The best golf courses in California
Our ranking of the best golf courses in California
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Golf in California
Here are some of the best golf courses in California so you can start planning your next golf trip.
California is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the world, from the Pacific coast to the northern mountains. With year-round sunny weather and a wide variety of natural landscapes, California is a perfect golf destination for players of all levels. In this article, we’ll explore California’s best golf courses, from the iconic Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines to the lesser-known but equally impressive courses in the region.
Get ready for an unforgettable golf experience in the golden state of California.
Want to take a golf trip to California?
PEBBLE BEACH
GOLF LINKS
Pebble Beach Golf Links is an iconic golf course located in California, United States, opened in 1919 and designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant. Known for its dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and its demanding design, it has hosted numerous major golf events, including the US Open on several occasions. Playing at Pebble Beach is a dream for golfers from around the world.
SPYGLASS HILL
GOLF COURSE
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966, Spyglass Hill Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, offers a unique golf experience with its breathtaking views of the Pacific, lush forests and narrow fairways. With deep bunkers and fast greens, this par 72 course has hosted several professional tournaments and has challenged the world’s best golfers.
TORREY PINES
SOUTH COURSE
Torrey Pines South Course was designed by William F. Bell and opened in 1957 in San Diego, California. It is located on the side of a hill and has a breathtaking view of the Pacific. The famous series of holes 6-7-8, known as “The Loop“, is located at the top of the hill and offers a panoramic view of the course and the ocean.
POPPY HILLS
GOLF COURSE
Poppy Hills Golf Course, located in Pebble Beach, California, was opened in 1986 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It is an 18-hole golf course with spectacular scenery of pine and oak forests, as well as lakes and streams. It also features a challenging layout that makes it suitable for golfers of all levels. Poppy Hills has hosted several major tournaments and is considered one of the best golf courses in California.
Do you want to travel to see The Open live?
PASATIEMPO
GOLF CLUB
Pasatiempo Golf Club, located in Santa Cruz, California, was opened in 1929 and designed by Alister MacKenzie. This course is known for its rolling terrain and stunning views of the Pacific. It is a challenging, yet fun course that has been recognized as one of the best golf courses in the United States by various golf publications.
PGA WEST
PETE DYE STADIUM COURSE
PGA West Pete Dye Stadium Course is an 18 hole golf course located in the city of La Quinta, California. Designed by Pete Dye in 1986. It is famous for its challenging and unique design, with multiple water and sand hazards that require great accuracy from golfers. The course has hosted several major events, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder.
CORDEVALLE
GOLF CLUB
CordeValle Golf Club is an 18 hole golf course opened in 1999 in San Martin, California. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, this golf course is located in the middle of vineyards and forests, offering beautiful views and challenges for golfers of all levels. With a strategic design, deep bunkers and undulating greens.
PELICAN HILL
OCEAN NORTH COURSE
Pelican Hill Ocean North Course, located in Newport Beach, California, was opened in 1991 and designed by Tom Fazio. This golf course has breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, its 6 holes located on the cliffs are a unique experience. The course design offers challenges for golfers of all levels and its greens are renowned for their quality and speed.
THE LINKS AT
SPANISH BAY
The Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987 in California and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson and Sandy Tatum. It offers a unique golf experience with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and sand dunes. With its undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers, it is a challenge for golfers of all levels.
LA QUINTA
MOUNTAIN COURSE
La Quinta Mountain Course, opened in 1981, is an 18 hole golf course designed by Pete Dye. The course design incorporates the natural beauty of the desert landscape with a mix of open holes and holes with trees and mountains. The course features challenging bunkers and greens, making it a unique experience.
We prepare your trip to the best links in the world
TRUMP NATIONAL
LOS ANGELES
Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles opened in 2006 and was designed by Pete Dye. This 18 hole golf course offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and coastal cliffs. It features white sand bunkers, undulating fairways and a 15-acre lake. The course is known for its difficulty and has been used in PGA Tour tournaments.
TPC
HARDING PARK
TPC Harding Park, opened in 1925 and designed by Willie Watson and Sam Whiting, is a golf course located in San Francisco, California. Famous for its beautiful natural scenery and challenging holes, TPC Harding Park has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the 2020 PGA Championship.
Want to take a golf trip to California?
The best golf courses in other states
Frequently asked questions about golf courses in California
How many golf courses are there in California?
According to the National Golf Foundation, there are currently approximately 921 golf courses in California.
What is the best golf course in California?
There are many popular and well-rated golf courses throughout California, including Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Torrey Pines South Course, among others. If we had to pick one, it would be Pebble Beach Golf Links.
