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Thunderbird Country Club

4.9

·71 reviews·Rancho Mirage, United States

The historic first 18-hole golf course in Coachella Valley, known for its Ryder Cup legacy and charming atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for golf

CrowdMedium

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Thunderbird Country Club

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for golf

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The historic first 18-hole golf course in Coachella Valley, known for its Ryder Cup legacy and charming atmosphere.

4.9

(71 reviews)

"A special place with an amazing history and beautiful property, perfect for golf lovers."

TIP

Membership Inquiry

Interested in joining? Contact the club directly for details on membership options. :moneybag:

Golf Cart Innovation

Learn about the club's claim to inventing the electric golf cart! :golf_cart:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.9 · 71 reviews

Address

70737 Country Club Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, USA

Website

thunderbirdcc.org

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Golf Course

The 18-hole golf course

Play a round on the valley's first 18-hole course, a site of historical golfing events.

Clubhouse Dining

Clubhouse Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at the clubhouse, praised for its delicious chicken and beautiful property views.

Architectural Charm

Clubhouse and grounds

Experience the charm of a property with an amazing history and beautiful grounds.

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Membership & Access

Thunderbird Country Club is a private establishment. Access is typically limited to members and their guests. Inquire directly about membership options and associated costs if you're interested in experiencing the club's amenities firsthand.

Historical Significance

As the first 18-hole golf course in the Coachella Valley, Thunderbird boasts a rich history, even hosting a Ryder Cup. Understanding its past adds depth to any visit.

Best Times

When

Spring mornings

Why

Pleasant weather for golf

Crowd

Medium

When

Fall afternoons

Why

Ideal for dining and events

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

2025 Membership Directors Luncheon @ Thunderbird Country Club! I just LOVE this day every year! Thank you to all the MD’s that came out to celebrate another season!

angie483

13 likes • 310 views

Membership Inquiry

Interested in joining? Contact the club directly for details on membership options. :moneybag:

Golf Cart Innovation

Learn about the club's claim to inventing the electric golf cart! :golf_cart:

Lots of viewer video pouring into our DMs for this one. Deputies tear gas and arrest driver right outside of Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. More than 10 Riverside County Sheriff’s Department vehicles involved in the arrest. Traffic on 111 backed up this morning around 8:30.

760today

0 likes • 101.9K views

Step into the charm of Thunderbird Country Club with Brady, one of the only realtors who’s also a proud member! 🏌️‍♂️✨ From its iconic history to its incredible communities, he knows exactly what makes Thunderbird so special. Ready to discover it for yourself? Call 📞 760.656.6052 or email 📧 info@bradysandahl.com today! #ThunderbirdCountryClub #RanchoMirageLiving #BradySandahl

bradysandahlrealestate

57 likes • 971 views

Event Venue

The club hosts various events, from luncheons to weddings. +1 :confetti_ball:

Real Estate Insights

Realtors highlight opportunities and the club's unique community. +1 🏠

Behind the scenes with @zacharyquinto at the former residence of President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford at Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage. From the November issue of Palm Springs Life. Read or listen to the story (and watch the extended video) at the link in bio. ⁠ —⁠ ⁠ Cinematographer: @cbergquist⁠ Photographer: @patmaus⁠ Stylist: @carlee_wallace⁠ Grooming: @patriciamoralesla⁠ Edi...

palmspringslifemagazine

0 likes • 4.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Membership Inquiry

Interested in joining? Contact the club directly for details on membership options. :moneybag:

Golf Cart Innovation

Learn about the club's claim to inventing the electric golf cart! :golf_cart:

Event Venue

The club hosts various events, from luncheons to weddings. +1 :confetti_ball:

Real Estate Insights

Realtors highlight opportunities and the club's unique community. +1 🏠

What Travellers Say

4.9

(71 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Thunderbird Country Club is lauded for its historical significance as the first golf course in the Coachella Valley and its well-maintained grounds. Visitors praise the professional staff and the enjoyable dining experience. While primarily a private club, its legacy and scenic beauty make it a notable destination.

"This a well maintained residency with a golf course. . Staff is very professional and nice. I was there putting a new pool table in the game room. I was told that this place was the first golf course in Coachella valley and the electric golf cart was invented here."

Sean Hayes

"Thunderbird is a special place, especially if you’re a true golf novice. The fact that it was the first 18 hole golf course built in the Valley is cool in its own right. But it also had the privilege of hosting a Ryder Cup just a few years after opening. The course is fun, fair and in excellent shape!"

Matthew Thomas

"This place is spectacular. Such a beautiful property with an amazing history. Also ate at the restaurant and the chicken meal was pretty amazing."

L. Ginn

What People Like

Historic golf course

Professional staff

Beautiful property

What People Dislike

Limited public access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thunderbird Country Club is located in Rancho Mirage, California. While specific public transport options directly to the club are limited, ride-sharing services or personal vehicles are common. Traffic on Highway 111 can be heavy, especially during peak hours.

Yes, typically ample parking is available for members and guests attending events or playing golf. +1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Thunderbird Country Club is a private club. Access is generally restricted to members and their accompanied guests.

Membership details, including costs and types, are best obtained by contacting the club directly.

The club hosts various private events, such as luncheons and weddings. Public access is typically limited to these specific occasions if invited. +1

🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience

It's the first 18-hole golf course in the Coachella Valley and famously hosted a Ryder Cup. It's known for being fun and fair.

Beyond the golf course, the club features a clubhouse with dining facilities and is a venue for various social events. +1

Yes, it's considered a special place for true golf novices due to its history and approachable course design.

While not explicitly stated, it's standard practice at country clubs to allow members and guests to use their own clubs. Club rentals may also be available.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining at the clubhouse restaurant has been positively reviewed, with specific mentions of a 'pretty amazing' chicken meal.

Country clubs typically have dress codes for dining areas. It's advisable to check with the club directly or observe member attire.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, especially during events or while playing golf. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. +1

The scenic golf course, the historic clubhouse architecture, and the beautifully maintained grounds offer excellent photo opportunities.