Big plans in Borrego Springs

By: MARC FIGUEROA - Staff Writer | Wednesday, May 11, 2005 12:18 AM PDT ∞

For a time there after World War II, Borrego Springs had big dreams. Trying to capitalize on the tourism generated by Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, area developers had aspirations of turning this little desert town on the outskirts of northeastern San Diego County into a sprawling resort community.

It didn't turn out that way, of course. The poolside party glitz is Palm Springs' territory.

And for the 3,000 people who call Borrego Springs their home year-round, that's fine with them. Michael Wiles wouldn't want it any other way. Wiles is heading an $80 million redevelopment project at Rams Hill Country Club that will see a revamping of the existing 18 holes and an addition of another 18 by 2008.

Wiles says he wants to turn Rams Hill into one of America's finest golf communities. That's a bold statement to be sure, but having recruited noted golf course architect Tom Fazio ---- not to mention Las Vegas hotelier Steve Wynn's personal chef ---- you know he means business.

Wiles' firm has worked on a number of desert courses, including PGA West, La Quinta Resort & Club and Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Ariz. But the potential he sees in Rams Hill is unlike anything he's ever seen before.

"Borrego Springs will never be a Palm Springs and we're pleased about that," he said. "We believe Palm Springs is spectacular, but all of those clubs in the Coachella Valley don't have the one thing that (Rams Hill) can give ---- and that's absolute peace and quiet. This is the great escape for urban American."

Rams Hill is a 6,866-yard, par-72 layout that opened in 1983 as a Ted Robinson design. A regional qualifying site for the U.S. Open, Rams Hill is a public layout that has been the flagship of Borrego Springs golf for many years. Under the new 36-hole plan, it will become a private facility.

It will no doubt undergo major changes under Fazio, who has designed three courses at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, the site of this year's U.S. Open, and reworked Augusta National before the 2002 Masters. How much though remains to be seen.

During a recent visit to the Rams Hill site, Fazio addressed about 100 club members who were gathered to learn more about the impending changes.

"The question everyone is asking is what kind of a course will it be, and I'm not sure," said Fazio, who also counts Shadow Creek in Las Vegas and Pelican Hill in Newport Beach among his designs. "But I can say one thing with certainty. Because of its elevations and the terrain we have to work with, Rams Hill provides as much opportunity for creative design as any other desert site I've worked in some 30 years, maybe even more.

"There are currently 27 holes on the property, nine of which ---- called "The Brown Nine" ---- are not being used. The plan is for Fazio to redesign The Brown Nine and the back nine of the existing course, and have the first course ready to go by January.

The front nine of Rams Hill also will be redesigned and a new nine will make up the other 18. Wiles said the second course should be open for play by January 2008. The golf architect for that project will be announced in the coming months, Wiles added.

Complementing the two courses will be 1,000 new homes, ranging from 2,800 to 3,500 square feet and starting at $300,000. The master plan approved by the county called for as many as 1,570 homes, but Wiles is content capping it at 1,000.

His company is building in Borrego Springs, after all, a town that moves without traffic lights.

"We believe that less is more," he said.

The golf course? Now that's a different story.

"We got the best in Tom Fazio," Wiles said. "If he's good enough for Augusta National, he's good enough for Borrego Springs."

Chip shots

There are still a few spots available for the 10th annual Oceanside High Pirate Golf Classic, set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Oceanside Golf Course.

Proceeds from the tournament benefit the school's golf programs and the Oceanside High Booster Club. The entry fee is $100 per person. Hole sponsorships are available for $150. Contact Frank Zimmerman at (760) 722-8201, ext. 2030, for more information.

Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook is starting a Tuesday evening golf league for ladies next week. The league runs through Aug. 30 and players can join any time during that period. The development league, which starts with a clinic at 5:15 p.m. followed by a scramble event, will be geared for beginners. The cost is $15 per week. Players are only charged when they play. Head pro Doug Dannevik, who will be running the league, can be reached at ddannevik@palamesa.com for more information. The golf shop phone number is (760) 731-6803.

The San Diego Big Shots girls travel softball team is holding a golf tournament to raise funds at 1 p.m.on June 10 at Eagle Crest Golf Club in Escondido. The entry fee is $90 per person and the deadline to enter is June 1.

For more information, call Greg Carpenter at (619) 851-4996.

Playin' a round

Staff writer Marc Figueroa's glance at a place to play near you:

Pala Mesa Resort

2001 Old Highway 395

Fallbrook

(760) 731-6803

Par: 72

Distance: 6,502 yards

Architect: Dick Rossen

Course Record: Dana Gunderson and Chris Starkjohann, 63

Course Characteristics: Somewhat short and sometimes tight with tricky greens at all times.

Rates: Monday-Thursday $74; Friday $79; Saturday $89; Sunday $79. Twilight rates (starting at noon) Monday-Thursday $44; Friday $49; Saturday $54; Sunday $49.

Did You Know?: Golf Digest has named Pala Mesa one of the most women-friendly golf courses in the country. Why? The publication's editors must have been intrigued by the fact power is not the key here, since landing areas start about 150 yards from the tee. But this track has defense mechanisms to keep anyone honest. The late Dana Gunderson once called Pala Mesa a "shoemaker's course."

Marc Figueroa covers golf for the North County Times. E-mail him at marcfig@aol.com. The Golf Gallery appears every Wednesday.