At Cascade Golfer, we have a tendency to focus on public golf courses — they’re generally more accessible, more affordable and, by and large, are the ones most frequented by our readers. That said, an increasing number of snowbirds are choosing private course membership, not only for the quality and exclusivity, but for another, more surprising reason — value. If there’s a drawback to vacationing in a region that actively attracts snowbirds, it’s that you’re typically not the only one clued in to the secret. Like a flock of birds forming a dark cloud as they migrate to warmer climates, hordes of vacationing golfers descend upon the Coachella Valley each year, clogging courses and driving up prices. Often times, golfers must book months in advance to guarantee tee times on preferred courses, only to endure long rounds on tracks worn from excessive play. That’s not a problem at Palm Desert’s AVONDALE GOLF CLUB (760-345-3281, www.avondalegolfclub.com). One of the area’s first private courses, established in 1969, Avondale has held true to its exclusive roots, even as many of the desert’s private clubs have opened their doors to corporate tournaments and limited public play. What this means for the club’s 300 members is guaranteed, wide-open play on a course renowned throughout the valley for its impeccably maintained greens and tree-lined fairways. “Because we limit play exclusively to our members, you’re never fighting for a tee time,” says general manager Mike Pearson. That’s  the No. 1 selling point for private courses in the desert — there’s always a game. Among the private set, Avondale’s embargo on outside play and low membership cap gives it one of the highest play-per-member ratios in the valley. That’s an attractive fact to golfers who are already paying a premium to travel to the Palm Springs region, and can’t afford to waste precious vacation time waiting for tee times to become available. Once on the tee, members enjoy one of the desert’s most unique experiences. While most desert courses feature wide-open layouts, Avondale mirrors a more traditional golf experience, complete with tree-lined fairways and abundant water features. Limited play keeps the course in pristine condition even in the busy winter season while also resulting in leisurely rounds that rarely extend much past four hours. Avondale also offers members plenty of off-course amenities, including an indoor practice facility, driving range and greens for chipping and putting, plus tennis courts, social activities and a full-service restaurant. Its location at the heart of the Coachella Valley, close to both of the region’s highways, is also ideal for members who might wish to explore some of the region’s other golf, restaurant and social offerings. Of course, when it comes to private clubs, no matter what the perks, the question always remains, “But how much does it cost?” Answering that question requires going back to what was cited earlier as the more compelling reason that snowbirds are turning in greater numbers towards private club membership — value. Pearson estimates that 70 percent of Avondale’s members are snowbirds, most of whom spend at least 1-2 months in the region each year. For golfers planning to stay and play for such an extended period of time, paying daily public rates can quickly eat into the budget. “If you were planning to come down for two months and pay the peak-season daily rates at public courses every day, you’d get more value [from a membership],” Pearson says. “Not only with relation to greens fees, but for all of the other benefits — never having to fight for tee times, no overcrowding, guaranteed games seven days a week, [plus] access to the rest of the club. It’s really a great value.”