Valley golf courses damaged by storm

Several valley golf courses are still dealing with extensive damage from last week’s storm.

“It was brutal…but we wanted to play golf…and this was one of the places that was open” said Steve Gill, a valley visitor from Minnesota just wrapping up a round of golf at Mesquite Golf & Country Club.

“Because of the heavy rain a lot is destroyed out there,” said Emil Kolb.

Several bridges were destroyed last Thursday at Mesquite Golf & Country Club and water is still running through parts of the course. However, nine holes remain open for play.

Cimarron Golf Resort in Palm Springs was also washed out in certain areas.

“We come from Canada so what we know is that we won’t be playing golf here for the next week or two or so they tell us,” said Rick McLaughlin, a Cimarron Club member.

The driving range at Big Rock Golf Course at Indian Springs in Indio was also completely destroyed by flood waters.

“Water came in it filled up the entire driving range,” said Michael Choma, an employee at Big Rock Golf Course.

He says it’s a hit to club business during the usually busy winter season. “We also sell annual range passes and those are completely obsolete…we sell range balls on top of that with the golfers so now we can’t sell those and make a profit off of that so it’s made a pretty big impact on this golf course,” said Choma. He says it will be at least a month before things get repaired and the club is hoping the city will assist them in clearing some of that debris.

And while the courses aren’t in top shape, several players out there visiting from colder climates say that despite the unfavorable conditions, it still beats the snow back at home. “It’s not been the nicest January February we’ve ever spent here, but it’s better than back home,” said Bruce Webb, a valley visitor from Iowa.

“We’re from Minnesota! So even your bad weather is good for us,” said Steve Gill, a valley visitor from Minnesota.