In April 1967 four families would come to spend some time at the Borrego Springs campground in Palm Canyon. While the kids and mothers would spend time in camp, hiking and playing, the founding four Borrego Open members would set out to enjoy some friendly competition, often revolving around the game of golf.

 

These friends enjoyed the competitiveness and comradery the game of golf had to offer, so a few old clubs were all they needed. Back then, there weren’t many established golf courses in Borrego Springs but there was plenty of space to “call your shot, closest to the can (soda…of course), and closest to the palm.” The four friends quickly realized they wanted to center a special trip around a golf tournament, and in the process, minted our Borrego Open mantra “It’s not about the golf!”

 

Where today stands The Borrego Springs Resort on Tilting T Drive, there was an expansive desert from Christmas Circle all the way to Highway S-3. In this patch of sand with nothing more than a few palms and the occasional roadrunner, the very first Borrego Open tournament took place.

 

There are no records of that first tournament. As for the winner, the answer will change depending on which of the four founding members you ask. The only record was a makeshift, perennial trophy that was lost in a fire that destroyed the inside of the building that is now Carlee’s.

 

While the tournament has evolved and faces have come and gone since 1967, the same pioneering spirit shared by the founding four members lives on in the now 50+ golfers who make the annual trip to Borrego Springs, all stemming from the original four families.

 

What started as a golf outing consisting of hitting golf balls at palm trees in the desert has turned into an organized, two-day tournament with food, drink, a raffle, and most proudly, an annual gift to the Borrego Springs community that has facilitated decades of laughs, memories, and a fair share of Borrego Open folklore.

 

In the 20 years we’ve been making donations, our little tournament has raised and donated over $80,000 for the direct benefit of the Borrego Springs Children’s Center. Over the years, our donations have resulted in new playground equipment, school supplies, toys, computers, tablets, flooring, and a tremendous amount of other facility upgrades.

 

This annual April trip to Borrego Springs is now centered around golf, but looking back on the decades, the founding four had it right from the very beginning. It’s not about the golf…it never was and it never will be. Golf is just our reason for gathering. It’s always been about the friendships, the memories, and using our good-natured fun to do some good in the world.