California's diverse landscapes provide the perfect canvas for some of the world's most spectacular golf courses. From coastal cliffs to desert oases, here's our detailed guide to the Golden State's 30 finest fairways.
Coastal Masterpieces
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Established: 1919
- Designer: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,075
- Green Fee: $575+ Known for its breathtaking oceanside holes, Pebble Beach is arguably America's most famous public golf course. Nine holes run along the Pacific cliffs, with the par-3 7th being one of golf's most photographed holes. The course has hosted six U.S. Opens, with a seventh scheduled for 2027. The finishing hole, a par-5 along the ocean, ranks among golf's greatest closing holes.
2. Cypress Point Club
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Established: 1928
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,524
- Private Club Considered MacKenzie's masterpiece, Cypress Point features one of golf's most dramatic stretches of holes. The par-3 16th, requiring a 231-yard carry over the Pacific Ocean, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful holes in golf. The course seamlessly transitions from inland pine forest to coastal dunes to oceanfront challenges.
3. Spyglass Hill Golf Course
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Established: 1966
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,960
- Green Fee: $415+ Named after Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," Spyglass Hill combines coastal beauty with forest terrain. The first five holes offer stunning ocean views before the course winds through the Del Monte Forest. Many consider it the most difficult course on the Monterey Peninsula, especially when the wind blows.
4. The Links at Spanish Bay
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Established: 1987
- Designers: Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,821
- Green Fee: $295+ This Scottish-style links course emphasizes environmental preservation with extensive native dune restoration. Known for its daily bagpiper ceremony at sunset, Spanish Bay offers stunning ocean views on nearly every hole. The course demands creative shot-making and careful consideration of the ever-present coastal winds.
5. Torrey Pines South Course
- Location: La Jolla
- Established: 1957
- Redesigned by Rees Jones (2001)
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,698
- Green Fee: $63-$202 (resident), $202-$404 (non-resident) Host of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Opens, this municipal course offers public access to championship-caliber golf. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific, Torrey Pines South is known for its length and demanding approach shots. The course gained legendary status after Tiger Woods' dramatic 2008 U.S. Open victory on a broken leg.
Bay Area Classics
6. Olympic Club (Lake Course)
- Location: San Francisco
- Established: 1924
- Designer: Sam Whiting
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,170
- Private Club Host to five U.S. Opens, the Lake Course is famous for its tight, reverse-camber fairways and small, well-protected greens. Towering Monterey Pines frame most holes, and the course's difficulty has led to several notable major championship upsets. The par-4 opening hole might be the toughest starting hole in golf.
7. San Francisco Golf Club
- Location: San Francisco
- Established: 1915
- Designer: A.W. Tillinghast
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,836
- Private Club One of America's most exclusive clubs, SFGC features Tillinghast's only West Coast design. The course includes a famous Redan par-3 and the unique "Duel Hole," where a famous pistol duel once took place. The club maintains strict traditional values, including a walking-only policy.
8. California Golf Club of San Francisco
- Location: South San Francisco
- Established: 1918
- Redesigned by Kyle Phillips (2007)
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,216
- Private Club "Cal Club" underwent a dramatic renovation that restored its Golden Age character while adding modern length. The course features spectacular Bay Area views and some of the finest bunkering in golf. The par-3 seventh hole, inspired by Royal Melbourne's Composite Course, is a standout.
9. Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore Course)
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Established: 1960
- Redesigned by Mike Strantz (2004)
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,958
- Private Club The Shore Course offers dramatic oceanfront holes and unique design features. Strantz's renovation created bold, artistic bunkers and green complexes that complement the natural coastline. The course is part of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am rotation.
10. Pasatiempo Golf Club
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Established: 1929
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,521
- Semi-private MacKenzie's personal favorite among his designs (he lived alongside the 6th fairway), Pasatiempo is known for its challenging greens and strategic bunkering. The back nine, particularly holes 16-18, ranks among the world's finest finishing stretches. The course is open to public play.
Los Angeles Region
11. Riviera Country Club
- Location: Pacific Palisades
- Established: 1926
- Designer: George C. Thomas Jr.
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,322
- Private Club Known as "Hogan's Alley," Riviera has hosted multiple major championships and is home to the Genesis Invitational. The par-4 10th hole is considered one of golf's greatest short par-4s, while the par-3 6th features a bunker in the middle of the green. The course is renowned for its strategic design and challenging barranca hazards.
12. Los Angeles Country Club (North Course)
- Location: Los Angeles
- Established: 1911
- Redesigned by Gil Hanse (2010)
- Par: 70, Yardage: 7,421
- Private Club Host of the 2023 U.S. Open, LACC North Course sits in the heart of Beverly Hills. The recent restoration highlighted George Thomas's original design principles while adding modern length. The course features dramatic elevation changes and stellar par-3s.
13. Bel-Air Country Club
- Location: Los Angeles
- Established: 1926
- Designer: George C. Thomas Jr.
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,801
- Private Club Famous for its Spanish colonial clubhouse and unique tunnels connecting different parts of the course, Bel-Air is a Hollywood classic. The course routes through canyons and features several elevated tees with spectacular city views. Tom Doak's recent restoration enhanced the original Thomas design.
14. Valley Club of Montecito
- Location: Montecito
- Established: 1929
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,765
- Private Club This MacKenzie gem features sophisticated green complexes and strategic bunkering. The course sits in a scenic valley with mountain views and benefits from Santa Barbara's perfect climate. Recent restoration work has enhanced the original design features.
15. Sherwood Country Club
- Location: Thousand Oaks
- Established: 1989
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,173
- Private Club Set in the Santa Monica Mountains, Sherwood features dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views. The course has hosted numerous professional tournaments and is known for its challenging par-3s and risk-reward par-5s.
Desert Gems
16. PGA West (Stadium Course)
- Location: La Quinta
- Established: 1986
- Designer: Pete Dye
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,300
- Green Fee: $199-$399 Nicknamed "Dye-abolical" during its early years, the Stadium Course features Dye's signature challenging design elements. The infamous "Alcatraz" par-3 17th hole is surrounded by water, while deep bunkers and railroad ties create visual intimidation throughout.
17. Indian Wells Golf Resort (Players Course)
- Location: Indian Wells
- Established: 2007
- Designer: John Fought
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,376
- Green Fee: $129-$199 The Players Course offers stunning mountain views and creative design features. Multiple tee options make it playable for all skill levels, while the challenging greens provide a stern test for accomplished players. The course is known for its excellent conditioning and customer service.
18. Desert Willow Golf Resort (Firecliff Course)
- Location: Palm Desert
- Established: 1997
- Designer: Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,056
- Green Fee: $89-$179 Firecliff combines challenge with natural desert beauty. Environmental sensitivity was a key design consideration, with native areas and wildlife corridors integrated throughout. The course features numerous risk-reward opportunities and demanding approach shots.
19. La Quinta Resort (Mountain Course)
- Location: La Quinta
- Established: 1985
- Designer: Pete Dye
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,756
- Green Fee: $159-$299 Set against the Santa Rosa Mountains, this Dye design features dramatic elevation changes and challenging target golf. Rock outcroppings and desert landscape create both strategic and aesthetic appeal.
20. Stone Eagle Golf Club
- Location: Palm Desert
- Established: 2005
- Designer: Tom Doak
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,012
- Private Club Built on a mountainside, Stone Eagle offers spectacular views of the Coachella Valley. Doak's minimalist design philosophy lets the natural terrain dictate strategy, while the firm and fast conditions promote creative shot-making.
Northern California Treasures
21. Meadow Club
- Location: Fairfax
- Established: 1927
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,602
- Private Club MacKenzie's first American design showcases his strategic principles amid the rolling hills of Marin County. Recent restoration work has enhanced the original features while maintaining the course's playability.
22. Mayacama Golf Club
- Location: Santa Rosa
- Established: 2001
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,761
- Private Club Set in the wine country, Mayacama features significant elevation changes and spectacular views. The course routes through oak-studded hills and requires strategic placement off the tee.
23. CordeValle Golf Club
- Location: San Martin
- Established: 1999
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,169
- Resort Private Host of the 2016 U.S. Women's Open, CordeValle weaves through valleys, hills, and sycamore groves. The course features dramatic bunkering and challenging green complexes while maintaining playability.
24. Yocha Dehe Golf Club
- Location: Brooks
- Established: 2008
- Designer: Brad Bell
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,337
- Public This hidden gem in the Capay Valley offers spectacular conditions and peaceful surroundings. The course features significant elevation changes and requires thoughtful course management.
25. Half Moon Bay (Ocean Course)
- Location: Half Moon Bay
- Established: 1973
- Designer: Arthur Hills
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,849
- Resort Course This links-style design features dramatic ocean views and a spectacular finishing hole along the cliffs. The course is exposed to coastal winds, adding challenge and variety to play.
Central Valley Standouts
26. San Joaquin Country Club
- Location: Fresno
- Established: 1961
- Designer: William P. Bell
- Par: 72, Yardage: 7,081
- Private Club Tree-lined fairways and subtle greens characterize this classic design. The course has hosted numerous state and regional championships.
27. Fort Washington Golf & Country Club
- Location: Fresno
- Established: 1923
- Designer: William P. Bell
- Par: 72, Yardage: 6,898
- Private Club One of Central California's oldest clubs, Fort Washington features mature trees and traditional design elements. Recent updates have enhanced conditioning while maintaining the classic feel.
Final Coastal Gems
28. Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean South)
- Location: Newport Coast
- Established: 1991
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Par: 70, Yardage: 6,580
- Resort Course With nearly half its holes playing along the Pacific, Ocean South offers spectacular views and challenging coastal golf. Fazio's design takes full advantage of the natural terrain.
29. Trump National Golf Club
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
- Established: 2006
- Designer: Pete Dye/Donald J. Trump
- Par: 71, Yardage: 7,242
- Public Perched on cliffs above the Pacific, nearly every hole offers ocean views. The course features dramatic bunkering and challenging green complexes.
30. Tehama Golf Club
- Location: Carmel
- Established: 1999
- Designer: Jay Morrish
- Par: 71, Yardage: 6,506
- Private Club Set high above Carmel Bay, Tehama offers panoramic ocean views and a peaceful setting. The course features significant elevation changes and strategic design elements.
Playing California's Best: Essential Tips
Seasonal Considerations
- Coastal Courses: Best played mid-day when fog lifts
- Desert Courses: Prime season is November-April
- Central Valley: Spring and fall offer ideal conditions
- Bay Area: Expect variable conditions year-round
Access Strategies
- Resort Courses: Book well in advance, especially for Pebble Beach
- Private Clubs: Some offer limited public access through stay-and-play packages
- Municipal Courses: Consider shoulder season for better rates
- Twilight Rates: Significant savings available for afternoon play
Budget Planning
- Premium Courses: Expect $300-600+ per round
- Resort Courses: $150-300 range
- Municipal Courses: $50-200 depending on residency
- Additional Costs: Consider caddies, forecaddies, or cart fees
Transportation Tips
- Major Airports: Most courses within 2 hours of SFO, LAX, or SAN
- Golf Tours: Several operators offer premium golf packages
- Regional Planning: Consider combining multiple courses in one area
Conclusion
California's golf courses represent the finest American golf has to offer, from the dramatic coastline of Pebble Beach to the challenging desert layouts of Palm Springs. The diversity of settings, architectural styles, and playing experiences is unmatched anywhere in the world. Whether you're planning a dedicated golf trip or looking to add a round to your California vacation, these 30 courses offer unforgettable experiences that combine natural beauty, architectural excellence, and golfing challenge.
Remember to book well in advance, especially for the more famous venues, and consider the time of year when planning your golf adventure. While some of these courses may be exclusive or expensive, the experience of playing them is truly priceless for any serious golf enthusiast.
