Author: lindsay

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Ask Lindsay! This month, I’m answering your questions about everything from Italian restaurants and movies filmed in the desert to my (not-so-great) experience on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

XO, Lindsay

Any recs for good Italian spots in the desert?

An Instagram follower recently reached out asking where to find the best Italian restaurants in the desert, and I was only too happy to help. In case any readers have the same query, these are the places I find myself recommending again and again—from longtime desert favorites to newer additions that have quickly become part of my dining rotation.

Trattoria Tiramisu (pictured) –  While by no means new (the eatery was established by the Sicilian-born Corsetti brothers back in 2004), my family only recently discovered this spot, and it’s already become a go-to. The menu is chock-full of standouts, from the Pollo alla Piccata (my favorite) to the Pappardelle alla Bolognese and the Carpaccio di Manzo.

Castelli’s Ristorante – A Palm Desert institution (and a celebrity favorite, with a bevy of signed headshots to prove it), this restaurant has been serving up stellar Italian fare since 1988 when it was opened by brothers Michael and John Castelli. Little of the menu has changed since then, with the eatery still offering the same fabulous family recipes and Old World feel today.

Ristorante Mamma Gina – Another Palm Desert staple with one of the best happy hours in town, this spot originally opened back in 1986. Family-owned and operated (with a sister restaurant in Northern Florence), the menu is filled with authentic Florentine favorites, including Lasagna della Casa and Zuppa di Funghi (my preferred dishes).

Piero’s PizzaVino – My pick for pizza – authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, made with imported doppio zero flour and crisped to perfection in a brick oven brought over from Naples. The non-pizza offerings are just as delicious, especially the Fried Zucchini Blossoms, Grilled Artichokes, Rigatoni Bolognese, and Meatballs “Napoli Style.”

Italica – This speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked silver door in downtown Indio is one of the chicest spots in the desert! Everything here is done with a flourish, from the handcrafted cocktails to the sumptuous Italian fare. I love the Pinsa Romano, a delectable flatbread topped with fig jam, goat cheese, prosciutto, arugula, Calabrian chili oil, and lemon zest.

I’ve also heard that Trattoria Mezzomondo in Palm Desert and Trilussa Ristorante in Cathedral City are excellent, but I’ve yet to try them.

Favorite movies filmed in the Valley?

The Coachella Valley has played a starring role in everything from Oscar-winning dramas to quirky comedies. While Don’t Worry Darling has gotten much of the attention as of late, these are the five Valley-filmed movies I’d recommend adding to your watchlist.

Bugsy – For the filming of this 1991 gangster classic, a Coachella storefront then housing George’s Men’s Store (pictured) was transformed into George’s Las Vegas Casino, the humble gambling hall that inspires Warren Beatty to dream big. The movie’s signage remained on the building for decades after filming wrapped and can still be spotted in historic Google Street View imagery today—a fun reminder of Hollywood’s time in the desert. The production also built an elaborate recreation of the Flamingo Hotel & Casino on a dusty stretch of nearby Ocotillo Wells. More than 30 years later, the film remains one of my favorite desert-shot flicks.

Ocean’s Eleven – Stylish, clever, and endlessly rewatchable, this heist classic never gets old. A modernist Old Las Palmas estate, originally designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1957, plays a starring role as Elliott Gould’s residence, where George Clooney and his crew hatch their plan to rob three of Las Vegas’ most prestigious casinos.

Mack & Rita – Yes, it’s cheesy, but in the best possible way. Diane Keaton is utterly charming as a thirty-something woman who suddenly finds herself living in her 70-year-old body after undergoing a “past life regression” inside of a roadside Regress and Be Blessed tent. If the setting looks familiar, that’s because the scene was filmed in the vacant lot next to Copley’s on Palm Canyon.

Behind the Candelabra – This 2013 biopic chronicling the final decade of Liberace’s life—much of it spent in the desert—is gloriously over the top. The costumes, set design, and desert filming locations (Palm Springs City Hall! Our Lady of Solitude Church! Casa de Monte Vista!) are worth the watch alone, and Rob Lowe delivers one of his most unforgettable performances.

Alpha Dog – While this true-crime drama, based on the real-life kidnapping and murder of a Los Angeles teenager, is undeniably harrowing, it’s also exceptionally well made. Along the way, you’ll spot several recognizable desert locations, including the Caliente Tropics Resort, the Koerner House in Deepwell Estates, and the Burgess House perched in the mountains above downtown Palm Springs.

Wait, so the Palm Springs Tram spins?

Yes, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway spins. I learned that the hard way.

This question came from one of my Leadership Coachella Valleyclassmates after I lamented that our graduation ceremony would be taking place 8,516 feet up at the Mountain Station. I’d only ridden the Tram once before, and let’s just say it didn’t go well.

The rotating floor (which turns slowly during the Tram’s 12-minute ascent, giving passengers dazzling panoramic views of the Valley floor below), combined with the slight sway each time the car passes over one of the five cable support towers, made me incredibly motion sick—something I’d never suffered from before. It was so bad that after recovering with several homemade ginger ales and bitters at Peaks Restaurant—and a Dramamine courtesy of the bartender who thankfully took pity on me—I asked Tram staff how to arrange a car ride back down the mountain.

Their response? Not possible!

I was so desperate, I even asked if I could rent a helicopter. The answer, again, was a resounding no.

After politely informing everyone that I now apparently lived atop the mountain because there was no way I was getting back on that thing, I begrudgingly boarded for the trip down. Thankfully, the Dramamine had pretty much knocked me out by that point, and I made it back to the Valley Station without incident. But I promptly vowed never to ride the Tram again.

And I didn’t—until Leadership Coachella Valley scheduled our graduation at the top of the mountain. (I swear, LCV is the only thing that could ever get me back there!)

Determined not to relive my first experience, I asked several friends who regularly deal with motion sickness, as well as a pharmacist pal, for advice. They all had the same recommendation: 25 mg of meclizine hydrochloride (Bonine) about an hour before boarding. During the ride, I also sat with the conductor in the center of the Tram, where the floor mercifully doesn’t rotate, and kept my eyes closed during much of the trip, as the passing scenery was proving a bit too dizzying. Thankfully, it worked, and I was able to enjoy graduation without a hitch.

So yes, the Tram does indeed spin—but if you’re prone to motion sickness, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the ride doable. If you’re concerned, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before your visit.

Best hotel lobby to grab a drink?

True lobby bars are surprisingly rare in the desert. Many of our hotels—especially the boutique ones—are designed around courtyards, pools and desert scenery rather than grand lobbies, and those that do have dedicated lobby spaces often skip the bar altogether.

Fortunately, there are a handful of exceptions. Whether you’re looking to meet friends, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, or simply soak up a beautiful hotel atmosphere, these are the ones I’d recommend.

Window Bar at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs (pictured) – Aptly named, this inviting lounge is anchored by a massive picture window framing the San Jacinto Mountains. With leather armchairs, tufted sofas, velvet benches, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and a fireplace, it feels more like a beautifully styled library than a bar. Bonus: The hotel offers complimentary books for guests to keep, with copies of new titles tucked throughout Window Bar and the rest of the property, so you might just leave with a new favorite read.

Aquifer65 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs – It’s hard to beat the soaring lobby, massive lake, and overall grand scale of this resort. The JW also has the distinction of hosting Frank Sinatra’s final public performance, and the lobby bar pays tribute with its signature Sinatra Smash, made with Jack Daniel’s—Ol’ Blue Eyes’ spirit of choice. Stop by in the afternoon, and you may even catch Sinatra music, complimentary samples, and a special tribute to the Chairman of the Board.

Mini Bar at the Parker – This dreamy lounge is easily one of the desert’s prettiest establishments. Marbled, mirrored and feathered accents throughout evoke the glamour of the Jazz Age. The intimate six-stool bar fills quickly, but cocktails can also be enjoyed in the adjoining lounge. Even the menu embraces the glamour, with drinks bearing names like Pink & Pretty and The Gilded Peel, alongside small bites including the Bikini Sandwich with Jamón Ibérico and Gruyère cheese.

Del Rey at Villa Royale – Technically not a lobby bar, but too good to leave off the list, especially since it offers visitors a chance to admire the gorgeous Villa Royale hotel, which legend has it once served as the home of Olympic figure skater Sonja Henie. Centered around an oak-paneled bar with just eight seats, plus a handful of cozy booths and a romantic patio, it’s an ideal spot for wine, tapas, and dinner. (Those Croquetas De Langosta are calling my name!)

State Fare Bar & Kitchen at the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage – More adjacent to the lobby than in it, but the views alone are reason enough to stop in. Overlooking nearly all of the Valley, this spot is truly breathtaking. And the fare is just as excellent. The Crispy Chicken Katsu Sandwich is a personal favorite.

Grapefruit Basil Bar at Tommy Bahama Miramonte – A true lobby bar that spills onto a beautiful patio tucked beneath an olive grove, complete with fireside seating. With Tommy Bahama’s signature island-inspired style, this spot feels like a tropical getaway in the heart of the desert. Don’t leave without ordering the Hummus & Whipped Feta—it’s one of my favorite things to eat in the entire Coachella Valley.

Thanks for reading!

One of the best parts of writing this newsletter is answering your questions, so don’t be shy—if there’s something you’ve always wondered about the desert, send it my way! Just reply to this email or message me on Instagram. And if your next question happens to be about buying or selling a home in the Coachella Valley, I’d love to help with that, too!

Your summer watch list is here! Now that the temperatures are officially soaring, I’m bringing back my summer series, Netflix & Chill, Literally—a roundup of five shows and movies I’ve watched, loved, and think you will too. So grab your favorite snack, crank up the A/C, and settle in for a binge-worthy escape from the heat.

Happy streaming!

XO, Lindsay

DEADLOCH

This show is about as irreverent as it gets, so if you don’t like swearing or off-color humor, this one is definitely not for you. But I was all in! After a three-year wait, Season 2 has finally arrived, and I’m happy to report it’s every bit as wildly entertaining as the first — this time sending our favorite mismatched Australian detective duo to yet another remote town to solve yet another series of murders. Between the dizzying twists, wicked one-liners, and absolute chaos, I laughed and white-knuckled my way through the entire thing. Now I’m impatiently awaiting Season 3.

Where to watch: Free on Prime

IMPERFECT WOMEN

This shiny eight-episode mystery series opens with the shockingly high-profile murder of a wealthy socialite and doesn’t slow down from there. Centered around three best friends, each hiding a cadre of secrets and discretions, it might not have gotten the best reviews online, but my husband and I were hooked from the start. Genuinely shocking, unpredictable, and unsettling, as each character makes one wildly bad decision after another, the story kept us guessing right up until the very end.

Where to watch: Free on Apple TV+

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES 

This charming tale of the unlikely friendship between a grieving septuagenarian widow, a  thirty-something nomadic musician, and one very charming octopus is one of the sweetest films I’ve seen in a long time. While the premise might sound unusual, the story is seamless. Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt, it is beautifully acted, surprisingly unique, and anchored by a poignantly heartwarming script. You’ll be hard-pressed to make it through to the end without shedding at least a few tears.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

LOVE STORY

This nine-part dramatized retelling of the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette became a full-blown obsession for me when it aired this past spring—and, months later, I’m still thinking about it. I literally cannot get enough! With its New York setting and unmistakable early Sex and the City look and feel, the series transported me right back to the ’90s in the best way possible. But it was the wardrobe that really stole my heart. Nothing quite compares to Calvin Klein’s signature minimalist style, and seeing it brought to life on screen was an absolute dream that had me itching to buy an entirely new wardrobe.

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

PROJECT HAIL MARY

A blockbuster in every sense of the word, this is the kind of movie that makes you want to head to the theater—but I promise, it’s just as fun to watch at home. True appointment viewing, my husband and I scheduled a movie night with my mom for this one, and all three of us were utterly captivated. A space-travel story at its core, with Ryan Gosling playing a science teacher sent into the galaxy to save the world, Project Hail Mary quickly turns into something unexpectedly heartfelt—a moving tale of an unlikely friendship layered with humor, warmth, and a whole lotta heart. It’s a feel-good ride from start to finish.

Where to watch: For rent on Prime and Apple TV

Thanks For Reading!

I hope you find something here that makes staying in feel just a little more exciting. As always, I love hearing what you’re watching too—so feel free to hit reply and share your own recommendations.

Well, my desert friends, summer is officially upon us! But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still plenty to discover, enjoy, sip, and savor around the Coachella Valley. Read on for five things I’m currently loving locally.

XO, Lindsay

WARBY PARKER ON EL PASEO

After months of catching my husband squinting at the TV with one eye closed, I finally got him to an eye doctor — and no surprise, he needed his first pair of glasses. We headed straight to the newly opened Warby Parker on El Paseo, and it did not disappoint. The store is sleek and beautifully color-blocked (be still, my Home Edit-loving heart!). But what really won me over was how easy the whole process was: half an hour trying on frames, five minutes to check out, glasses on our doorstep within three days. When he ended up later wanting to switch to progressive lenses, the exchange was just as painless. Welcome to the desert, Warby Parker! I’m so glad you’re here.

EMERGE PALM SPRINGS’ IN CONVERSATION SERIES

I’ve long been a fan of EMERGE PALM SPRINGS’ networking events (see this recent Spotlight for more), so when I heard about their new summer series, IN CONVERSATION, I couldn’t RSVP fast enough. Held one morning a month at The O’Donnell Golf Club, each session pairs a local leader with a single conversation-style topic—stress in the workplace, mentoring, tough decision-making. True to its name, the format feels intimate and collaborative, less like a panel and more like a real exchange of ideas. Best of all, the sessions offer a rare chance to step inside this storied, members-only club and take in its history and charm firsthand.

BAR VALERIE AT THE VELVET ROPE

Speaking of EMERGE, I first metdesigner extraordinaire David Riosat one of their events a couple of years back. He had just opened his new hotel, The Velvet Rope, and invited me in for a tour. Between the individually themed rooms and striking design elements at every turn, I was blown away. But the real scene-stealer was the onsite lounge, Bar Valerie—part Moulin Rouge, part Golden Age Hollywood, with whimsy woven throughout. I finally made it back for a recent Leadership Coachella Valleymixer and have to say, the drinks were stellar, the service warm, and the backdrop one of the prettiest in town. Bar Valerie is Palm Springs at its most glamorous—as ideal for a night out as a beautifully styled private event.

BRUNCH AT PONZU SUSHI

I am fully aware I have the palate of a five-year-old, which means sushi and fish are pretty much off-limits. So when I was invited to try the new brunch at Ponzu Sushi, I brought my husband along as my official sushi taster and figured I’d quietly observe from the sidelines. The staff had other plans, though, and were determined to find something I’d actually enjoy. Enter the Shokupan (pictured)—a Japanese-style French toast made with thick milk bread, matcha crème anglaise, and mixed berry mascarpone. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s one of the best things I’ve ever eaten, and thankfully not overly sweet (a small miracle for this diabetic). My husband, meanwhile, devoured his Tsukiji Chirashi—a chef’s selection of assorted sashimi over rice. Ponzu Sushi’s brunch literally has something for everyone—even palates as picky as mine.

THE WHIPPED FETA AT TOMMY BAHAMA MIRAMONTE

Speaking of one of the best things I’ve ever eaten, I wasn’t expecting to become completely obsessed with an appetizer—but here we are. Earlier this month, my friend Cherry (owner of Roam.e) and I popped in for drinks at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte bar and ordered the Hummus & Whipped Feta appetizer on a whim. I’m not a huge feta person, but this version—made with cream, sour cream, and sherry figs—is staggeringly good. Every element is crafted in-house, right down to the za’atar spices on the accompanying flatbread. Obviously, I had to go back—this time with my husband, a veritable feta fiend who basically licked the plate clean. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the hummus is excellent too, but next to that feta, it takes a definitive back seat.

Thanks for Reading…

 hope this issue leads you to discover some fun new favorites around the Valley. And if real estate is on your mind, I can help with that, too!

Despite living in one of the world’s premier golf destinations, I am not a golfer. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve picked up a club exactly once in my life. So had I not joined this year’s Leadership Coachella Valley class, I likely never would have met Alex Phillips, General Manager of Palm Springs’ historic O’Donnell Golf Club.

And that would have been a real shame.

Not only is Alex one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, she’s also whip-smart, endlessly curious, and somehow remains incredibly humble despite a staggering list of accomplishments.

It wasn’t until several months into the program that I learned (from someone else in my class, mind you!) just how extensive her background is. Alex took up golf in her early days and went on to become a high school state champion. She then played Division I collegiate golf for four years and later earned a Top 10 world ranking in professional long drive competition.

Following her competitive golf career, Alex shifted her focus to club management and hospitality. She has since earned her MBA, achieved PGA Class A Professional status, and currently holds the distinction of being the youngest female PGA General Manager in the country.

What impresses me most, however, is that Alex’s impact extends well beyond the fairways. In addition to leading The O’Donnell Golf Club and being part of LCV’s Class of 2026, she serves on the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commissioner.

She is also deeply passionate about O’Donnell’s place in history. I recently had the opportunity to tour the club with Alex, and she shared stories and historical tidbits as if she’d spent her entire life on the property. Her appreciation for the club’s legacy—and her vision for its future—is evident in everything she does.

Read on to learn more about Alex’s fascinating journey. And be sure not to sleep on her business advice near the end—it’s something I suspect many of us need to hear and put into practice (especially me!).

XO, Lindsay

You started playing golf at 13 – what first drew you to the sport, and when did you realize you had the talent to pursue it professionally?

I actually started much younger, learning the basics and etiquette from my dad early on, but I didn’t really take golf seriously until I was around 13. Up until then, I was much more invested in gymnastics. That was my main sport, my identity, and where most of my energy went.

An injury ultimately pulled me away from gymnastics, which was a turning point I didn’t expect at the time. Not long after that, my dad was transferred to Louisiana, and we were fortunate enough to live on a golf course. That changed everything. Golf went from something I casually knew to something I could play often, right outside the door.

Being around it every day made it impossible not to fall into it more seriously. What started as familiarity turned into repetition, then curiosity, then real commitment. That’s really when golf became less of a background sport and more of a direction.

You’re now the General Manager of O’Donnell Golf Club, as well as a PGA Class A professional with an MBA. How did that career path unfold?

It definitely wasn’t a straight line. After college, I was working with a junior golf program through The First Tee, while also spending time in a newsroom. I’ve always had a bit of a split personality professionally: storytelling and sports on one side, structure and development on the other.

Then I met the 2013 World Long Drive champion, and she talked me into competing. That was a pivot I didn’t see coming, but I fell in love with it immediately. It was explosive, technical, and incredibly freeing in terms of schedule and opportunity. At one point, being ranked top five in the world gave me the ability to really lean into playing professionally and build my life around competition.

COVID derailed everything, like it did for a lot of people. I ended up back in Nevada and shifted into training MLB players rehabbing Tommy John surgeries. It was a fascinating environment, but even there I realized something important: I missed golf. Not just playing it, but being in it.

That’s when I went back to school for my MBA, started and completed my PGA certification, and began intentionally rebuilding my path in the golf industry. Now I’m also working toward my CCM (Certified Club Manager designation), and I recently completed my Level 1 sommelier certification as part of a broader commitment to hospitality and continuous learning.

At this point, it’s really about constant growth—bringing new knowledge back into the club environment and continuing to elevate both the player and member experience from every angle.

You’re also a professional long drive champion. Tell us about that experience — and what it felt like to win.

Long drive is chaos in the best way possible. It’s part athletic competition, part adrenaline rush, part controlled demolition derby with a driver in your hands. Winning was incredibly rewarding because people only see the final ball, not the years of training, fitness, swing work, and mental preparation behind it. There’s also something empowering about proving that power and athleticism absolutely belong in women’s golf.

Golf has historically been a male-dominated sport, especially in leadership roles. What has your experience been like as a woman building a career in the industry?

There have definitely been moments where I’ve had to work harder to establish credibility, especially early in my career. That said, I think the industry is changing in a really positive way, and I’ve been fortunate to grow into leadership roles at a time when more clubs are open to different perspectives and leadership styles.

It’s also been fun, in a very real sense, to step into those rooms as the youngest female PGA General Manager in the country. I still remember going into a General Manager meeting at my previous company and realizing it was my direct report, me, and about 60 men in the room. That kind of environment definitely sharpens your awareness, but it also makes you very clear on your own value and preparation.

Now, I genuinely enjoy showing up fully as myself, whether that’s in leadership conversations, operational decisions, or even something as simple as wearing a pink dress to a meeting and still running the room. At the end of the day, it’s never been about fitting a mold. It’s about doing the job at a high level and letting the work speak for itself. I’ve learned that confidence, preparation, and consistency speak louder than stereotypes. At the end of the day, members and staff respond to competence, authenticity, and someone who genuinely cares about the experience they’re creating.

For those of us who don’t know much about golf, what does a typical day as General Manager of a private golf club look like?

Every day is different, which is part of the fun. One minute you’re reviewing budgets or contracts, the next you’re helping plan a tournament, solving an irrigation issue, talking with members, reviewing food and beverage operations, or helping staff navigate challenges. A golf club is almost like a tiny city with its own ecosystem. The GM’s role is making sure all the moving parts operate together smoothly while still creating an exceptional experience for members and guests.

O’Donnell Golf Club is Palm Springs’ most historic golf course. What do you love most about managing a club with that kind of legacy?

There’s a responsibility that comes with stewarding a place like O’Donnell. You’re not just managing a golf course, you’re protecting a piece of Palm Springs history. What I love most is the sense of continuity. You can stand on property that has welcomed generations of members, visitors, celebrities, and community leaders, while also helping shape what the club becomes next. It’s a rare balance of tradition and evolution.

What are a few historical details about O’Donnell that people might be surprised to learn?

O’Donnell, opened in 1929, is the oldest club in the Coachella Valley, and in many ways, the golf industry in the region radiated outward from here. But the most meaningful part of its history goes beyond golf.

Dr. Winifred O’Donnell was the first physician in the area, which already speaks to how foundational the family was in early Palm Springs. (Winifred’s medical certificates – pictured – now hang in the Club’s Casita, which originally served as her office.) Even more significant, though, isInspiration Point and the story behind it.

During the Great Depression, Thomas O’Donnell created and personally funded a work program that employed local men to build what is now known as Inspiration Point. It wasn’t just a construction project—it was a lifeline. It allowed families in the valley to stay, earn income, and remain rooted in the community during an incredibly difficult time.

In many ways, that effort helped stabilize and shape early Palm Springs as we know it today. Without that investment in both people and place, it’s hard to imagine the same trajectory of growth the city eventually experienced.

Do you have a favorite spot on the course or around the club?

The tee box on 4 is tough to top. It’s a drivable par four playing down the hill from an elevated box, with downtown Palm Springs spread out in the distance like a painted backdrop. From up there, you get that rare feeling where the game and the setting blur together for a moment.

There aren’t many places in the valley that match that combination of shot-making decision and pure visual drama. It’s one of those tees where you almost forget to rush the swing, because the view is doing half the storytelling for you.

You’ve played almost every course in the Coachella Valley. Besides O’Donnell, what’s your favorite one to play?

The Valley has such a wide range of great golf, from classic desert layouts to more modern resort-style courses. It’s hard to pick just one because they all offer something different. I really appreciate courses that embrace the natural desert landscape rather than trying to overpower it. But it’s hard not to mention The Vintage Club. The sheer amount of flowers and intentional landscape design there is on another level. It creates this visual pop that feels almost curated like a living gallery, where every hole has its own color story.

You recently earned your Level 1 sommelier certification. What sparked that journey?

Hospitality and wine pair naturally together, and I’ve always loved the storytelling side of wine. Every bottle has geography, history, craftsmanship, and culture behind it. Pursuing the certification was partly professional and partly personal curiosity.

Honestly, it also connects back further than people realize. In college, I always enjoyed helping my viticulture major friends “study,” so I was already around the language and science of wine in a more informal way. It never felt like a hard leap into it later on, more like something I’d been orbiting for a while and eventually stepped into more intentionally.

The more I learned, the more I realized wine education is a lot like golf. You can spend a lifetime studying it and still keep discovering new layers.

You’re helping facilitate EMERGE Palm Springs’ new IN CONVERSATION series at O’Donnell. How did that come about?

We’re really excited about it because it creates an opportunity to bring thoughtful conversations, interesting people, and community engagement into a historic setting. O’Donnell has always been more than just a golf course. It’s been a gathering place. This series helps continue that tradition in a modern way by creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection.

For me, there’s also a very intentional piece around young professionals. In Palm Springs, that demographic can sometimes feel a bit overlooked in the broader conversation, and I wanted to help bring something meaningful back to that group. A little selfishly too, because I’m very much in that stage of life and work myself.

The first IN CONVERSATION we hosted focused on the mentor/mentee relationship, and Tyler Tang (Director of Agronomy at The Club at Morningside) and Michael Rood (General Manager/COO at Seven Lakes Golf & Country Club) really hit it out of the park. It set the tone for what this series can be when the right people are in the room and the conversation is real. The second (pictured) featured clinical psychologist Dr. Corey Kuhn, PhD, who spoke about managing stress in the workplace, which was really impactful. Upcoming IN CONVERSATIONS will feature a Deputy Chief of Police discussing how to make tough decisions under pressure, as well as a former casino executive sharing lessons in leadership.

At its core, it really comes down to having space at O’Donnell to share ideas and bring people together. After a conversation with a council member, it reinforced for me how important it is to also give back to the young professional community here in the valley, and this has become a very natural way to do that.

What has been the most rewarding part of managing O’Donnell Golf Club?

Building culture. Whether it’s improving the member experience, developing staff, preserving traditions, or introducing new ideas, the most rewarding part is seeing people genuinely enjoy being part of the club. When members feel proud of their club and staff feel proud of their work, that’s when you know you’re building something meaningful.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received — or the advice you find yourself giving most often?

“It’ll be there tomorrow.”

I grew up watching my dad work harder than anyone I know, and being around leaders in my life who were always on, always available, always pushing. That becomes your normal. You start to think that if you’re not doing everything at full speed, you’re falling behind.

For a long time, I carried that same mindset. I’d look at my to-do list, my responsibilities, everything I wanted to improve or fix or get ahead on, and I couldn’t figure out how to do it all and still take care of the small things, like making it home in time for my dog or actually being present in my own life.

And at some point I had to accept something pretty simple: it’ll be there tomorrow.

I’m never going to finish the entire to-do list, and I get that now. That realization was uncomfortable at first, especially for the perfectionist in me. There’s still a part of me that wants everything done, everything optimized, everything ahead of schedule.

But I’m getting better at it. Better at prioritizing. Better at recognizing what actually needs me today versus what can wait. And better at closing the laptop, leaving the desk, and going home without feeling like I’ve failed the day.

It’s less about doing everything now, and more about doing the right things well enough to show up again tomorrow.

What part of desert living brings you the most joy?

You don’t have to shovel sunshine.

When you’re not working, where might we find you on a perfect desert day?

100% on another golf course. I still love this game. It’s different now, when it’s not your job, you get to enjoy it more and you get to choose who you enjoy it with. Being able to join my mom and dad and nana and papa for a round – that’s the best kind of day.

Best meal in the desert?

Oof, that’s a tough one. Most of the time you’ll find me in my own kitchen, but it’s hard to beat a Happy Hour at Enzo’s or dinner at Spencer’s (pictured).

Any other Coachella Valley favorites?

The Living Desert hosted a Dog Day and it was pretty much one of the best things I’ve done out here. I have a giant goldendoodle, Shadow, and it was awesome to be able to share that with her. She was definitely a little hesitant around the giraffes at first, which was honestly pretty funny to watch, but getting to show her all the other animals and just move through the space together was really special. It ended up being one of those simple, unexpected things that sticks with you more than you’d think. [Editor’s Note: Dog Days at the zoo are set to resume this fall.]

Thank you, Alex!

Your story is genuinely inspiring, and I appreciate you sharing it with us.

For anyone interested in experiencing O’Donnell Golf Club firsthand—and taking part in meaningful conversations about leadership, work, and life—EMERGE’s IN CONVERSATION series continues throughout the summer. More details here.