Night golf at The Lights at Indio thriving during the pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has been detrimental for many local businesses. But for The Lights at Indio Golf Course, it has had the complete opposite effect.
“Increased our play… doubled, some days are tripled,” said David Ruvolo, manager of The Lights at Indio Golf Course.
According to Ruvolo, the pandemic has been the perfect time for The Lights to shine.
Golf is an outdoor and naturally socially distant sport. Out of over 100 golf courses in the Coachella Valley, there is only one with lights. The Lights at Indio - open until 10 every night - is the only place to golf after dark.
“You know, we really didn’t want it to happen that way, but it did. But we worked really hard to get things going, so along with the pandemic, things took off and it really was in our benefit,” Ruvolo said.
Whether it’s after work or after school, daylight savings will not get in the way of your tee time.
“Oh, it’s awesome. I’m a huge golfer and especially now that it’s November and it gets dark super early, it’s great to be able to come out here at night,” said Sam D’Ambrosio, who was golfing with his grandfather.
“We’ve lived here for twelve years and we’ve never done this. Sam comes down and he says, ‘let’s go play under the lights,' and I thought, ‘Jeez, what a great idea!’” Jim Freer, D'Ambrosio's grandfather and Coachella Valley resident, said.
“It’s fantastic for people, especially if they work until 5 o’clock. They’ve got a chance to go do something, and we’re open 7 days a week,” Ruvolo said.
Ruvolo also holds lessons and clinics for kids, giving them an opportunity to get out of the house after long days of virtual learning.
“You get to see your friends… get out of the house,” one of the kids said.
“It gives me a sense of accomplishment to, you know, help out the city of Indio like this with a program with the kids and with the lights here at night and getting people out of the house and getting them involved in a nice sport. So, it means an awful lot to me,” Ruvolo said.
