INTRODUCTION
There is no golf community in the Coachella Valley with more history than Thunderbird Country Club. Recognized as "The Home of Golf in the Coachella Valley," Thunderbird opened its gates on January 9, 1951 as the desert's first 18-hole golf course and has never stopped making history since. This is the community where Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Phil Harris, Dean Martin, Gerald Ford, Barack Obama, and dozens of Hollywood legends and American presidents built their desert homes and formed friendships that defined an era.
The facts about Thunderbird are extraordinary. The 1955 Ryder Cup was played here. Thunderbird's first pro-member tournament evolved into the Bob Hope Desert Classic, one of the most beloved tournaments in PGA Tour history. The electric golf cart is credited with being invented for Thunderbird Country Club members. And by the club's own account, Ford Motor Company named the iconic Ford Thunderbird automobile after this club in 1954, three years after the club opened its gates.
Situated on 663 acres of pristine Rancho Mirage landscape at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains,Thunderbird Country Club today offers 746 homes and condominiums ranging from original mid-century modern masterpieces built in the 1950s to contemporary custom estates, an 18-hole championship course redesigned by Ted Robinson after devastating rains, a 48,000 sq ft clubhouse, world-class tennis and pickleball, a 6,600 sq ft state-of-the-art fitness center, spa treatments, and one of the most vibrant social calendars of any private club in Rancho Mirage.
Billy and Stacy Thoman of Billy Thoman Real Estate are your Coachella Valley specialists for Thunderbird Country Club real estate. Call today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com.
THE COURSE
Lawrence Hughes and Ted Robinson Championship Golf Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 663-acre property
Originally designed by Lawrence Hughes and Johnny Dawson | Opened January 9, 1951
Redesigned by Ted Robinson | Ryder Cup host 1955
On January 9, 1951, golf course architect Lawrence Hughes and club president Johnny Dawson hit the first ceremonial golf balls officially opening Thunderbird Ranch and Country Club, the first of what would eventually become over 130 golf courses in the Coachella Valley. The course was built on the site of a former dude ranch on 663 acres in Rancho Mirage, where the stables once stood where the 4th fairway now plays.
The course hosted the 1955 Ryder Cup between the USA and Great Britain, with US Captain Chick Harbert and GB Captain Dai Rees leading their respective teams. The event was the first time the Ryder Cup had been played in the California desert. The club also hosted the early tournament that would evolve into the Bob Hope Desert Classic, one of the most celebrated events in PGA Tour history. Arnold Palmer won the first tournament.
Part of the course was later redesigned by Ted Robinson after devastating rains caused severe damage. President Gerald Ford presided over the reopening, one of many presidential visits to the club throughout its history.
A driving range, putting green, chipping green, practice bunker, pro shop, golf lessons, and caddie service are all available on site. Golf membership at Thunderbird is by invitation only.
Golf membership initiation: Approximately $50,000
Golf membership annual dues: Approximately $22,400/year
Social membership initiation: Approximately $10,000
Social membership annual dues: Approximately $10,715/year
THE RESIDENCES
Thunderbird Country Club offers 746 homes and condominiums built between 1950 and 1997 across 663 acres of Rancho Mirage. All properties are on fee simple land with no land lease. Thunderbird is one of the few communities in the Coachella Valley where buyers can own a piece of genuine American golf and entertainment history, with original mid-century modern architecture designed by architects including Howard Lapham alongside more contemporary custom estates.
Homes range from 1,320 to over 10,800 sq ft with 2 to 9 bedrooms on lots ranging from 4,356 to 130,680 sq ft. Every home in the community features stunning views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, golf course fairways, or both. Prices range from approximately $995,000 to $4,500,000+.
HOA dues vary by neighborhood, with the main community HOA approximately $230/month and the annual Security Association fee approximately $3,500/year, covering guard-gated security for the community.
Thunderbird Heights
One of the most prestigious enclaves at Thunderbird, featuring original and updated mid-century modern homes on elevated lots with panoramic down-valley views. Rare original Howard Lapham-designed residences from 1959 and beyond are among the most coveted properties in the Coachella Valley. Prices from approximately $1,500,000 to $4,500,000+.
Thunderbird Terrace
An upscale residential community of luxury homes adjacent to the country club, offering spacious designs, elegant finishes, private settings, and direct access to Thunderbird amenities.
Thunderbird Villas
Condominiums and attached homes offering entry-level access to the Thunderbird lifestyle. Prices from approximately $995,000+.
Thunderbird North, Thunderbird Palms East, Thunderbird West, and Thunderbird Cove
Additional neighborhoods within and adjacent to the Thunderbird community, each with its own character and HOA structure.
REAL ESTATE AT A GLANCE
AMENITIES
Golf
Clubhouse and Dining
Fitness and Wellness
Tennis and Pickleball
Community
HISTORY
The story of Thunderbird Country Club is the story of Coachella Valley golf itself.
In 1946, developer Frank Bogert turned 663 acres of Rancho Mirage desert into Thunderbird Ranch, a well-equipped dude ranch comprising 22 cabins, 40 horse stalls, and a low-slung western style clubhouse that immediately drew attention from the Hollywood crowd. By the late 1940s, as golf's popularity grew throughout Southern California, amateur golfer-turned-developer Johnny Dawson approached Bogert about transforming the ranch into the valley's first 18-hole golf course.
Ben Hogan took one look at the chosen desert property and told Dawson he was crazy to build a golf course there. Dawson pressed on. Together with architect Lawrence Hughes and early investors including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, Phil Harris and Alice Faye, Randolph Scott, Texas oilman D.B. McDaniel, and tire company titan Leonard Firestone, they built something extraordinary.
On January 9, 1951, Lawrence Hughes and Johnny Dawson hit the first ceremonial golf balls officially opening Thunderbird Ranch and Country Club, recognized as "The Home of Golf in the Coachella Valley." It was the first of what would eventually become over 130 golf courses in the desert. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were the first to buy homes. Within a year, all the lots were sold. Bing Crosby became club champion in 1958.
The early years were filled with remarkable moments. The club hosted the 1955 Ryder Cup, the first time the matches were played in the California desert. Thunderbird's first pro-member tournament evolved into what would become the Bob Hope Desert Classic, with Arnold Palmer winning the inaugural event. The electric golf cart was invented for Thunderbird Country Club members, a contribution to the game that has since spread to every golf course in the world. And in 1954, Ford Motor Company named their iconic new sports car the Ford Thunderbird after the club.
Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Barack Obama all visited and played at Thunderbird. When devastating rains caused severe damage to the course, Ted Robinson was commissioned to redesign portions of the layout, with President Gerald Ford presiding over the reopening.
Today Thunderbird Country Club continues to be one of the most storied and coveted private golf club addresses in the American West, blending more than 70 years of extraordinary history with a beautifully reenvisioned clubhouse, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit that honors the past while embracing the present.
LOCATION
Thunderbird Country Club is located at 70737 Country Club Drive in Rancho Mirage, California, off Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.
El Paseo in Palm Desert, the Rodeo Drive of the desert, is minutes away. Eisenhower Medical Center is nearby. The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a short drive. Agua Caliente Casino, McCallum Theatre,and The River shopping and dining center are all within easy reach. Highway 111 and Interstate 10 connect residents to Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.
WHY WORK WITH BILLY AND STACY THOMAN
Thunderbird Country Club is one of the most historically significant and architecturally distinctive communities in the Coachella Valley. With homes ranging from original 1950s mid-century modern masterpieces to contemporary custom estates, golf membership by invitation only, and a story unlike any other community in the desert, Thunderbird rewards buyers who come with the right guidance and genuine local knowledge.
Billy and Stacy Thoman of Billy Thoman Real Estate specialize in Coachella Valley luxury real estate with deep expertise in Thunderbird Country Club, Tamarisk Country Club, Mission Hills Country Club, Morningside Country Club, and the full range of Rancho Mirage country club communities.
Whether you are searching for a rare original mid-century modern masterpiece, a custom estate on the historic fairways, or a Thunderbird Villas condo, Billy and Stacy bring the expertise, connections, and passion for desert history to make it happen.
Call Billy and Stacy Thoman at Billy Thoman Real Estate today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com to explore current Thunderbird Country Club listings.
INTRODUCTION
There is no golf community in the Coachella Valley with more history than Thunderbird Country Club. Recognized as "The Home of Golf in the Coachella Valley," Thunderbird opened its gates on January 9, 1951 as the desert's first 18-hole golf course and has never stopped making history since. This is the community where Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Phil Harris, Dean Martin, Gerald Ford, Barack Obama, and dozens of Hollywood legends and American presidents built their desert homes and formed friendships that defined an era.
The facts about Thunderbird are extraordinary. The 1955 Ryder Cup was played here. Thunderbird's first pro-member tournament evolved into the Bob Hope Desert Classic, one of the most beloved tournaments in PGA Tour history. The electric golf cart is credited with being invented for Thunderbird Country Club members. And by the club's own account, Ford Motor Company named the iconic Ford Thunderbird automobile after this club in 1954, three years after the club opened its gates.
Situated on 663 acres of pristine Rancho Mirage landscape at the base of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains,Thunderbird Country Club today offers 746 homes and condominiums ranging from original mid-century modern masterpieces built in the 1950s to contemporary custom estates, an 18-hole championship course redesigned by Ted Robinson after devastating rains, a 48,000 sq ft clubhouse, world-class tennis and pickleball, a 6,600 sq ft state-of-the-art fitness center, spa treatments, and one of the most vibrant social calendars of any private club in Rancho Mirage.
Billy and Stacy Thoman of Billy Thoman Real Estate are your Coachella Valley specialists for Thunderbird Country Club real estate. Call today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com.
THE COURSE
Lawrence Hughes and Ted Robinson Championship Golf Course
18 holes | Par 72 | 663-acre property
Originally designed by Lawrence Hughes and Johnny Dawson | Opened January 9, 1951
Redesigned by Ted Robinson | Ryder Cup host 1955
On January 9, 1951, golf course architect Lawrence Hughes and club president Johnny Dawson hit the first ceremonial golf balls officially opening Thunderbird Ranch and Country Club, the first of what would eventually become over 130 golf courses in the Coachella Valley. The course was built on the site of a former dude ranch on 663 acres in Rancho Mirage, where the stables once stood where the 4th fairway now plays.
The course hosted the 1955 Ryder Cup between the USA and Great Britain, with US Captain Chick Harbert and GB Captain Dai Rees leading their respective teams. The event was the first time the Ryder Cup had been played in the California desert. The club also hosted the early tournament that would evolve into the Bob Hope Desert Classic, one of the most celebrated events in PGA Tour history. Arnold Palmer won the first tournament.
Part of the course was later redesigned by Ted Robinson after devastating rains caused severe damage. President Gerald Ford presided over the reopening, one of many presidential visits to the club throughout its history.
A driving range, putting green, chipping green, practice bunker, pro shop, golf lessons, and caddie service are all available on site. Golf membership at Thunderbird is by invitation only.
Golf membership initiation: Approximately $50,000
Golf membership annual dues: Approximately $22,400/year
Social membership initiation: Approximately $10,000
Social membership annual dues: Approximately $10,715/year
THE RESIDENCES
Thunderbird Country Club offers 746 homes and condominiums built between 1950 and 1997 across 663 acres of Rancho Mirage. All properties are on fee simple land with no land lease. Thunderbird is one of the few communities in the Coachella Valley where buyers can own a piece of genuine American golf and entertainment history, with original mid-century modern architecture designed by architects including Howard Lapham alongside more contemporary custom estates.
Homes range from 1,320 to over 10,800 sq ft with 2 to 9 bedrooms on lots ranging from 4,356 to 130,680 sq ft. Every home in the community features stunning views of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains, golf course fairways, or both. Prices range from approximately $995,000 to $4,500,000+.
HOA dues vary by neighborhood, with the main community HOA approximately $230/month and the annual Security Association fee approximately $3,500/year, covering guard-gated security for the community.
Thunderbird Heights
One of the most prestigious enclaves at Thunderbird, featuring original and updated mid-century modern homes on elevated lots with panoramic down-valley views. Rare original Howard Lapham-designed residences from 1959 and beyond are among the most coveted properties in the Coachella Valley. Prices from approximately $1,500,000 to $4,500,000+.
Thunderbird Terrace
An upscale residential community of luxury homes adjacent to the country club, offering spacious designs, elegant finishes, private settings, and direct access to Thunderbird amenities.
Thunderbird Villas
Condominiums and attached homes offering entry-level access to the Thunderbird lifestyle. Prices from approximately $995,000+.
Thunderbird North, Thunderbird Palms East, Thunderbird West, and Thunderbird Cove
Additional neighborhoods within and adjacent to the Thunderbird community, each with its own character and HOA structure.
REAL ESTATE AT A GLANCE
AMENITIES
Golf
Clubhouse and Dining
Fitness and Wellness
Tennis and Pickleball
Community
HISTORY
The story of Thunderbird Country Club is the story of Coachella Valley golf itself.
In 1946, developer Frank Bogert turned 663 acres of Rancho Mirage desert into Thunderbird Ranch, a well-equipped dude ranch comprising 22 cabins, 40 horse stalls, and a low-slung western style clubhouse that immediately drew attention from the Hollywood crowd. By the late 1940s, as golf's popularity grew throughout Southern California, amateur golfer-turned-developer Johnny Dawson approached Bogert about transforming the ranch into the valley's first 18-hole golf course.
Ben Hogan took one look at the chosen desert property and told Dawson he was crazy to build a golf course there. Dawson pressed on. Together with architect Lawrence Hughes and early investors including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, Phil Harris and Alice Faye, Randolph Scott, Texas oilman D.B. McDaniel, and tire company titan Leonard Firestone, they built something extraordinary.
On January 9, 1951, Lawrence Hughes and Johnny Dawson hit the first ceremonial golf balls officially opening Thunderbird Ranch and Country Club, recognized as "The Home of Golf in the Coachella Valley." It was the first of what would eventually become over 130 golf courses in the desert. Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were the first to buy homes. Within a year, all the lots were sold. Bing Crosby became club champion in 1958.
The early years were filled with remarkable moments. The club hosted the 1955 Ryder Cup, the first time the matches were played in the California desert. Thunderbird's first pro-member tournament evolved into what would become the Bob Hope Desert Classic, with Arnold Palmer winning the inaugural event. The electric golf cart was invented for Thunderbird Country Club members, a contribution to the game that has since spread to every golf course in the world. And in 1954, Ford Motor Company named their iconic new sports car the Ford Thunderbird after the club.
Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Barack Obama all visited and played at Thunderbird. When devastating rains caused severe damage to the course, Ted Robinson was commissioned to redesign portions of the layout, with President Gerald Ford presiding over the reopening.
Today Thunderbird Country Club continues to be one of the most storied and coveted private golf club addresses in the American West, blending more than 70 years of extraordinary history with a beautifully reenvisioned clubhouse, modern amenities, and a vibrant community spirit that honors the past while embracing the present.
LOCATION
Thunderbird Country Club is located at 70737 Country Club Drive in Rancho Mirage, California, off Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage.
El Paseo in Palm Desert, the Rodeo Drive of the desert, is minutes away. Eisenhower Medical Center is nearby. The BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a short drive. Agua Caliente Casino, McCallum Theatre,and The River shopping and dining center are all within easy reach. Highway 111 and Interstate 10 connect residents to Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Palm Springs. Palm Springs International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.
WHY WORK WITH BILLY AND STACY THOMAN
Thunderbird Country Club is one of the most historically significant and architecturally distinctive communities in the Coachella Valley. With homes ranging from original 1950s mid-century modern masterpieces to contemporary custom estates, golf membership by invitation only, and a story unlike any other community in the desert, Thunderbird rewards buyers who come with the right guidance and genuine local knowledge.
Billy and Stacy Thoman of Billy Thoman Real Estate specialize in Coachella Valley luxury real estate with deep expertise in Thunderbird Country Club, Tamarisk Country Club, Mission Hills Country Club, Morningside Country Club, and the full range of Rancho Mirage country club communities.
Whether you are searching for a rare original mid-century modern masterpiece, a custom estate on the historic fairways, or a Thunderbird Villas condo, Billy and Stacy bring the expertise, connections, and passion for desert history to make it happen.
Call Billy and Stacy Thoman at Billy Thoman Real Estate today or visit MyHomeInTheDesert.com to explore current Thunderbird 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.
