In the early 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 to relax and entertain.
Upon arrival, the young couple fell in love with the 640 acres, which is
now home to Indian Palms Country Club & 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 an abundance of sunshine, the couple entertained
famous friends, movie stars and Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John
F. Kennedy.
If our greens could talk, the stories they would tell! For decades Indian
Palms Country Club has quietly been host to the rich and famous from around
the world. Abundant in romance and glamour, celebrities such as Hollywood
legend Clark Cable is among the famous personalities who have teed-off at
Indian Palms.
We invite you to share our tradition and live our history as you arrive
as our guest and return as our friend.
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Top right, Floyd
and Jackie. Left, the original
ranch in 1955.
Above,
visitors entering
the ranch. |
Notable Guests
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 Plams CC.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
President Eisenhower spoke fondly of the "Celebrity House," back then known as the Ranch House, "...
the only place I ever had complete privacy."
President Lyndon B. Johnson
During his administration, he and former President Eisenhower jointly paid
a visit to Jackie Cochran and Floyd Odlum. Ironically, both Odlum and Cochran
were Republicans; however, they presented an 8" Stueben donkey to democratic
President Johnson. This Stueben donkey holds a place of honor in the center
of a second floor display case at the Johnson Library. It has been on display
since 1971.
Amelia Earhart
She was to have occupied one of the ranch houses especially built for her
in her retirement.
Walter Cronkite
On one occasion Mr. Cronkite interviewed President Eisenhower in the Celebrity
House, concerning the death of Sir Winston Churchill.
General James Doolittle
General Doolittle took part in the famous Tokyo air raid of WWII and played
golf here at Indian Palms.
Lowell Thomas
Mr. Thomas actually broadcast live radio from Indian Palms.
Dr. Edward Teller
The Father of the hydrogen bomb enjoyed weekend golf retreats here.
General Chuck Yeager
A close friend of Jackie Cochran and he was a frequent visitor of this site.
General Curtis LeMay
The former head of the Strategic Air Command and once considered a presidential
nominee, was a frequent guest.
Bob and Dolores Hope
The Hope's were frequent dinner and golf guests of Jackie Cochran and Floyd
Odlum.
Roz Russell
Roz enjoyed the Ranch's hospitality while seeking the healing of the desert
for her arthritis.
Others who frequented IPCC
President John F. Kennedy
Dr. Billy Grahm
Nelson and John Rockerfellar
Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
Walt Disney
Gloria Swanson
Roy Wilkins
Bing Crosby
Phil Harris
William Demarest
Ralph Bellamy
Jimmy Stewart
Jack Benny
Robert Taylor
Hoagy Carmichael
Clark Gable
Louise Suggs
Babe Didrickson Zaharias
Freeman Gosden (Andy, of Andy and Amos)
George Allen
General Hap Arnold
Eleanor Roosevelt
