In our previous blog, we highlighted the top 10 golf courses across the country, but in this post, we’re narrowing the focus to California. We’ve handpicked a list of standout courses that showcase the very best golf in California. From dramatic coastal cliffs to forest-lined fairways and desert layouts, the top California golf courses offer unmatched variety, scenery, and playability. Whether you're looking for world-renowned public links or exclusive private clubs, this guide covers the best golf courses in California worth adding to your bucket list.
1. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach (Private)
Designed by Alister MacKenzie, Cypress Point Club is one of the most exclusive and scenic courses in the world. Set along the Monterey Peninsula, it features dramatic coastal holes—most notably the iconic par-3 16th over the Pacific. Regularly ranked among the top 5 golf courses globally, it’s a masterpiece of design and natural beauty that defines golf in California.
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Monterey Peninsula (Public)
Pebble Beach Golf Links is acclaimed as America’s premier public golf course, a true icon of golf in California. Nestled on the rugged shores of the Monterey Peninsula, this course delivers sweeping ocean vistas, coastal cliffs, and tee-to-green excellence. Having hosted six U.S. Opens (1972, 1982, 1992, 2000, 2010, and 2019) and counting—with its seventh scheduled for 2027—Pebble Beach combines tournament pedigree with public access, making it a bucket-list destination for golf enthusiasts. The most memorable being Tiger Woods’ historic 2000 U.S. Open win by 15 strokes—a defining moment in golf history.
3. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach (Public)
Located within the Pebble Beach family, Spyglass Hill opens with stunning oceanfront holes through coastal dunes before transitioning into the dense Del Monte Forest—an architectural dichotomy often touted as “Pine Valley by the Sea meets Augusta National.” Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1966, it features a tough championship layout with a slope rating around 145, and regularly ranks among America’s top public courses.
4. Pasatiempo Golf Club – Santa Cruz (Public/Semi‑Private)
Nestled in the rolling foothills above Santa Cruz and overlooking Monterey Bay, Pasatiempo Golf Club is one of Alister MacKenzie’s most cherished designs—he famously called it his favorite course. Designed in 1929 and meticulously restored by Tom Doak, it retains its historic routing and strategic elegance. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, sculpted bunkers, and the back nine often referred to as “the best nine holes in golf,” Pasatiempo consistently ranks among the best golf courses in California and top public courses in the nation.
5. Torrey Pines South Course – San Diego (Public)
Perched atop dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean near La Jolla, the South Course at Torrey Pines is a premier public venue that has twice hosted the U.S. Open (2008 and 2021). Designed by William F. Bell and renovated by Rees Jones, the layout stretches more than 7,800 yards and tests golfers with challenging fairways, huge greens, and stunning views of coastal bluffs and hang-gliders gliding overhead. Regularly used for the annual PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, it offers a rare opportunity to play championship-caliber golf that blends coastal drama with world-class competition history.
6. CordeValle Golf Resort – San Martin (Resort/Public)
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, CordeValle Golf Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offers a stunning 18-hole, par‑72 championship layout that weaves through oak- and sycamore-lined meadows, creeks, and rolling canyons. Stretching over 7,300 yards with a slope around 142, the course demands strategic precision while rewarding with dramatic elevation shifts and sweeping Northern California vistas. As part of a luxury resort, play is available to hotel guests and members, complemented by spa facilities, fine dining, and a wellness-focused retreat, making CordeValle one of the top-rated golf resorts in California for both serious players and leisure travelers.
7. Riviera Country Club – Pacific Palisades (Private)
Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades is a historic championship course designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell, regularly hosting the PGA Tour’s prestigious Genesis Invitational. Often called "Hogan’s Alley," Riviera has seen major events like the 1948 U.S. Open and PGA Championships in 1983 and 1995. Set to host golf at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and future U.S. Opens, Riviera combines strategic shot-making, dramatic bunkering (notably the iconic bunker in the sixth green), and natural layout elegance. Despite recent nearby wildfire evacuations, the course remains intact and poised for future major competitions.
8. San Francisco Golf Club – San Francisco (Private)
Founded in 1895 and nestled beside Lake Merced, the San Francisco Golf Club (also called “Cal Club”) is the only original West Coast golf course designed by A.W. Tillinghast, often hailed as his first masterpiece. Located within a private enclave, the course combines over a century of tradition with classic strategic design, highlighted by the signature “Duel Hole,” a downhill par‑3 offering panoramic views and historical lore. Rich bunkering, rolling terrain, and the absence of yardage markers elevate the experience, while limited membership and no public tee times preserve its low-key, exclusive charm. Ranked among Golf Digest’s top courses, Cal Club epitomizes understated elegance and timeless play for devotees of golf in California.
9. Olympic Club – Lake Course – San Francisco (Private / Public Events)
The Lake Course at The Olympic Club is a storied championship venue in San Francisco that has hosted five U.S. Opens (1955, 1966, 1987, 1998, 2012) and is slated to host the 2028 PGA Championship and 2028 Olympic golf competition. Renowned for narrow, tree-lined fairways, steep bunkering, and sloped lies, the course demands precision and strategy—its greens expanded by 35% and fairways widened by 25% in a recent renovation while preserving its classic character. With elite history and tight lines, Olympic's Lake Course remains one of the most challenging and prestigious venues in golf in California.
10. Bayonet & Black Horse – Seaside (Public)
Located just north of Monterey, Bayonet & Black Horse Golf Course offers two distinct 18-hole layouts—Bayonet and Black Horse—set on the former Fort Ord military base. Bayonet is known for its tight, tree-lined fairways and punishing “Combat Corner,” while Black Horse provides a more open, scenic layout with sweeping views of Monterey Bay and bold, MacKenzie-style bunkering. After a major renovation by Gene Bates, both courses now challenge players with strategic visuals, elevation changes, and strong slope ratings. This underrated gem delivers tournament-level difficulty at more accessible rates than its high-profile neighbors, making it a smart play for golfers exploring the top California courses without membership access.
Why These Courses Stand Out
What makes these picks the best golf courses in California is more than just great design—it’s the combination of scenic diversity, championship history, and unique access. From dramatic coastlines in Pebble Beach to forested hills in San Francisco and canyon-carved layouts in San Martin, these courses reflect the full beauty of California’s terrain. Many have hosted major events including the U.S. Open, PGA Tour stops, and future Olympic games, solidifying their place in golf history. And whether you're booking a tee time at a world-famous public course or dreaming of an invite-only round, this list blends public accessibility with private prestige, offering something for every type of golfer. A must-consider for your golf travel in California.
Public vs. Private Access: What to Know
California’s top golf courses include a mix of exclusive private clubs and elite public venues. Courses like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Torrey Pines, Pasatiempo, and Bayonet & Black Horse are open to the public—though some require advanced booking and premium fees. These public gems offer world-class play without needing membership.
Accessing private clubs like Cypress Point, Riviera, San Francisco Golf Club, and Olympic Club typically requires a direct invitation from a member. However, charity tournaments, business outings, or select public events (like the U.S. Amateur or Pro-Ams) occasionally offer rare opportunities to play.
Stylish Outfit Picks from Erthe Golf
WAAC Woman’s Double Wrap Skort & Matching Polo
This chic skort combines feminine pleats with technical stretch fabric, while the coordinating WAAC polo offers breathable comfort and bold, graphic flair. Ideal for coastal rounds and sunny days on the course.
Falcosia Base Layer + Keypote Midi Skort
Infuse color into your golf wardrobe with the lightweight, moisture-wicking Astronaut Glow Tee paired with the sleek Keypote drawstring skort. Versatile for course polo requirements or post-round lunch.
Keypote Knit Vest or Lend Sleeveless Polo
Layer the knitted vest over a fitted sleeveless polo for an elevated look that transitions perfectly from breezy mornings to club-side cocktails. Designed for comfort, structure, and modern golf style.
WAAC Long Sleeve Polo or Lightweight Jacket
For early tee times or coastal wind, the WAAC long-sleeve polo or full-zip top offers breathable insulation, modern lines, and instant polish. Packable and performance-ready, this is an essential for unpredictable California weather.
These curated picks from Erthe Golf bring together Korean golf fashion, bold branding (WAAC), and thoughtful design (Keypote, Astronaut). Each piece balances functionality with on-course style—making your golf travel pack both efficient and elevated. You’ll feel confident, cool, and effortlessly put together from tee-off to toast.
From dramatic seaside fairways in Pebble Beach to historic championship layouts in San Francisco, California offers a golf experience unlike any other. These top 10 courses reflect the state's unmatched variety—blending stunning scenery, elite design, and a rich competitive legacy. Whether you’re chasing your next bucket-list round or curating the perfect golf getaway, California’s blend of public access and private prestige makes it a dream destination for every kind of player.
Ready to play and look your best while doing it? Explore more golf travel guides or shop performance gear for your next trip at Erthe Golf.
