Both throughout my playing career and after, I have been privileged to have been invited to participate in numerous golf events at some of the most luxurious locations all around the world.
 
Hosting your own event, in your own name, for the charity of which you are President can be a daunting task. Certain criteria have to be met by the host venue both for the celebrity guests and the amateurs.

Desert Springs as a venue offers my guests a relaxing ambience, a unique experience and an underlying overall charm. It has lots of quality facilities to enjoy besides world class golf. Its staff afford a warm welcome and unrivalled professional service
 
That is why my decision to host the Ian Botham Charity Golf Classic in aid of Leukaemia Research at Desert Springs in October 2008 was an easy one and due to its phenomenal success, why I have selected Desert Springs to host the final of my next Charity Golf Series.

Sir Ian T Botham

DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & GOLF CLUB

Here is what some of the Ryder Cup Players, who have played the Indiana Course at Desert Springs have had to say about it:

Ian Woosnam OBE

Ryder Cup 1983-1997, Winning Captain 2006, US PGA Masters Winner 1991, No 1 in World Golf Rankings 1991, World Match Play Winner 1987, 1990, 2001, World Cup, 1989, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, 1991, 29 European Tour Wins

“Having last been here in 2004, the first thing I noticed was how mature the landscaping had become. It’s a course that provides you with a test for every shot you have in your bag. The course is in immaculate condition with greens of equal quality to those we play our own tour events on. If you want to hone your game, immaterial of what standard of golfer you are, then this is the place to come!”

Steve Richardson

Ryder Cup 1991, Alfred Dunhill Cup 1991 & Winner 1992, World Cup 1991 & 1992, Four Tours World Championship Winner 1991 & 1992

“Desert Springs is a very stimulating test of golf. It is a thinking mans course, not easy to overpower but one that requires excellent course management skills. I really enjoyed it and felt it tested my skills fully”.

Paul Way

Ryder Cup 1983 & Winner 1985, Dutch Open Champion 1982, British PGA Champion 1985, and European Open Champion 1987

“I actually found myself hitting my driver a lot at Desert Springs. It is a course that demands accuracy and thought but it does allow you to attack and make birdies. I found it a superb looking course and in top class international condition. It is a genuine test”.

Peter Baker

Ryder Cup 1993, Ryder Cup Vice Captain 2006, Alfred Dunhill Cup 1993 & 1998, World Cup 1998, Benson & Hedges International Open Champion 1988, Dunhill British Masters 1993

”
Loved the course; a proper shot making course. I made loads of birdies, which was great, but I got penalised for bad shots. That’s the way the best courses treat you. One of the most refreshing courses I’ve played in along time and one I look forward to re-visiting, I don’t think it would ever be boring”.