De Anza Country Club
Overview: De Anza Country Club is the golf community where Divine Desert Destination stands. Approved in 1954 and designed by Lawrence Hughes, it opened its first nine holes on 5 January 1957 and hosted both 1959 Ryder Cup teams for a ProAm[2].
What is De Anza Country Club?
De Anza Country Club is a private golf club and residential community in the northwest corner of Borrego Springs. Divine Desert Destination is in the community, and the owners describe the house as “walkable to golf” with golf course views[1]. The club began as de Anza Desert Country Club and Estates, a 400-acre course and subdivision approved by the State of California in November 1954 on land bought from the Burnand family of San Diego[2].
How did it start?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 1954 | State approves a 400-acre golf course and subdivision, de Anza Desert Country Club and Estates |
| Early 1955 | Course architect Lawrence Hughes hired |
| September 1955 | Ground broken on the first nine holes |
| 5 January 1957 | First nine holes open; 84 golfers play |
| 7 to 8 February 1959 | Second nine opens with a 36-hole tournament |
| 8 November 1959 | ProAm with members of both 1959 Ryder Cup teams; about 4,000 spectators |
The idea came from George “Bud” Kuhrts, a member of the earlier Borrego Desert Club, who formed the Borrego Valley Golf Improvement Company with backing from figures including James Copley of the San Diego Union[2]. Shares were sold from December 1954 and later exchanged for home lots by drawing. Austen S. Cargill was the first club president and opened the course with a drive off the first tee on 5 January 1957[2].
What happened in 1959?
The club’s history page tells of its biggest day. The 1959 Ryder Cup was played on 6 and 7 November at El Dorado Country Club in Indian Wells, another Lawrence Hughes course. The next morning, both teams flew the short hop to Borrego Springs for De Anza’s ProAm on 8 November, with a $5,000 purse[2]. About 4,000 spectators watched. Sam Snead, Julius Boros and Dave Thomas tied for first with rounds of 68[2].
What is the club like today?
The owners’ November 2024 release, marking the 68th season, describes an 18-hole course with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, recent course renovations and new dining at the Coyote Den Restaurant[3]. The club runs member tee times and visitor tee times through its website[2]. Whether rental guests can play, and on what terms, is up to the club; ask before booking a golf trip.
Is the house part of the club?
It is in the De Anza community; the owners use the name “De Anza Golf and Country Club” in the listing[1]. This guide has not seen any statement that guests receive club privileges.
Visitor questions
When did De Anza Country Club open?
Its first nine holes opened on 5 January 1957; the second nine in February 1959.
Who designed the De Anza golf course?
Lawrence Hughes.
Can Divine Desert Destination guests play golf at De Anza?
The owners’ pages do not say guests get club privileges. The club lists visitor tee times; ask the club.
Footnotes
- ^ a b Divine Desert Destination: New Divine Desert Retreat with Pool & Spa (home page: description, amenities, house rules). Divine Desert Destination (divinedesertdestination.com). Viewed 9 November 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g History. De Anza Country Club. Viewed 9 November 2026.
- ^ De Anza Desert Club Celebrates the 68th Golfing Season (13 November 2024). Divine Desert Destination via Press Advantage (company press release). Viewed 9 November 2026.