Sunnylands Golf Course

Sunnylands Golf Course occupies a distinctive place in the Coachella Valley golf landscape, situated on the grounds of the historic Sunnylands estate in Rancho Mirage. The original nine holes were designed by Dick Wilson in the 1960s as part of the private retreat developed by Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The estate itself became renowned as a gathering place for presidents, dignitaries, and world leaders over several decades, with the golf course serving as a recreational amenity for high-profile guests. The course was later expanded and renovated by Jackson Kahn Design, which brought the layout to its current configuration. The routing takes advantage of the relatively flat desert terrain characteristic of the region, with play moving through corridors defined by mature trees and landscaping that provide contrast to the surrounding arid environment. Water features appear on several holes, adding strategic interest to what is otherwise a parkland-style design in a desert setting. Sunnylands operates as a private facility associated with the Sunnylands Center & Gardens, which opened to limited public access in 2012 following Leonore Annenberg's bequest of the property. The course reflects the mid-century modern aesthetic and carefully cultivated landscape that define the broader estate. While not a tournament venue or widely ranked layout, it represents a piece of Southern California golf history tied to one of the region's most significant private estates and its role in American diplomatic and cultural life.