The past player log book (not that anyone would show that to you) reads like the who’s who of
all who’s.

Presidents. Celebrities. Pro golfers. Famous (and less known) billionaires.

What are the chances an average linksman like you could tee off on such a course?

Welcome to Sensei Porcupine Creek (https://sensei.com/retreats/porcupine-creek/), the 21-hole (we’ll explain later) course in Rancho Mirage, Calif., that for a decade or so was the private golf playground of billionaire Tim Blixseth and his wife Edra, part of their posh, pristine, and oh-so-perfect Palm Springs area retreat.

The course, built so visiting friends could play without having to schlep off to one of the many other fabulous courses in the region, is beautiful and until last year totally unaccessible to you and me – the everyday golfer. True story: You cannot even see it from a road.

And while it still comes with a hurdle – you must be a guest staying at Sensei Porcupine Creek, the new iteration of that once private retreat now owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison – you can play it. It’s a pricey hurdle, with rooms starting at about $1,600 a night.

But for a once-in-a-lifetime golf round, the kind that stays with you forever not just for the cool factor but for the tips from your own private golf pro, the oh-so-special vibe and – get this – the experience of booking a tee time that promises you the entire course just about to yourself, I’d argue it’s an aspiration worth pursuing.

I played the course recently, utilizing both its magnificent driving range, top pro and then the entire course and I’m here to say this: There’s been a mistake. I was meant to be a billionaire golfer. I’ve never played better.

I started my visit with a one-hour brush-up lesson with head pro Richard Ruddy. Set up at one of the lovely practice area’s hitting spots were my clubs – and no one else’s. We’d have the area to ourselves.

Ruddy worked with me on some grip issues I’ve been having (but not so much as to mess with my pro’s program back home), and then some target practice. With more than a few greens to aim at, we had options: the drive, the approach and – to my delight, the “drop it and roll it back to the hole” shot I’ve only dreamt of. With Ruddy, I nailed it. (and to some point, that’s followed me back home).

The practice range was mine for the using any time, he told me. I went back before sunset to practice more – and found a fresh ice water resting by my clubs so I’d be comfortable. It’s the little things.

The next day I took a nine-hole ride along lesson with Ruddy. With the variety of holes, we worked on those range things in real life – a great experience.

But it was my day of play that made me swoon. I played 18 holes (there’s also a 19th “playoff hole” should you be betting with friends, and two practice holes) and other than one of the many groundskeepers who drove past me on one hole (“Oh! I’m so sorry!” he said. “We are supposed to be invisible to you!”) it was me, nature, and challenging, beautiful golf.

Porcupine Creek claims to use more seed than Augusta and I don’t doubt it. (“Take your shoes off and feel it under your feet!” Ruddy had told me. I did and it’s magnificent). Right away you understand their vibe. Rather than focusing on pace of play, they embrace “Piece of Play.” Oh, is that a fit for me.

The front nine is lush and green, dotted with all kinds of colorful plants. The back is more desert style, accented with water challenges that rather than freak me out, left me gazing at the beauty, which naturally relaxed me before each hit.

To me, every hole was a signature hole, but it was hole 15 that stole my heart. The highest point on the course, the views are spectacular (and with no foursomes behind you, you can soak it in as long as you want). It’s just under 200 yards from my forward tee, with a crazy elevation drop. I swung hard and, from my lesson advice, didn’t look up until I heard the sound of the ball landing.

“Thunk.” Hmm, I thought: Sounds like it landed in the sandy part just after the rocks and growth. Think I’ll hit another.” (Replaying shots – and entire holes – is encouraged by Ruddy. With your own private course, why not?).

Second time, same thing. “Thunk.” Well, I thought as I headed down the long, winding cart path and walked across the bridge to the hole, I think I can chip up from that sand. I walked right past the green and was surprised to not be able to find either ball. Figuring they were in the junk, I walked back past the green – only to see two balls right up near the hole.

“Holy Moley,” I said aloud to myself. I did it!

That was only one of the countless special moments. Sensei Porcupine Creek is costly, yes. But here’s my advice: Send it to the top of your bucket list with a bullet.

Another stunning view at Sensei Porcupine Creek. (Moira McCarthy photo)
Playing Sensei Porcupine Creek is a stunning experience. (Moira McCarthy photo)