On April 12, 1946, in the early afternoon, two foursomes completed eighteen holes of golf at Encanto Golf Course. The scorers for each foursome sat at a picnic table, in the shade of spiraling trees behind the 18th Green determining the number of “skins”. There were debits and credits conditions to be satisfied. Dr. Clarence Bradford, a member of Cosmopolitan Golf Club of Los Angeles, was one of t
he golfers. He was greatly impressed by the enthusiasm for golf exhibited by the men. This observation prompted him to remark, “You fellows should organize a club.” The rapidity with which the suggestion was accepted and acted upon indicated that a sense of readiness was dormant in each person. Ernest Bartlett, James “Doc” Earl, Ray Mercado, Densil Purdue and William “Robbie” Robinson appointed Dr. Thomas Crump and Aubrey Aldridge temporary President and Secretary of the organizational group. On May 10, 1946, an organizational meeting was held, and all persons interested in golf were invited. When this meeting adjourned, the name DESERT MASHIE GOLF CLUB had emerged. In 1950, Desert Mashie Golf Club joined the United States Golf Association (USGA) and maintains its membership to this day. In 1953, Desert Mashie Golf Club became a charter member of the Western States Golf Association (WSGA). From 1946 to 2015, the membership of Desert Mashie Golf Club grew from 10 members to 174 members.
