the first phase to open.  Apart from a dazzling display of quality golf-wear and equipment, the pro shop features two Callaway Training Centers.  These are the latest in high-tech tools that take teaching the game to the aspiring golfer to a new level or contribute mightily to strengthening the accomplished golfer’s game where there is need for some improvements to lower that important handicap.   

Next came the opening of the dining and reception areas of the building which completed the project in mid-August.  The beautiful rotunda just inside that impressive entrance is highlighted by a sweeping circular staircase leading to the dining, bar and banquet locations of the second floor.  And before climbing the graceful set of stairs there is the first floor coffee shop and breakfast bar hiding behind that circular staircase in the perfect spot to relax before or after a round of golf.   And next to the coffee shop on the west side is The Players Room, a private meeting or banquet facility complete with north view that accommodates a maximum of 46.   Just left of the main entrance is the elevator and staff offices down the hall to the west.

Talk about an expanse of space with wonderful mountain views to match, the top of those stairs is the place.  First there is the main dining room with a stunning view of palm trees and mountains to the south.  For those really nice afternoons and evenings, outdoor dining on the veranda is just the right answer.  Then there is the bar and casual dining area with the dominating north view over the golf courses making the setting perfect and  beckoning veranda another ideal outdoor spot to relax.  Just off the dining area is the private IW Room designed to serve up to 32 in pure luxury.   And over on the south side is the secluded Wine Room for a private tasting party or a special dining experience limited to four.

And everywhere no matter which way the visitor turns, there is the view, the imposing Santa Rosa Mountains to the south, the two great golf courses and more mountains to the north.  Then down the west hall is The Celebrity Banquet Room with a capacity of 125.  The adjacent lounge and meeting area boasts another great south view.  If “impressive” is the right word without overdoing the emphasis on such an outstanding accomplishment then, it is worth saying again.  My, it’s impressive.    

The Indian Wells City Council and the outstanding architectural firm of Douglas Fredrikson of Phoenix knew what they were doing and knew how the city’s residents and all who come for a superb dining experience or a new golf shirt and a round of exciting golf or simply for the wonderful views both north and south would respond.  They bet the $80 million it took to rebuild two successful golf courses into two world-class golf courses and to conceive of such a beautiful clubhouse would earn a rich return.  No question about that.  The whole investment has been rewarding quite literally from day one.  Will success continue to happen every day in this popular resort community including those hot summer days for which the desert is famous?   Absolutely !!!

The IW Club formal coming-out party for the city’s residents is just after Welcome to SoCal goes to press.  Apart from being the pride of the beautiful resort city of Indian Wells, its forward thinking council and its supportive residents, The IW Club is open to the public as are the two beautiful golf courses.  Indeed, the public is invited to come and enjoy - in any season    And how to get connected?  Just call - any day, 760) 346 4653.