Source: The Desert Sun
The Indian Wells City Council voted to hire British golf architect Clive Clark to redesign the east and west courses at The Golf Resort at Indian Wells.
The council also voted to restore $300,000 to the city's sponsorship of the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament. City support was cut in half nearly two years ago. Thursday's vote raises it back to $600,000.
The $21 million renovation of the golf course at Indian Wells consists of redesigning both east and west golf courses, including holes and course routines. Clark will also design new techniques and strategies.
A completely new clubhouse is in the works and using the extra 30-acre lot to expand the course also is being discussed.
Clark, who has been designing courses for 15 years, has worked on courses on the East Coast and in Europe, as well as the Hideaway in La Quinta.
Clark's design at Belgrade Lakes in Maine was considered to be "the most memorable new inland daily fee course" and finished fifth in the Golf Digest survey of "America's Best New upscale public courses."
Clark, who lives in La Quinta, was not available for comment Thursday night.
The golf course in Indian Wells was designed in 1986 by architect Ted Robinson, but Mayor Percy Byrd said golf courses have changed since then and renovation is necessary to stay updated.
"The hotel has done some remodeling so we want to make sure the golf course is up to date," he said. Construction will begin in June.
But the mayor was not as supportive of doubling the sponsorship for the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament, held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The loss of sponsorship two years ago was offset by the cost of admission, which generated $450,000 a year. However, City Council members agreed that financial support is necessary for the tournament - which garners international recognition - to remain in Indian Wells and to continue to thrive.
Council members voted 4-1, with Byrd voting against the increase in funds.
"I'm having a difficult time dealing with that," he said. "Is it really necessary?"
Pacific Life Open will celebrate its 30th year as it opens March 7-20 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
