California is not just the Golden State; it’s also the golden destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the perfect swing against breathtaking backdrops. We’ve sifted through the golfing treasures the state has to offer to present you with the crème de la crème – the top 12 golf courses in California for 2024. Buckle up as we embark on a journey through picturesque fairways and challenging bunkers that make golfing in California an unparalleled experience. Grab your clubs, soak in the panoramic views, and tee off at the best of the best in California.
Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, CA Ranked #1 on both public and private courses, Cypress Point is a masterpiece of classic design set against the stunning Monterey Peninsula. Alister MacKenzie’s vision comes to life, with the recent restoration adding an extra layer of magic.
Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, CA Nestled on the shores of the Pacific, Pebble Beach Golf Links holds its ground as a true marvel. The iconic sixth through eighth holes, known as golf’s Amen Corner, offer an extensive meeting of land and sea. With recent upgrades, including the redesigned 14th green, Pebble Beach continues to be a golfing spectacle.
Los Angeles Country Club: North – Los Angeles, CA Bordering the glamour of Tinsel Town, the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club boasts a golden history. The 2010 restoration by architects Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Geoff Shackelford revitalized its charm, offering a unique blend of rustic canyons and expansive uplands.
Riviera Country Club – Pacific Palisades, CA Compact and shrewd, Riviera’s design by George C. Thomas Jr. and William P. Bell is a testament to tournament-ready layouts. Hosting major events like the PGA Championship and the U.S. Amateur, Riviera is set to reclaim the spotlight with the 2031 U.S. Open and the 2028 Olympics.
San Francisco Golf Club – San Francisco, CA With a history dating back to 1918, the San Francisco Golf Club stands as a testament to timeless elegance. Tom Doak’s 2006 restoration, alongside Jim Urbina, brought back the original charm, showcasing signature greens, bunkering, and even a hole marking the site of the last legal duel in America.
The Olympic Club: Lake – San Francisco, CA In a city known for cliffhangers, The Olympic Club’s Lake Course is no exception. Hosting U.S. Opens that mimic the drama of its surroundings, recent renovations by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner in 2023 hint at a mysterious future for this iconic course.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Shore – Pebble Beach, CA Mike Strantz’s final masterpiece, the Shore Course at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, rivals its neighbor Cypress Point. With fairways weaving through cypress trees and native grasses adding a coastal prairie look, this course is a scenic gem.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach, CA Robert Trent Jones’ response to the golfing giants nearby, Spyglass Hill is a visual treat. Pine Valley-like sand dunes transition into hills adorned with majestic Monterey pines. Lacking a major event, some argue it’s the best course never to have hosted one.
California Golf Club of San Francisco – South San Francisco, CA Emerging from the shadows of neighboring courses, Cal Club’s revitalization by architect Kyle Phillips brings it closer to the top-ranked neighbors. The strategic clearing of trees and the reintroduction of Alister Mackenzie’s glamorous bunkers elevate this course to new heights.
The Valley Club of Montecito – Santa Barbara, CA With an hourglass routing and a variety of holes, The Valley Club offers a golfing experience as diverse as the California weather. Jim Urbina’s restoration brought back the charm, showcasing MacKenzie’s bunkers and the picturesque surroundings.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club: Dunes – Pebble Beach, CA Originally designed by Seth Raynor, the Dunes Course underwent transformations by Rees Jones and Tom Fazio. The recent plan, executed by Tim Jackson and David Kahn, gives it a MacKenzie look. Sandscapes, jagged bunkers, and diagonal greens now define this course.
The Quarry at La Quinta – La Quinta, CA Designed to surpass Shadow Creek, The Quarry at La Quinta, crafted by Tom Fazio, utilizes the natural topography for a diverse golfing experience. From a gravel quarry to high desert and valley holes, this course offers a visual and challenging spectacle.