DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT, CASA VERDE GOLF PARTNER FOR $1.5M RENOVATION

Home of The First Tee of Coachella Valley conducts sitewide enhancements to nine-hole layout and driving range

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Scottsdale-based Casa Verde Golf was selected by the Desert Recreation District (DRD) to provide planning, construction and grow-in services for The Golf Center of Palm Desert, home of The First Tee of Coachella Valley, a storied facility within the First Tee network.

“We are really proud of the great relationship we’ve built with the Desert Recreation District throughout the course of this project,” said Jeff Schwinkendorf, Vice President of Casa Verde Golf. “They entrusted us with their only golf facility so we really wanted to deliver in a big way.  In doing so, we were collectively able to reignite the buzz around the facility and that’s translated into more rounds and significantly more driving range activity.”

“We were delighted to partner with Jeff and his team at Casa Verde Golf,” said Troy Strange, Director of Planning & Public Works, Desert Recreation District. “Their ability and willingness to collaborate with all members of our team was instrumental in making this project an overwhelming success.”

The DRD, formerly the Coachella Valley Recreation and Park District (CVRPD), was created in 1950 and was established under authority of the California Public Resources Code Sections 5780 et seq. The purpose of the organization is to administer park facilities and provide recreation program services.  The Golf Center at Palm Desert is the District’s only golf facility.

As one of the earliest established First Tee facilities in the Coachella Valley, the nine-hole par-3 golf course and driving range were in much need of various improvements. Primarily, the irrigation system which had never before received any form of upgrade was replaced in its entirety with a far more technologically advanced system. Coupled with the major irrigation overhaul was the significant task of reshaping all tees & greens, revamping the bunker edges, installing new bunker sand, converting an existing lake into an undulating golf feature, sodding and sprigging of turf, some remedial cart path work and finally new netting strung throughout the perimeter of the driving range.

“Despite many logistical hurdles and site constraints, Casa Verde Golf never compromised in their efforts to deliver us a phenomenal end-product, on time and under budget,” said Strange.

The project, which commenced mid-June of 2019, was substantially completed the first week of September. The grow-in followed through October, and the facility was open-for-play in mid-November. By design, the driving range opened a couple of weeks earlier, as sod had been used to grass the newly expanded tee deck, rather than sprigs which would have required a lengthier grow-in to become playable.

For more information about the DRD and The Golf Center of Palm Desert, visit myrecreationdistrict.com/activities/golf or call (760) 347-3484.

About Casa Verde Golf
Casa Verde Golf is a licensed, bonded and insured firm focused on golf course construction and renovation projects of all sizes and scope. With an unwavering drive of providing the finest workmanship throughout all endeavors, Casa Verde Golf is focused on delivering the highest level of service in the golf construction industry. With a proven track record, Casa Verde Golf’s recent work includes numerous projects spanning the country with a concentration in the southwest region. Visit casaverdegolf.com to get more information, or call (480) 400-1196. You can also follow Casa Verde Golf on Twitter at @CasaVerdeGolf.

About OB Sports
OB Sports Golf Management is a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success in the golf industry. Acquired by Troon in March 2019, OB Sports is a division of the world’s largest golf management company. OB Sports currently manages around 60 premier golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States, while expanding its international footprint to include Royal Blue Golf Club at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas, and Dumbarnie Golf Links in Fife, Scotland. Known for its comprehensive and personalized services since 1972, OB Sports has become widely acclaimed as the leader in boutique-style golf course management. Named a Top 100 Business in Golf by the National Golf Foundation in 2018, visit obsports.com to get more information, or call (480) 948-1300. Become a Fan of OB Sports on Facebook, follow OB Sports on Twitter, or visit the OB Sports YouTube channel.

CONTACT:

Jeff Schwinkendorf | (480) 400-1196
jeff@casaverdegolf.com