Sensei Porcupine Creek
Rancho Mirage, California, USA
16th hole / 467 yards / Par-4
6,665 Yards / Par-72
Opened 2004
Architects: Original design Tim Blixseth with Tom Weiskopf, Annika Sörenstam and Dave Stockton. Most recent efforts via Larry Ellison.
The genesis of Porcupine Creek was simple – provide the ultimate getaway location by maximizing a rich intersection of ultra-pampering and unrivaled customer service.
The evolution of the property provides a fascinating storyline.
When Tim Blixseth and his then wife Edra opened Porcupine Creek in 2004 the original plan was to have the California desert location serve as one of several high-end facilities where prospective members could join and then sample each when schedules permitted.
The 230-acre property was sold in 2011 to Oracle founder Larry Ellison for a reported $42.9 million and initially was the most “private” of private clubs. Candidly, securing an invitation to play was the equivalent with clubs such as Augusta National, Cypress Point and Fisher’s Island.
On November 1, 2022 the facility had a rebirth and was re-named Sensei Porcupine Creek. The wherewithal for outside visitors became a possibility – albeit hardly an inexpensive one. The term “Sensei” comes from the Japanese martial arts meaning – “instructor.”
One cannot see any of the holes from the public roads and the entrance is at the end of a local street.
The property is set alongside an abutting mountain range and the golf holes can only be viewed for those opting to hike up a strenuous hillside adjacent to the property.
22 accommodations are on property and the attention to detail and service is fitting for royalty. The calmness of the property is ever present so guests are totally enmeshed with the setting.
The Sensei Way is informed by Dr. David Agus’ lifetime of knowledge and devotion to self-care and preventative health science and based on the paths of move, nourish and rest to address wellbeing and give people the ability to grow well.
Candidly, if one doesn’t leave the property in a refreshed / relaxed state of mind, then there’s little hope you’ll ever do so.
The routing of the course provides a range of different movements — working up and near the mountain area and then back away from it. Over 10,000 palm trees dot the landscape and the holes have their own setting without the feeling of being especially cramped.
The 16th is a long par-4 of 467 yards and commences from a high precipice with several smallish tee pads overlooking much of the property. The off-course views for the Coachella Valley are mesmerizing.
The 200-foot elevation drop provides a welcomed tee-shot boost but the necessary intersection of sufficient length and accuracy combined together is a must.
Complicating matters is the property line that runs down the left side. Those going too far left can reach the out-of-bounds on that side.
Within the fairway area are two bunkers that appear as one. The fingers of the bunker extend in different directions and it’s imperative they’re avoided.
For those possessing firepower off the tee — the carry on the bunker is 320 yards. The hole provides two landing areas – one left and right. It’s advantageous to know where the pin is located and then choose the fairway area that provides the best approach angle.
The green narrows in front and then expands out on the left and right sides. A stream-fed pond hugs closely to the left and snares any hapless shot that ventures there. The right of the green has a fall-off area so securing a ball on the putting surface is no small feat.
The green provides 7,000 square feet so getting close enough to the hole is most helpful in avoiding a mindless three-putt. The green also has an array of vexing internal riddles one must decipher.
Those leaving the green in no more than four shots will have plenty of reason to rightly celebrate at the 19th hole.
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For more info go to:
Palm Springs Wellness Retreat – Sensei Porcupine Creek