Couple your round of golf with some of the desert ‘s top happy hours, celebrated dining, and memorable clubhouses. These clubs featuring inviting “19th holes” truly satisfy.
Classic Club
A castle aptly built for a king, this stately, three-story Tuscan -inspired clubhouse standing tall above Arnold Palmer-designed grounds is most impressive. Inside, Bellatrix Restaurant provides one of valley’s premier regional wine lists complementing the handsome bar, elegant dining, and superb patio views. Don’t miss one of several seafood catches on the dinner menu (the Chilean sea bass comes highly recommended). Enjoy a stellar happy hour menu in the bar and patio from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. 75200 Classic Club Blvd., Palm Desert, CA 92211. 1-760-601-3600; www.classicclubgolf.com
Desert Willow Golf Resort
A beautifully renovated clubhouse beckons at Desert Willow Golf Resort. After a thorough perusal of one of the valley’s most style-forward pro shops, enjoy a post-round lunch on the inviting patio space of Lakeview Terrace Restaurant overlooking these lush grounds with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. Or indulge in cocktails at the Vista or Lobby bars. To absorb an elevated Desert Willow experience, keep apprised of Desert Willow’s outdoor, evening music events and special wine gatherings. The annual Valentine’s Day soiree is not to be missed. Happy hour menu is from 3 to 6 p.m. during season. Desert Willow Golf Resort, 38995 Desert Willow Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260 1-760-346-7060; www.desertwillow.com
Escena Golf Club
With enough cool to measure a desert summer, this mid-century modern architectural marriage of stone, steel, and glass makes Escena a must-visit clubhouse. The vibe usurps vestige for homage; a living nod to Palm Springs’ past that overlooks the San Jacinto Mountains hovering above this Jack Nicklaus designed track. A perfect spot to mellow pre-round with a build-you-own omelet, and even better for toasting your favorite shots during happy hour (Wednesday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m.) while sitting on the patio and enjoying the spoils of Chef Oscar Ayala’s exceptional dinner menu at Escena Lounge & Grill. 1100 Clubhouse View Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262. 1-760-778-2737; www.escenagolf.com
Indian Springs Golf Club
With patio seating overlooking the 15th and 18th greens and offering alluring mountain views, the Club House Grill at Indian Springs scores on par with both setting and value. Happy hour runs daily from 3 to 7 p.m., with $5 appetizers and drink specials that run the table for beer, wine and cocktails. Inside, the Grill is sporting nirvana. With 11 sizeable HD televisions and the NFL Sunday Ticket, this spot truly rises in the fall. 79940 Westward Ho Dr., Indio, CA 92201. 1-760-200-8988; www.indianspringsgc.com
Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
For some of the valley’s best regional fare, dine at bluEmber, where Chef Sean O’Connell meshes Southern California presentation with worldly flavors. Passing on the Chipotle-Braised Short Ribs should be illegal. The mix of sapor loses no ground with the mixology offered by the ample drink menu, which presents guests with a full list of distinctive martinis and specialty drinks. Happy hour runs every Monday -Thursday (4 to 6 p.m.) and bluEmber hosts live music Wed.-Sun. nights. Should your post-round palate prove more partial to a drink and a ballgame, the R Bar presents handsome, deep leather chairs from which to share your ball’s flights and plights, while catching up on the day’s sporting events via three flat-screens. 41000 Bob Hope Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. 1-760-568-2727; www.rancholaspalmas.com
SilverRock Resort
This Arnold Palmer designed course may prove the longest in the desert (at over 7,500 yards from the tips), but know that the clubhouse Grill also offers no shortage of quality surrounds. Structured into the bedrock that mirrors the awesome Santa Rosa Mountain surrounds, take advantage of the spacious patio for breakfast or lunch. Burgers and wraps are highly recommended; happy hour drinks and appetizers run daily from 3 to 6 p.m. 79179 Ahmanson Ln., La Quinta, CA 92264. 1-760-771-0029; www.silverrock.org