De Anza Country Club: Explore Golf, Membership & Borrego Springs

Struggling to find clear, consolidated information about the exclusive De Anza Golf Club in Borrego Springs? You’re not alone. Navigating the details of this private desert hideaway—from its unique course layout and visitor access to membership costs and amenities—can be a challenge, with information scattered across various sources. This guide solves that problem by bringing all the essential, data-backed details into one comprehensive resource.

De Anza Country Club is a private, member-owned golf and social club in Borrego Springs, CA, celebrated for its historic Lawrence Hughes-designed championship course. Nestled within Anza Borrego State Park, it provides a unique parkland-style golf experience in a stunning desert setting, complete with comprehensive amenities and a vibrant community. Leveraging extensive analysis of club data and member reports, this guide unpacks everything you need to know to fully understand the De Anza Golf Club experience.

Key Facts

• Historic Championship Design: The 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by renowned architect Lawrence M. Hughes, with the first nine holes opening in 1957.
• Challenging Course Specifications: The course measures a total of 6,778 yards from the longest tees, featuring a slope rating of 127, offering a formidable but enjoyable test for all skill levels.
• Exclusive Membership Structure: The club is member-owned with approximately 275 members, offering Full Golf, Social, and Annual plans with initiation fees reportedly ranging from $0 to $2,500.
• Unique Desert Parkland Setting: Despite its location in the Anza-Borrego Desert, the course is known for its surprising parkland-style layout with numerous tree-lined fairways.
• Resilience and Continuity: Following a commercial structure fire in 2023 that damaged a building, reports indicate the incident caused no injuries and has not affected the immaculate quality and upkeep of the golf course itself.

What is De Anza Country Club in Borrego Springs?

De Anza Country Club is a private, 18-hole golf and social club located at 509 Catarina Drive in Borrego Springs, California. Established in 1957 within the Anza Borrego State Park, it offers a unique “desert hideaway” experience for members and guests. This esteemed club is more than just a golf course; it’s a community hub that attracts members from across the United States and Canada who value nature, exceptional golf, and engaging social interaction. Its tranquil setting and rich history make it a standout private golf course in Southern California.

A Legacy of Desert Golf: Design and History

The De Anza Desert Golf Course was designed by renowned architect Lawrence M. Hughes, with the first nine holes opening in 1957. It has been a favorite among golf legends like Sam Snead and Billy Casper. The clubhouse and the second nine holes were completed in 1959, the same year the course attracted the American and English Ryder Cup teams for a Pro-Am event. The club’s legacy continues to attract top talent, with current PGA tour players like John Chin and Kramer Hickok having won the Golden State Tour held annually at De Anza. This rich history has cemented its reputation as a premier destination for championship golf.

The Unique Borrego Springs Setting

De Anza Country Club is uniquely situated within the Anza Borrego State Park in Borrego Springs, California. Its tranquil desert setting offers breathtaking mountain views and a peaceful escape. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Rosa and San Ysidro mountain ranges, the course provides a stunning natural backdrop that sets it apart from other California golf clubs. Members and guests can enjoy the scenic beauty, mid-century modern homes lining the course, and even glimpses of indigenous wildlife, like the region’s famous bighorn sheep.

De Anza Golf Club: Your Course Experience & Amenities

The De Anza golf course is a challenging yet fun 6,778-yard, par-72 championship desert course with a slope of 127. It features a unique parkland-style layout, extensive practice facilities, and a fully stocked golf shop. The club provides an exceptional end-to-end golf experience, from the pristine course conditions to the comprehensive support services. The design and amenities are crafted to help you fine-tune every aspect of your game while enjoying the remarkable desert surroundings.

The Championship Course Layout

De Anza Country Club’s golf course is an 18-hole, 6,778-yard, par-72 championship course known for its challenging yet enjoyable design. Despite being in the desert, it features a surprising parkland-style layout with tree-lined fairways and immaculately maintained conditions. Players consistently praise the course for its fantastic shape, with smooth, true greens and well-kept fairways. This meticulous upkeep provides an outstanding playing surface that feels more like a lush oasis than a typical desert course, making it a “hidden gem” for golf enthusiasts. The course is easily walkable and offers seven sets of tees, making it enjoyable for all handicaps.

Practice Facilities and Golf Services

De Anza Country Club offers comprehensive golf practice facilities, including an all-grass tee driving range, putting green, chipping green, and practice sand area. Professional instruction and a fully stocked golf shop are also available. These top-tier amenities, considered some of Borrego Springs’ best, allow golfers to work on every element of their game. Whether you’re warming up on the expansive driving range, honing your short game, or seeking expert advice from PGA Professionals, the club provides all the necessary resources. The pro shop offers an excellent selection of clubs and merchandise to complement your game.

Visitor Play & Tee Times

Visitors are generally welcome at De Anza Country Club, though the course is primarily for members and their guests. Tee times can typically be booked up to 7 days in advance by calling the course directly, as online booking is not available. While the club maintains a private atmosphere, it does accommodate non-member play, offering a great opportunity to experience this historic course. It’s important to remember that proper “country club dress,” including a collared shirt and appropriate shorts or pants, is required. Additionally, all players must use softspikes on the course.

Membership at De Anza Country Club: Options & Lifestyle

Membership at De Anza Country Club offers Full Golf, Social, and Annual options, with initiation fees ranging from $0-$2,500 and annual dues from $0-$5,000. It is a member-owned club with approximately 275 members. Becoming a member means joining a vibrant and welcoming community that values not only great golf but also a rich social life, fitness, and relaxation. The club’s culture is described as comfortable and engaging, where fellow members often become great friends, sharing in a lifestyle that goes far beyond the fairways.

Understanding Membership Types and Costs

De Anza Country Club offers Full Golf, Social, and Annual memberships. Initiation fees range from $0 to $2,500, and annual dues vary from $0 to $5,000 depending on the chosen plan. This tiered structure allows prospective members to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle and interests. For the most current and specific details on costs and benefits for each tier, it is always recommended to contact the club directly. Some reports also mention “trial” memberships, which can be a very affordable way to experience the club’s offerings.

Beyond the Course: Club Amenities & Lifestyle

Beyond golf, De Anza Country Club features a pro shop, restaurant, bar, and a fitness center with weights, cardio, and group classes. Members also enjoy a vibrant social calendar with various weekly and annual events. The club lifestyle is a major draw. The fitness center is well-equipped with free weights, elliptical machines, and treadmills. The culinary team provides a wide range of fresh, locally grown menu selections. Social life is active, with regularly scheduled activities that foster a strong sense of community, including:

• Men’s Day
• Ladies’ Day
• Couples Events
• Trivia Night on Thursdays
• Various themed celebrations and dining events

Real Estate Opportunities Near the Club

The real estate market around De Anza Country Club is dynamic, offering homes that may include golf memberships. It is not a gated community, providing diverse living options in Borrego Springs. Many of the beautiful mid-century modern homes that line the course offer stunning views and direct access to the club’s lifestyle. Because the market can change, prospective buyers are advised to consult with a local real estate agent who specializes in golf properties to get the latest information on available homes and membership inclusions.

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FAQs About De Anza Golf Club

Where is De Anza Country Club located?

De Anza Country Club is located at 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. It is nestled within the scenic Anza Borrego State Park, surrounded by the Santa Rosa and San Ysidro mountain ranges.

Who designed the De Anza golf course?

The course was designed by the acclaimed golf course architect Lawrence M. Hughes, ASGCA. He is known for designing several other notable courses, including Eldorado Country Club and La Quinta Country Club.

Can non-members play at De Anza Country Club?

Yes, visitors are generally welcome to play, although the course is primarily for its members and their guests. It is best to call the pro shop directly to inquire about visitor tee times and availability.

What are the membership costs at De Anza Country Club?

Membership costs vary by plan. Based on available data, initiation fees typically range from $0 to $2,500, and annual dues can range from $0 to $5,000, depending on whether you choose a Full Golf, Social, or Annual membership.

What amenities does De Anza Country Club offer besides golf?

Beyond its championship course, the club offers a pro shop, multiple dining options including a restaurant and bar, a full-service fitness center with cardio equipment and weights, and a robust calendar of social events for members.

Are softspikes required at De Anza golf course?

Yes, the use of softspikes is required for all players on the golf course to help maintain the immaculate condition of the greens and fairways.

How long is the golf course at De Anza Country Club?

The 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 6,778 yards from the back tees. It offers seven different sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all skill levels.

Has De Anza Country Club recently experienced any fires?

Yes, in 2023, a fire damaged a commercial building at the club. However, reports confirmed that no one was injured, the fire was contained, and the incident has not impacted the quality or maintenance of the golf course itself.

How far in advance can I book tee times at De Anza?

Tee times can generally be booked up to 7 days in advance. Bookings must be made by calling the course directly, as there is no online booking system available for visitors.

Is De Anza Country Club a private or public course?

De Anza Country Club is a private, member-owned golf course. While it does allow some limited visitor play, its facilities and tee times are primarily reserved for its members and their invited guests.

Summary

De Anza Country Club offers a distinctive golf and lifestyle experience in Borrego Springs, California, featuring a challenging Lawrence Hughes-designed championship course, comprehensive amenities including dining and fitness, and diverse membership options. It is a welcoming desert hideaway for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a vibrant community. From its historic roots as a playground for legends to its current status as a pristine, member-owned club, De Anza provides an unparalleled blend of classic golf, modern amenities, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re considering membership or seeking a memorable round as a guest, this club represents the pinnacle of the Borrego Springs lifestyle.

Last update on 2025-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API