I was calling around to airports today, trying to track down some information for a column about golf courses and a friend reminded me that there used to be an outdoor putting green at Palm Springs International Airport in California.
Thomas Nowlan, the current executive director of the Palm Springs airport, told me that because the putting green was post-security and because the airport kept a bunch of steel shaft golf clubs on hand as loaners, the TSA asked that the putting green be shut down after 9/11.
I was getting set to be all sad about that, even though I’m not a golfer and even though this fine amenity has been gone now for quite some years. But then this picture arrived, with an explanation that this what travelers see now when they pass through security.
Somehow I don’t think many people are missing the putting green.
Have you been to Palm Springs International Airport lately? Tell us what you think.
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I love the Palm Springs airport! Flying in from snowbound Alberta, seeing all the green, palm trees, golf courses below you as you approach the landing. .. and then you arrive. The new terminal at first appears a normal small airport round terminal. Then you walk into the concourse, which is open, airy, outdoor with tentlike roofing above. You walk along this sunny space to get to the top of the escalator. It seems so odd that it’s outdoors. The escalator goes down and as you ride it you look out over a beautiful green park area with playground for children, bench seating, a lovely oasis. You walk across this outdoor area to get to the original building where you pick up your bags. I love it.