Indian Palms Country Club-- The History

If you choose to stay for a weekend or even a lifetime, we invite you to share our tradition and live our history as you arrive as our guest and return as our friend.

HISTORY & NOTABLE GUESTS

In the 1930’s, Floyd Odlum (owner of Hollywood’s RKO Pictures) and his wife, Jackie Cochran (a world famous aviatrix) had a dream… a dream of an especially beautiful place in the desert. If our greens could talk, the stories they would tell! For decades Indian Palms Country Club and Resort has quietly been host to the rich and famous from around the world.

The young couple fell in love with the 640 acres, which is now home to Indian Palms Country Club and Resort. They purchased the land for less than $100 an acre, and built The Ranch House. Early the next year, the couple began construction of their home at the present location of our Golf Shop and Palm Terrace Room. Featuring timeless views of the beautiful Santa Rosa Mountains and plenty of sunshine, the couple entertained famous friends, movie stars, and presidents.

Abundant in romance and glamour, rich in history, Indian Palms Country Club and Resort has been called the “Hidden Jewel” of the desert. It’s grounds have been visited by many celebrities, famous friends, like Amelia Earhart, and presidents Eisenhower and LBJ.

Left, Floyd and Jackie. Center, the original ranch in 1955. Right, Jackie and Amelia Earhart.

Biographies

Jackie Cochran
The famous aviatrix, was the first woman to break the sound barrier, and she did so flying solo over Indio. On December 17, 1971, she was the first living woman enshrined in the Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, Ohio. She, along with Helen Detweiler, the first Professional Golfer at Indian Palms, designed and opened the first nine holes here in 1947, presently the Indian Nine. In 1956, Jackie ran for Congress, however unsuccessfully. Jackie and Amelia Earhart were the closest of friends. Most of Amelia’s last few months before that fateful last flight were spent here at Indian Palms. She trained here, rode horseback, and used the pool, while making preparations for her last flight. Amelia Earhart disappeared in a flight over the South Pacific in 1937.

Floyd Odlum
Husband of Jackie Cochran, founded the Atlas Corporation, and helped develop the Atlas Missile Program. He also owned RKO Studios. In the late 1940’s he sold RKO Studios to Howard Hughes. It took one year to complete the negotiations and they were consummated here at Indian Palms. He was responsible for bringing many celebrities and dignitaries to Indian Palms Country Club.

If you are interested in learning more about Indian Palms Country Club & Resort, or would like to lease or purchase a home there… give me a call!  Kathy Schowe  760-333-8886   schoweproperties@msn.com