California is a golfer’s paradise, home to breathtaking landscapes, world-class courses, and diverse playing experiences. Whether you love coastal views, forested fairways, or desert challenges, California’s public golf courses have something for everyone. This 2025 guide highlights the top 10 public golf courses in the state, with detailed insights and tips to help you plan your ultimate golfing trip.
Pebble Beach is synonymous with world-class golf. Famous for hosting multiple U.S. Open Championships, this course offers an unmatched combination of scenery and challenge.
Length: 7,075 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Jack Neville & Douglas Grant
Signature Hole: The par-3 7th, with its dramatic drop to the Pacific Ocean.
Best Time to Play: Spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Green Fees: High-end, but worth it for the experience (~$595 weekdays).
Nearby Amenities: On-site lodging and fine dining at The Lodge at Pebble Beach.
- Official Website – Pebble Beach Golf Links
2. Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) – San Diego
Located in La Jolla, Torrey Pines South Course blends natural beauty with a championship-level challenge. It has hosted the U.S. Open twice and remains a favorite for locals and visitors.
Length: 7,607 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Rees Jones (redesigned)
Highlights: Stunning ocean views and a strategic layout suitable for advanced and intermediate players.
Booking: Tee times can be reserved online, often months in advance.
Green Fees: Around $250 for non-residents on weekends.
Local Attractions: La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines State Reserve are nearby.
3. Pasatiempo Golf Club – Santa Cruz
QDesigned by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo is considered a hidden gem. The course is praised for its challenging greens, creative bunkering, and scenic mountain setting.
Length: 6,200–6,800 yards
Par: 70–71
Designer: Alister MacKenzie
Highlights: Strategic shot-making is required, rewarding thoughtful golfers.
Accessibility: Semi-private with limited public access—book early!
Course Challenge: Known for tricky greens; a great test for intermediate and advanced golfers.
Nearby Attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and local wineries.
- Official Website – Pasatiempo Golf Club
4. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach
Spyglass Hill blends forested inland holes with the dramatic coastal holes near Pebble Beach. It’s famous for its challenging layout and stunning natural surroundings.
Length: 6,960–7,002 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Highlights: A mix of oceanfront and forested holes makes each round unique.
Booking: Tee times available online; popular so plan ahead.
Difficulty: Fairly challenging; ideal for experienced golfers.
Nearby Attractions: Carmel-by-the-Sea and 17-Mile Drive.
5. Poppy Hills Golf Course – Pebble Beach
Poppy Hills is a more walkable, player-friendly course in the Del Monte Forest. It combines challenging holes with an accessible layout for all skill levels.
Length: 6,800–7,000 yards
Par: 71
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Highlights: Beautiful forested setting and emphasis on shot placement over sheer power.
Accessibility: Publicly available with advanced tee time bookings.
Best Season: Spring and fall for mild weather and lush fairways.
Local Amenities: Short drive to Monterey and Carmel.
6. Monarch Beach Golf Links – Dana Point
Set along the picturesque Orange County coastline, Monarch Beach offers a stunning seaside golf experience with panoramic ocean views.
Length: 6,900 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Highlights: Wide fairways, scenic holes overlooking the Pacific, and challenging greens that reward accuracy.
Best Time to Play: Spring and fall for optimal weather.
Nearby Amenities: Luxury resorts and Dana Point Harbor are just steps away.
Accessibility: Public tee times available online.
7. Big Canyon Country Club – Newport Beach
This semi-private course is known for its lush greenery and California-style design, offering a relaxed yet strategic golf experience.
Length: 6,880 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Arnold Palmer
Highlights: Well-manicured fairways, elevated greens, and natural desert landscaping.
Booking: Public tee times can be reserved online or via the club.
Local Attractions: Shopping and dining in Newport Beach are nearby.
8. The Links at Spanish Bay – Pebble Beach
Often paired with Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spanish Bay offers a Scottish-style links experience along the Monterey coastline.
Length: 6,900–7,100 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Highlights: Rolling dunes, ocean views, and a seaside walking path.
Walking Course: Great for golfers who enjoy a scenic stroll.
Dining: The on-site Tap Room offers local cuisine and cocktails.
9. Mission Hills Country Club – Rancho Mirage
Located in the Coachella Valley, Mission Hills boasts multiple public courses with championship-level designs and desert scenery.
Notable Courses: Dinah Shore Tournament Course, Arnold Palmer Course
Par: 72
Designer: Multiple (Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye)
Highlights: Golf among palm trees and desert vistas, home to the ANA Inspiration LPGA event.
Climate: Play early morning to avoid midday desert heat.
Accommodations: On-site resorts offer full-service amenities.
- Official Website – Mission Hills Country Club
10. Eagle Vines Golf Club – Napa Valley
Nestled in California’s wine country, Eagle Vines combines lush fairways with stunning vineyard views.
Length: 7,016 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Tom Fazio
Highlights: Gentle rolling hills, strategic water hazards, and scenic vineyard vistas.
Best Time to Play: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and wine harvest season.
Nearby Attractions: Napa Valley wineries and hot air balloon rides make a perfect day after golf.
11. Silverado Resort & Spa – Napa Valley
Silverado offers two championship courses in the heart of Napa Valley, combining rolling hills, vineyard views, and a luxurious resort experience.
Courses: North Course and South Course
Length: 6,700–7,200 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr. & Jimmy Demaret (original)
Highlights: Beautiful fairways framed by vineyards and redwood trees; South Course is known for tournament play.
Best Season: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and winery tours.
Resort Amenities: Spa, fine dining, and on-site lodging make it ideal for a golf getaway.
- Official Website – Silverado Resort & Spa
12. The Quarry at La Quinta – Palm Desert
A desert masterpiece carved from an old rock quarry, this course offers dramatic elevation changes, unique bunkers, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Length: 7,007 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Pete Dye
Highlights: Canyon-like fairways and panoramic mountain views; challenging and visually stunning.
Booking: Tee times fill quickly due to high popularity.
Difficulty: Recommended for intermediate to advanced golfers.
13. Torrey Pines Golf Course (North Course) – San Diego
While the South Course is famous for U.S. Opens, the North Course offers a slightly more relaxed yet still challenging round with equally beautiful views.
Length: 7,258 yards
Par: 72
Designer: William F. Bell
Highlights: Ocean views on most holes; easier than the South Course, making it beginner-friendly.
Green Fees: Lower than the South Course, ideal for budget-conscious players.
Nearby Attractions: La Jolla beaches and hiking trails.
14. Oak Creek Golf Club – Irvine
This Irvine gem is designed for a challenging yet enjoyable experience, with scenic fairways and well-maintained greens.
Length: 6,940 yards
Par: 71
Designer: Billy Casper
Highlights: Open fairways, strategic water hazards, and a family-friendly environment.
Accessibility: Public tee times available; perfect for locals and visitors in Orange County.
Extras: Practice facilities and clubhouse amenities.
- Official Website – Oak Creek Golf Club
15. Torrey Hills Golf Course – San Diego
A newer addition to San Diego’s public courses, Torrey Hills offers a modern design with strategic holes, water features, and elevation changes.
Length: 7,100 yards
Par: 72
Designer: Jack Nicklaus II
Highlights: Challenging layout with well-maintained greens and scenic views of the city and ocean.
Booking: Online tee times recommended.
Difficulty: Medium to advanced; great for golfers seeking a less crowded course than Torrey Pines.
Final Thoughts
California is a golfer’s dream, offering an incredible range of public courses that cater to every type of player. From the world-famous Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines to hidden gems like Pasatiempo and Poppy Hills, each course provides a unique experience combining scenic beauty, challenging layouts, and accessible public play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best time to play golf in California?
The best months are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when the weather is mild, and courses are less crowded. Coastal areas like Pebble Beach are enjoyable year-round.
2. Do I need to be a member to play these courses?
All 15 courses on this list are public or semi-public, meaning you can book tee times without a private membership. Some semi-private clubs may have limited availability.
3. How much do green fees cost at these courses?
Fees vary widely:
Pebble Beach: ~$595
Torrey Pines South: ~$250
Desert and regional courses: $50–$150
Check the official course websites for current rates.
4. Can beginners enjoy these courses?
Yes! While some courses are championship-level (like Spyglass Hill and Torrey Pines South), many are suitable for intermediate or beginner golfers, such as Poppy Hills, Oak Creek, and Torrey Pines North.
5. Do these courses have accommodations nearby?
Several courses, such as Pebble Beach, Monarch Beach, and Silverado Resort, have on-site lodging. Others are near hotels, resorts, and local attractions, making multi-day golf trips convenient.
6. Are golf carts available at these courses?
Most courses provide golf carts for rent, but walking is encouraged at courses like Poppy Hills or Spanish Bay for a more scenic experience.
7. How far in advance should I book tee times?
Popular courses like Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines South, and Spyglass Hill often book months in advance, especially during peak season. Lesser-known courses may have more flexible availability.
