INTRODUCTION
There is no club in the Coachella Valley quite like Indian Wells Country Club. Known simply as "The Fun Club of the Desert" since its creation in 1956, IWCC is the third-oldest private golf club in the desert, preceded only by Thunderbird (1951) and Tamarisk (1952), and it has never strayed from the spirit its founders intended.
The vision was born over dinner at Ruby's restaurant in Palm Springs when Paul and Isabel Prom and Jean Susallaimagined creating a golf and country club built around informal desert living. Not stuffy. Not restricted. A place where Hollywood legends, business titans, and everyday golfers could gather, compete, and genuinely enjoy themselves together. That vision became Indian Wells Country Club, and it remains the club's guiding philosophy today.
The founding group included actor and television icon Desi Arnaz, developer Milt Hicks (known as "Mr. Golf"), and Eddie Susalla, a SoCal legend who had been Thunderbird's inaugural associate head professional and who actually designed the original Classic Course. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz owned the Indian Wells Hotel just off the 11th green, known nationwide as a Hollywood escape. Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Phil Harris were regulars. The largest of the four lakes on the golf course was named Bing-Phil after Bing Crosby and Phil Harris. President Gerald Ford was a VIP member both in and out of office in the 1970s, with Secret Service installing a communications panel in the men's locker room.
Arnold Palmer recorded his 11th career hole-in-one on the Classic Course during the Bob Hope Classic. The club hosted the Bob Hope Desert Classic from 1960 to 2008, more than 40 consecutive years, one of the longest tournament venue relationships in PGA Tour history.
Today Indian Wells Country Club operates as part of the Invited Clubs network, offering 36 holes of championship golf,an active social calendar, and one of the most accessible price points of any private club community in Indian Wells.
Billy and Stacy Thoman are your Coachella Valley specialists for Indian Wells Country Club real estate. Call today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com.
THE COURSES
Indian Wells Country Club offers two 18-hole championship courses, each with its own distinct character. Together they represent one of the most storied 36-hole private golf facilities in the Coachella Valley.
The Classic Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 6,478 yards | Rating 72.20 | Slope 130
Designed by Eddie Susalla | Opened 1956
The original course at Indian Wells Country Club, designed by founding member Eddie Susalla and opened in 1956. The Classic Course was the original home of the Bob Hope Desert Classic for more than 40 years, from 1960 to 2008,hosting golf's greatest names including Arnold Palmer, who recorded his 11th career hole-in-one here during the tournament. Precision shot-making, beautifully contoured greens, four lakes including the famous Bing-Phil Lake named after Bing Crosby and Phil Harris, and panoramic mountain views make the Classic Course a beloved and historically significant layout.
The Cove Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 6,537 yards | Rating 71.40 | Slope 124
The second course at Indian Wells Country Club, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Gentle elevations, lush landscaping, and panoramic desert vistas make the Cove Course as visually stunning as it is rewarding to play. A serene yet strategic round preferred by many members for casual play and social rounds.
Both courses offer instruction through PGA-certified professionals with TrackMan technology for club fittings. Programs include the "Crush It!" junior program and "Game On" beginner clinics. Full driving range, putting greens, short game area, and chipping zones available for practice.
THE RESIDENCES
Indian Wells Country Club is one of the largest residential communities in Indian Wells, with approximately 3,500 homesacross a diverse mix of condominiums, single-family homes, and custom estates. The community stretches across several distinct neighborhoods developed from 1956 through recent years, with newer developments including Mountain Gate, Painted Cove, and Villaggio alongside original mid-century neighborhoods many of which have been beautifully modernized.
Single-Family Homes
The most diverse category at IWCC. Homes range from 2,100 to over 21,000 sq ft across a wide variety of architectural styles from original mid-century desert modern to newly built custom estates. Many feature private pools and spas, direct course views, and generous lots. HOA dues range from $0 to approximately $825/month depending on neighborhood, making some IWCC homes among the lowest-HOA private golf community properties in Indian Wells. Prices from approximately $840,000 to $3,500,000+.
Condominiums
Built from 1965 to 1983 with many completely remodeled, IWCC condos range from 1,776 to 3,000 sq ft with 2 to 3 bedrooms. HOA approximately $778/month. Prices from approximately $600,000 to $1,200,000.
A unique and powerful benefit of living at Indian Wells Country Club is the City of Indian Wells Resident Benefit Card, which provides all Indian Wells residents with discounts of up to 20% at the four Indian Wells luxury resortsincluding the Grand Hyatt, Renaissance Esmeralda, Tommy Bahama Miramonte, and the historic Indian Wells Resort Hotel, preferred pricing at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, priority tee times, and exclusive resident events. This benefit is not available to residents of any other Coachella Valley city.
REAL ESTATE AT A GLANCE
AMENITIES
HISTORY
Indian Wells Country Club was founded in 1956 over dinner at Ruby's restaurant in Palm Springs, where Paul and Isabel Prom and Jean Susalla first conceived the idea of a casual, welcoming desert golf club. They were joined by founding partners Desi Arnaz, Eddie Susalla, Milt Hicks, Linn Johnson, Earl Murphy, Bill Worthing, and John Curci.
The founding spirit was deliberate. The two other desert clubs in existence at the time were considered "a bit stuffy and restricted." Desi Arnaz and his group of Hollywood friends wanted something different: a more casual, fun-first environment where friendships and good times came first. That spirit earned the club its nickname, "The Fun Club of the Desert," which it carries proudly to this day.
The Classic Course was designed by founding member Eddie Susalla and opened in 1956. The club's original 18-hole layout was the third championship private course in the desert, preceded only by Thunderbird and Tamarisk. Susalla also developed the Indian Wells Hotel just off the 11th green, which was purchased by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and became known nationwide as a Hollywood escape.
The largest of the club's four lakes was named Bing-Phil after regulars Bing Crosby and Phil Harris. A canoe was named after the wife of movie star William Powell. Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope were fixtures. President Gerald Fordwas a VIP member in the 1970s, with Secret Service installing a communications panel in the men's locker room during his rounds.
In 1960, Indian Wells Country Club became the host venue for the Bob Hope Desert Classic, a relationship that would last more than 40 years through 2008. During the tournament Arnold Palmer recorded his celebrated 11th career hole-in-one on the Classic Course.
In 2016, the club celebrated its 60th anniversary and dedicated "Desi's Deck" in honor of founding member Desi Arnaz. The club continues to evolve under the Invited Clubs network while honoring the casual, welcoming spirit that made it the Fun Club of the Desert nearly seven decades ago.
LOCATION
Indian Wells Country Club is located at 46000 Club Drive in Indian Wells, California, one of the most desirable zip codes in the country.
The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is minutes away. El Paseo in Palm Desert offers world-class dining and shopping. Eisenhower Medical Center is nearby. The Village at Indian Wells is directly accessible. Easy access to Highway 111 connects residents to Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 20 to 25 minutes away.
As Indian Wells residents, IWCC homeowners enjoy the exclusive City of Indian Wells Resident Benefit Card,providing up to 20% discounts at the Grand Hyatt, Renaissance Esmeralda, Tommy Bahama Miramonte, and the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, plus preferred privileges at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
WHY WORK WITH BILLY AND STACY THOMAN
Indian Wells Country Club is the most historically rich and most accessible private club community in Indian Wells, with a price range that spans from entry-level condos to multi-million dollar custom estates. Knowing which neighborhood, which floor plan, and which course orientation fits your lifestyle requires genuine local expertise.
Billy and Stacy Thoman specialize in Coachella Valley luxury real estate with deep knowledge of Indian Wells Country Club, Eldorado Country Club, The Vintage Club, Desert Horizons, Toscana, and the full range of desert country club communities.
Whether you are searching for a turnkey mid-century condo, a newly built custom estate, or a low-HOA fairway home in one of the valley's most storied clubs, Billy and Stacy bring the market knowledge and personal service to find the right fit.
Call Billy and Stacy Thoman today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com to explore current Indian Wells Country Club listings.
INTRODUCTION
There is no club in the Coachella Valley quite like Indian Wells Country Club. Known simply as "The Fun Club of the Desert" since its creation in 1956, IWCC is the third-oldest private golf club in the desert, preceded only by Thunderbird (1951) and Tamarisk (1952), and it has never strayed from the spirit its founders intended.
The vision was born over dinner at Ruby's restaurant in Palm Springs when Paul and Isabel Prom and Jean Susallaimagined creating a golf and country club built around informal desert living. Not stuffy. Not restricted. A place where Hollywood legends, business titans, and everyday golfers could gather, compete, and genuinely enjoy themselves together. That vision became Indian Wells Country Club, and it remains the club's guiding philosophy today.
The founding group included actor and television icon Desi Arnaz, developer Milt Hicks (known as "Mr. Golf"), and Eddie Susalla, a SoCal legend who had been Thunderbird's inaugural associate head professional and who actually designed the original Classic Course. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz owned the Indian Wells Hotel just off the 11th green, known nationwide as a Hollywood escape. Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Phil Harris were regulars. The largest of the four lakes on the golf course was named Bing-Phil after Bing Crosby and Phil Harris. President Gerald Ford was a VIP member both in and out of office in the 1970s, with Secret Service installing a communications panel in the men's locker room.
Arnold Palmer recorded his 11th career hole-in-one on the Classic Course during the Bob Hope Classic. The club hosted the Bob Hope Desert Classic from 1960 to 2008, more than 40 consecutive years, one of the longest tournament venue relationships in PGA Tour history.
Today Indian Wells Country Club operates as part of the Invited Clubs network, offering 36 holes of championship golf,an active social calendar, and one of the most accessible price points of any private club community in Indian Wells.
Billy and Stacy Thoman are your Coachella Valley specialists for Indian Wells Country Club real estate. Call today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com.
THE COURSES
Indian Wells Country Club offers two 18-hole championship courses, each with its own distinct character. Together they represent one of the most storied 36-hole private golf facilities in the Coachella Valley.
The Classic Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 6,478 yards | Rating 72.20 | Slope 130
Designed by Eddie Susalla | Opened 1956
The original course at Indian Wells Country Club, designed by founding member Eddie Susalla and opened in 1956. The Classic Course was the original home of the Bob Hope Desert Classic for more than 40 years, from 1960 to 2008,hosting golf's greatest names including Arnold Palmer, who recorded his 11th career hole-in-one here during the tournament. Precision shot-making, beautifully contoured greens, four lakes including the famous Bing-Phil Lake named after Bing Crosby and Phil Harris, and panoramic mountain views make the Classic Course a beloved and historically significant layout.
The Cove Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 6,537 yards | Rating 71.40 | Slope 124
The second course at Indian Wells Country Club, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Gentle elevations, lush landscaping, and panoramic desert vistas make the Cove Course as visually stunning as it is rewarding to play. A serene yet strategic round preferred by many members for casual play and social rounds.
Both courses offer instruction through PGA-certified professionals with TrackMan technology for club fittings. Programs include the "Crush It!" junior program and "Game On" beginner clinics. Full driving range, putting greens, short game area, and chipping zones available for practice.
THE RESIDENCES
Indian Wells Country Club is one of the largest residential communities in Indian Wells, with approximately 3,500 homesacross a diverse mix of condominiums, single-family homes, and custom estates. The community stretches across several distinct neighborhoods developed from 1956 through recent years, with newer developments including Mountain Gate, Painted Cove, and Villaggio alongside original mid-century neighborhoods many of which have been beautifully modernized.
Single-Family Homes
The most diverse category at IWCC. Homes range from 2,100 to over 21,000 sq ft across a wide variety of architectural styles from original mid-century desert modern to newly built custom estates. Many feature private pools and spas, direct course views, and generous lots. HOA dues range from $0 to approximately $825/month depending on neighborhood, making some IWCC homes among the lowest-HOA private golf community properties in Indian Wells. Prices from approximately $840,000 to $3,500,000+.
Condominiums
Built from 1965 to 1983 with many completely remodeled, IWCC condos range from 1,776 to 3,000 sq ft with 2 to 3 bedrooms. HOA approximately $778/month. Prices from approximately $600,000 to $1,200,000.
A unique and powerful benefit of living at Indian Wells Country Club is the City of Indian Wells Resident Benefit Card, which provides all Indian Wells residents with discounts of up to 20% at the four Indian Wells luxury resortsincluding the Grand Hyatt, Renaissance Esmeralda, Tommy Bahama Miramonte, and the historic Indian Wells Resort Hotel, preferred pricing at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, priority tee times, and exclusive resident events. This benefit is not available to residents of any other Coachella Valley city.
REAL ESTATE AT A GLANCE
AMENITIES
HISTORY
Indian Wells Country Club was founded in 1956 over dinner at Ruby's restaurant in Palm Springs, where Paul and Isabel Prom and Jean Susalla first conceived the idea of a casual, welcoming desert golf club. They were joined by founding partners Desi Arnaz, Eddie Susalla, Milt Hicks, Linn Johnson, Earl Murphy, Bill Worthing, and John Curci.
The founding spirit was deliberate. The two other desert clubs in existence at the time were considered "a bit stuffy and restricted." Desi Arnaz and his group of Hollywood friends wanted something different: a more casual, fun-first environment where friendships and good times came first. That spirit earned the club its nickname, "The Fun Club of the Desert," which it carries proudly to this day.
The Classic Course was designed by founding member Eddie Susalla and opened in 1956. The club's original 18-hole layout was the third championship private course in the desert, preceded only by Thunderbird and Tamarisk. Susalla also developed the Indian Wells Hotel just off the 11th green, which was purchased by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz and became known nationwide as a Hollywood escape.
The largest of the club's four lakes was named Bing-Phil after regulars Bing Crosby and Phil Harris. A canoe was named after the wife of movie star William Powell. Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope were fixtures. President Gerald Fordwas a VIP member in the 1970s, with Secret Service installing a communications panel in the men's locker room during his rounds.
In 1960, Indian Wells Country Club became the host venue for the Bob Hope Desert Classic, a relationship that would last more than 40 years through 2008. During the tournament Arnold Palmer recorded his celebrated 11th career hole-in-one on the Classic Course.
In 2016, the club celebrated its 60th anniversary and dedicated "Desi's Deck" in honor of founding member Desi Arnaz. The club continues to evolve under the Invited Clubs network while honoring the casual, welcoming spirit that made it the Fun Club of the Desert nearly seven decades ago.
LOCATION
Indian Wells Country Club is located at 46000 Club Drive in Indian Wells, California, one of the most desirable zip codes in the country.
The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is minutes away. El Paseo in Palm Desert offers world-class dining and shopping. Eisenhower Medical Center is nearby. The Village at Indian Wells is directly accessible. Easy access to Highway 111 connects residents to Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 20 to 25 minutes away.
As Indian Wells residents, IWCC homeowners enjoy the exclusive City of Indian Wells Resident Benefit Card,providing up to 20% discounts at the Grand Hyatt, Renaissance Esmeralda, Tommy Bahama Miramonte, and the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, plus preferred privileges at the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
WHY WORK WITH BILLY AND STACY THOMAN
Indian Wells Country Club is the most historically rich and most accessible private club community in Indian Wells, with a price range that spans from entry-level condos to multi-million dollar custom estates. Knowing which neighborhood, which floor plan, and which course orientation fits your lifestyle requires genuine local expertise.
Billy and Stacy Thoman specialize in Coachella Valley luxury real estate with deep knowledge of Indian Wells Country Club, Eldorado Country Club, The Vintage Club, Desert Horizons, Toscana, and the full range of desert country club communities.
Whether you are searching for a turnkey mid-century condo, a newly built custom estate, or a low-HOA fairway home in one of the valley's most storied clubs, Billy and Stacy bring the market knowledge and personal service to find the right fit.
Call Billy and Stacy Thoman today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com to explore current Indian Wells Country Club listings.
We will be able to provide you with the most advantageous and up to date knowledge of the desert. Buyers and Sellers alike will tell you that they received the highest level of customer service and care.
