Sensei Porcupine Creek is not your typical golf destination. Set on 230 acres with stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, this wellness retreat in Rancho Mirage, California, offers a blend of activities like golf, hiking, yoga (pictured) and meditation, alongside minimalist stone architecture and vibrant desert landscapes, all designed to put guests at ease.
PGA of America Director of Golf Richard Ruddy embraces this ethos, fostering a relaxed and personable atmosphere for both guests and staff.
“We’ve created a casual, comfortable culture that enhances the overall guest experience,” says Ruddy. “If a guest remembers your name or feels comfortable enough to open up in conversation, that’s how we count wins. Whether at a municipal course or a private club, that connection matters.”
The intimate property offers only 22 rooms and focuses on personalized service. Ruddy stresses the importance of eye contact at Porcupine Creek, using guests’ first names and being as present as possible on the course.
“We’re a wellness retreat, so using first names feels more personal. When guests interact with us, we want them to feel at ease,” Ruddy explains.
Listening to guests and responding in real time is central to the experience.
“We’ve had guests mention lower back pain, and we immediately offer personalized exercises or take them to our fitness pavilion to demonstrate,” Ruddy says.
While not every facility can offer this level of care, he believes the principles of listening and personalized service apply universally.
For Ruddy, the formula is simple: If your team feels comfortable and confident, that ease translates to the guests. At Sensei Porcupine Creek, this ap proach leads to repeat visitors who remember staff and feel genuinely connected to the course. It’s a personalized experience that makes the guest the star.