Like It Or Not, Winter Weather Is Back

PALM DESERT – Winter is once again making an appearance here in the valley. The rainy weather caused some road problems around the desert, from flooding to closures and even a few minor accidents.

Some people around the valley were annoyed with the rain and the road closures, but others were outside playing golf and enjoying the wet weather.

A few sprinkles, cloudy skies and puddles weren’t enough to dampen a good time.

“We didn’t care,” says Adrian Mendoza, visitor from Dallas.”It’s fun to get out and play golf.”

Despite the winter weather golfers fill the course at Desert Willow Golf Resort.

“Over the past couple weeks we’ve seen some unusual desert storms, bringing downpours and floods.

One day was so bad, courses around the valley closed down.

“That’s only the second time we shut the course down in 10 years because of rain,” says Darrell Souza, Director of Golf Operations at Desert Willow Golf Resort

However, business at the course is still going strong, sales and attendance are up.

“We did have an increase in January even though we had the one day with zero golfers and a couple other days it rained,” says Souza.

On chilly, wet days most of the golfers on the course are from out of town. They’ll play in almost any condition, but people who live in the desert shy away when the sun isn’t out.

“We don’t typically play in weather like this, but we were forced to by our group,” says Ernie Martinez. “They wanted to play, they deal with real weather.”

It’s easy to spot the desert visitors, they’re all wearing shorts.

“I think this is hot right now,” says Mendoza.

Many golfers are enjoying the weather, maybe it’s because they can use the rain as an excuse for a poor round.

“It’s worth about five strokes a round,” says Steve Senk. “My hand was wet and my grip slipped. We’re having a great time.”

As long as the great times continue, so will business.

“We’re hopeful,” says Souza. ” We are crossing our fingers it will be a good season.”