The Best Golf Courses in California

Discover California's finest golf courses with our ultimate guide, where every swing comes with a side of sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, and that quintessential West Coast vibe. Tee off on dramatic coastal fairways in Monterey, where the ocean whispers encouragement (or trash talk, depending on your game). Dive into lush greens nestled among Napa’s rolling vineyards, or challenge yourself at courses that have hosted some of the most iconic tournaments in golf history. From laid-back rounds in Palm Springs under towering palms to the high-stakes greens of Torrey Pines, our guide is packed with expert insights, candid reviews, and tips that’ll make you feel like a local. Whether you're chasing birdies or just soaking up Cali’s golf culture, this state serves up a slice of golfing heaven. So grab your clubs, channel your inner pro, and let California’s diverse charm elevate your game!

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Top 10 courses in California

Pelican Hill Golf Club: Ocean South

The Ocean South Course at Pelican Hill, the first of Tom Fazio’s two designs at the property, opened in 1991 and features stunning Pacific Ocean vistas. Wide fairways and large,... Read more →

PGA West: Arnold Palmer Private Course

Nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA West winds through residential areas, with its final five holes dramatically set against the... Read more →

The Course At Wente Vineyards

Located in the heart of Livermore Valley’s native woodlands, just 50 minutes east of San Francisco, The Course at Wente Vineyards is a Greg Norman design that combines natural charm... Read more →

The Palms Golf Club

Built on the site of a former palm tree farm, The Palms Golf Club honors its origins with towering trees framing many of its holes, complemented by distant mountain vistas.... Read more →

The Reserve Club

Nestled in Indian Wells, The Reserve Golf Club is a private oasis designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. The course is carefully routed against mountain ridges, following natural contours... Read more →

Rams Hill Golf Club

Located within the stunning Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Rams Hill Golf Club was revitalized in the mid-2000s with a complete redesign by Tom Fazio. The course blends spacious holes... Read more →

Torrey Pines Golf Course: North

Tom Weiskopf’s 2018 redesign of Torrey Pines’ North Course transformed it into a more player-friendly experience. The number of bunkers was reduced from 60 to 42, green sizes were increased... Read more →

Menlo Country Club

Kyle Phillips’ extensive renovation of Menlo Country Club in 2014 completely reimagined the layout while honoring its original 1912 design by Scotsman Tom Nicoll. Phillips moved nearly 100,000 cubic yards... Read more →

Rustic Canyon Golf Course

Rustic Canyon, named Golf Digest’s Most Affordable Public Course in 2002, remains a Southern California favorite. Designed by Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Geoff Shackelford, this natural, minimalist layout features... Read more →

Mission Hills Country Club: Tournament

The former home of the ANA Inspiration, now a senior tour event, the Dinah Shore Tournament Course opened in 1972 and was designed by Desmond Muirhead. This classic parkland layout... Read more →


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California and it’s history with golf

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