Stone Eagle in Palm Desert

 

The desert area has long been the winter capital of the golf world. Now, just a couple of miles from the heart of Palm Desert lays a unique new course called Stone Eagle.

Famed golf architect Tom Doak has carved a scenic layout in the hills just above Palm Desert. Stone Eagle is a throwback to the origins of golf in Scotland. A stand-alone course with no homes in sight; wonderful views of the entire Coachella Valley; and all within five minutes of the El Paseo shopping district.

 

Doak is well known in golf circles for pioneering the “minimalist approach.” He uses the land to carve his layouts instead of moving a ton of earth, similar to the way the original courses were laid out in Scotland. This style features natural bunkering that blends into the surroundings, rather than artificial water hazards. Doak’s most famous layouts are Cape Kidnapper’s in New Zealand and Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania.

Stone Eagle actually is set in rolling terrain 1,000 feet above the desert floor. From the low-key entrance area you drive uphill to get to the course and driving range. The area where the course is located is not as severely sloped and makes for an excellent golf setting.

 

Stone Eagle is a tough, but fair, layout, and much of the course is in view from the elegant restaurant-pub area known as The Aerie. In fact, so is all of Palm Desert. This indoor-outdoor facility is where golfers gather after a round to recap and settle up. The views throughout the course are probably the best in the desert.

Many of the holes play slightly downhill with the view in the background. We had the pleasure of playing with “Mr. 59,” former PGA Champion Al Geiberger, who is the Pro Emeritus at Stone Eagle. Al is a former resident of Solvang and grew up in Santa Barbara at Montecito Country Club. Geiberger is a real gentleman and a fun golf partner. He pointed out many of the unique features of the golf course as we made our way around. On many of the tees you actually can see most of the course and its natural setting.

 

Geiberger is easy to converse with and is a very classy fellow. The “Mr. 59” designation came from Al’s being the first ever to break 60 in a PGA Tour event when he captured the Memphis Open years ago. He won many times on tour and participated in several Ryder Cups back when the U.S. won every time. Even though he is approaching 70, he can still play great and frequently shoots his age or lower. Everyone in our group seemed to pick up on his tempo and we all played well.

On the front nine, number 7 caught my eye. This 218-yard par-3 plays downhill and much shorter than its yardage. The best play is to come in right to left as deep bunkers guard the left side.

As your shot floats down to the green, the nearby Santa Rosa Mountains frame the shot.

The green is somewhat undulated and it would be best to go pin high. The greens, as well as the entire course, were in excellent shape.

 

Putts tend to be slower going into the mountains and speed up substantially going downhill towards Palm Desert.

On the back nine, number 18 is quite a finisher. We played the tips, which measures out a 499 yards and a par-4. Actually, the hole plays shorter as it moves downhill substantially.

The fairway is very generous as are most at Stone Eagle. It’s the approach that will cause some trepidation. Large, deep bunkers guard the green which is set up on a plateau. Best to bring your second in right to left.

Stone Eagle also features a scenic 19th hole to settle ties or play for drinks.

It plays about 150 yards and fits beautifully into the course layout.

The Stone Eagle development plan is very different from most in the area. A limited number of homes will be built closer to the entrance. This area also will house the Stone Eagle Clubhouse and Residence Club.

 

The Residence Club will be very limited in scope, with only three units, total. This is an excellent way to experience the desert without all the hassles of second-home ownership.

Stone Eagle has many different membership categories, even one for those whose spouse does not play.

She won’t mind at all, though, with the El Paseo just a couple of miles away.

For more information visit www.stoneagleclub.com or call 1-760-773-6223.