23 Golf Courses in CALIFORNIA (Amazing, Scenic, & Majestic)
Golf is a sport of luxury and relaxation.
It is a sport where you experience nature, view scenic landscapes, and golf at the same time.
Golf is a significant sport in California that people have played for over a century.
The Golden State is home to hundreds of world-class golf courses, all of which have diverse architecture, scenery, and styles particular to them.
Mountains, deserts, forests, and hundreds of miles of coastline allow golf architects to display natural gifts along with challenging layouts for golfing.
California has ideal weather that ensures that golfers can golf all year round.
Pro golfers and beginners are known to visit golf courses in California to experience the thrill of the game.
Here are some of the best golf courses you can visit in the Golden State.
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Mini Golfs in California.
Golf Courses in Roseville, California
1. Roseville Rolling Greens Golf Course (Challenging Sixth Hole)
Roseville Rolling Greens Golf Course opened in the early 1950s.
The renowned golf architect, J. Fleming, designed this golf course.
Most golf courses in the area are majorly private, but Roseville Rolling Greens is a public course.
It has three different courses, with nine holes each.
Patrons of the golf course say the most challenging hole is the sixth one.
It is a great place to play golf whether you want to practice, or you want to have some fun, or even for a golf competition.
The golf course has a breathtaking landscape.
It has a lot of trees on the pathways and lush green grass that stretches as far as the eyes can see.
Roseville Rolling Greens Golf Course allows you to play golf and experience nature.
This golf course design is such that; if you play the nine holes two times, you will see over three thousand yards of the beautiful landscape.
The staff at Roseville Rolling Greens are welcoming and friendly.
You must pay a token to play on the golf course: the price does not compare to the quality.
The amenities available at Roseville Rolling Greens Golf Course include a club lounge, golf trolleys, golf club rentals, and the golf course itself.
Address: 5572 Eureka Rd Roseville, California, 95746, United States
2. Morgan Creek Golf Club (Family-Friendly, Inclusive)
Morgan Creek is one of the best golf clubs in Northern California.
The celebrated architect K. Philips designed it.
His unique style is evident in the way the natural shape of the land blends with the course; it merges with the earth in an enchanting way.
You cannot distinguish between what was created by nature and what was added by the architect.
The terrain is so natural that it makes you wonder who found this location and what that person felt when he saw the beauty of it all.
Morgan Creek Golf Club is a private golf course measuring thousands of yards and is beautiful scenery to see.
The course itself is an easy play for golfers of different skill levels.
Morgan Creek focuses on the family and allows for family golf.
It is very inclusive and welcomes different golfers irrespective of their age.
They organize competitions between the different age groups to play against one another.
There are competitions for adults, games, private golfing classes, and other fun events.
If you want to play at Morgan Creek Golf Club, check their websites for play times and prices.
Address: 8791 Morgan Creek Ln, Roseville, CA 95747, United States
3. Timber Creek Golf Course (Beautiful Scenery, Special Events)
Timber Creek Golf Course is a beautiful golf course; designed by Billy C. and his fellow architect, Greg.
Sierra Pines is a separate golf course added to Timber Creek almost 40 years ago.
It has nine golf holes.
Visitors have said these are two of the best golf courses in Sacramento.
The design of the golf course preserves the history of this area and all other landmarks on the land.
Timber Creek has a lovely scenery with tall trees, lush green grass, groves, clear ponds, and waterfalls.
There is even a haven for birds.
You can host your special events, social gatherings, and competitions at Timber Creek.
In the spirit of competition, there are special packages for golfers; for example, they can pair you with another player to compete while playing.
Both men and women are welcome on the course.
It is the perfect balance of challenging and fun.
Sierra Pines has more challenging holes than Timber Creek, perfect for testing your golfing skills.
All holes have characteristics that make them different, adding to the challenge and thrill of the game.
Address: 7050 Del Webb Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747, United States
4. Woodcreek Golf Club (Memorable Golfing Experience)
Woodcreek Golf Club features two beautiful golf courses: the Woodcreek Golf Course and the Diamond Oaks Gold Course.
The design of Woodcreek Golf Course lends credence to the genius of R. M. Graves.
It is a public golf course that poses a fun challenge to golfers.
The golf course spreads across hills, trees, and animal habitats.
There are different types of beautiful trees, some older than the golf course.
Golfers of various levels of experience are welcome to golf a the facility.
You are sure of a memorable golfing experience.
Upscale amenities such as a gift shop, a relaxing lounge, and a bar & grill are at the golf course.
This facility can serve as a venue for your next dinner party.
The course stretch as far as the eyes can see.
Woodcreek Golf Club hosts numerous competitions and golf events throughout the year.
You, your family, or your company can subscribe to a membership plan at Woodcreek Gold Club.
Golfers who play at the course often also get discounts.
Ultimately, Woodcreek Golf Club is a destination every golfer should visit for a challenging and enjoyable golf experience.
Address: 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747, United States
5. Sierra View Country Club (Friendly, Welcoming, Stunning)
Many people say this is the most pleasant, friendly, and welcoming country club in Roseville: it is a popular choice among the locals because of the number of fun sports you can participate in.
The country club has existed for over 70 years.
J. Fleming, a famous golf course architect, took his time while designing the course to produce the best and most beautiful golf course in Roseville.
Sierra View has eighteen different holes and is striking because its scenery is simply stunning; the vivid green color of the trees and grass contrasts beautifully with the blue sky.
J. Salazar, a Roseville champion golfer, is an instructor at the golf course in his free time.
He also has a mentorship program for men and women; you can sign up and become a golfing champion.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced golfer, Sierra View is a perfect place to golf.
Sierra View is a place to build friendships, connect with family, and spend time together.
There is nothing better than bonding in nature.
You can look forward to beautiful landscapes, a challenging but fun game, and some exercise while at it.
Several golf tournaments are organized each year and are open to the public.
There are several membership plans you can subscribe to, some of which allow you to enjoy all the club offers without immediate commitment.
Address: 105 Alta Vista Ave, Roseville, CA 95678, United States
Also see our article on Aquariums in California.
Golf Courses in Indio, California
1. Heritage Palms Golf Course (Spectacular Design, Challenging)
Heritage Palms Golf Course is near Palm Springs and spreads between La Quinta and Bermuda Dunes.
It is a lush green golf course with a beautiful lake as its centerpiece; there are also mountains & houses surrounding the golf course.
There are four large ponds on the premises, lots of shelters beside the holes, and magnificent golf holes.
Patrons refer to Heritage Palms as a diamond in a desolate land.
The golf course has a spectacular design and spreads over six thousand yards.
There are 18 holes for golfers to overcome.
The club has a big lounge for golfers to relax after a day in the sun, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
Golfers can play from sunrise to sundown every day of the week.
The course will never tire of you- as long as you never tire of the game.
Heritage Palms is the place to be: whether you want a challenging round of golf, a well-maintained course, or a place to hold your next golf tournament.
There are designated areas for practicing your drives and aims, where you can improve your golfing skills.
Address: 44291 S Heritage Palms Dr, Indio, CA 92201, United States
2. Shadow Hills Golf Course (Natural Landscape, Welcome Challenge)
An award-winning golf-course architecture firm designed Shadow Hills Golf Course.
It has one of the most beautiful landscapes in California.
North Course has the advantage of natural plants and trees that thrive with little to no grooming.
This course poses a welcome challenge to experienced golfers and excites beginners who try to conquer the golf course on the first try.
The course accommodates all levels of golfing abilities, from beginner to advanced.
Many trees, grasses, and flowers beautify the course.
There are also several water fountains and ponds.
Shadow Hills tries to protect the local environment and wildlife and promote the conservation of natural resources.
Provisions are available for you to rent golfing equipment if you do not own any.
Several golf club designs are available for you to rent.
Address: 80875 Ave 40, Indio, CA 92203, United States
3. The Golf Club at Terra Lago (Dramatic Landscape, Vibrant Green)
The Golf Club at Terra Lago opened almost 40 years ago and has hosted several national competitions.
It has thirty-six challenging holes on the North Course and South Course designed by golf legend G. Norman.
Both courses measure about seven thousand yards.
The North Course has a Scottish design, and the South Course is like a desert.
You can look forward to a unique experience at Terra Lago with its dramatic landscape changes, stunning views, and vibrant green grasses.
To see the best view of the Coachella Valley, you should check out the seventh hole box; you will have a complete panoramic view of the Coachella Valley from one end to the other.
The Golf Club at Terra Lago offers a practice facility, a driving practice area, a chipping area, and a gift shop.
There is also a restaurant and bar and a venue for social events.
Membership options at the club include personal, family, and company subscriptions.
There are discounts for the aged and kids.
Address: 84-000 Terra Lago Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203, United States
4. Indian Palms Country Club & Resort (Picturesque, Slightly Different Challenge)
The Indian Palms Country Club & Resort is a stunning, picturesque place – with the golf course as the centerpiece.
It is a challenging golf course with twenty-seven holes designed by a renowned architect.
All the Indian Palms golf course holes are split into three phases that all golfers have to win.
The holes take advantage of the majestic surroundings and offer a slightly different golf challenge.
You can find shelter and small bodies of water at several holes.
Although Indian Palms is a desolate-style golf course, hundreds of mature trees are on the property.
As challenging as playing golf is at Indian Palms, the view of nature makes it all worth it.
You are welcome to golf at Indian Palms and can check the website for open days and membership prices.
Address: 48630 Monroe St, Indio, CA 92201, United States
Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in California.
Golf Courses in Carmel, California
1. Carmel Valley Ranch (Stunning Views, Wildlife)
Carmel Valley Ranch is a luxurious resort in the Santa Lucia Mountains, Carmel Valley.
It is a perfect escape from the hustle that is in everyday life.
One of the activities to consider exploring at the resort is golfing.
The Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Course winds through the resort, from the base of the valley to a high altitude on the property.
This golf course has eighteen holes and spreads over six thousand yards of land.
It has a reputation for its stunning views, wildlife, and the challenges it poses to even the best golfers.
Carmel Valley has the perfect weather that bathes in sunlight all year round.
Therefore, this facility is perfect for golfing all through the year.
Some of its holes present you with a scenic view of Carmel Valley.
Kids and teens are also welcome to golf at Carmel Valley Ranch.
Address: 1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
2. Quail Lodge & Golf Club (Pristine Scenery, Award-Winning)
Quail Lodge & Golf Club is both a hotel and a golf club.
It provides a resort-like golfing getaway.
They offer spacious and luxurious guestrooms and suites, organic delicacies at your fingertips, and an award-winning golf course for you to play at.
California has a moderate temperature and clear blue skies almost all year; this makes it a perfect golfing destination.
Quail Lodge is a local favorite because of its location on the renowned Monterey Peninsula.
It is perfect for relaxation, outdoor exploration, and golfing.
The scenery at the resort is pristine and makes you conscious of how beautiful nature is.
Quail Lodge & Golf Course has received several awards for seven years because of the perfect playing conditions.
The golf course opened about 50 years ago; there are constant renovations to improve it and give golfers better playing experiences.
It is over six thousand yards and is perfect for golfers of all ages and skills.
Address: 8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
3. The Preserve Golf Club (Stunning Natural Landscape)
The Preserve Golf Club is a private course.
Its designer succeeded in making it look like a surreal painting.
There are slight differences between each hole that makes them unique.
You can see beautiful views of mountains and the valley from the golf course; it has one of the best views in the region.
As the name suggests, the golf course is part of a nature preserve and measures about seven thousand yards.
There is also a practice area where you can work on and perfect your golfing skills before hitting the course.
You can relax at the club lounge or eat at the in-house restaurant and bar.
The Preserve has hosted several regional ad national competitions over the years.
If you want a wonderful golfing experience against a backdrop of a stunning natural landscape, The Preserve is the perfect place to go.
Address: 19 E Pronghorn Run, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States
Also see our article on Playgrounds in California.
Golf Courses in Ontario, California
1. Topgolf (Balanced Entertainment, Technology)
Topgolf tries to balance entertainment and sports by offering golf simulation games using technology.
Whether you are an aspiring golf pro or a beginner, Topgolf is a perfect place to play golf.
There are wide selections of games to choose from.
Most games at Topgolf use unique golf balls and technology to help you monitor each game.
The giant marks also make it easy to score points irrespective of your skill level.
Topgolf has several unique amenities that make you question the advancements the human race has made in technology; simply mind-blowing.
There is also a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy drinks and food after playing golf.
Complimentary Topgolf clubs are available for visitors’ use.
It is a place to socialize and have fun.
Topgolf allows groups of friends and family to compete against one another.
In case you need to learn how to play golf, Topgolf has you covered.
Topgolf also offers golfing lessons.
You can practice alone, with a group of friends or with family, or even join a public class.
Every task is tailored to fit your specific needs and goals.
Address: 1050 N Archibald Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, United States
2. Empire Lakes Golf Course (Vivid Green, Plant-Accented)
Empire Lakes Golf Course has been ranked one of the finest golf courses in Ontario and has been awarded the position of the number one golf facility for years.
The course has eighteen challenging holes spread over four thousand yards and suits people from all skill levels.
It features vivid green grasses, all trees, plant-accented pathways, a practice area, and several places of shelter around the course.
The friendly and kind staff members always welcome you to the facility.
A golf shop offers various golfing equipment such as balls, tees, apparel, glove, and clubs.
Empire Lake Golf Course organizes golf camps for children ages 7-13, where they learn to play golf.
These camps offer eight weeks of fun and activity during the summer.
Children can partake for a whole day or half a day, whoever best suits them.
Address: 11015 6th St. Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730, United States
3. Whispering Lakes Golf Course (Traditional, Historic)
Whispering Lakes Golf Course belongs to the City of Ontario, California.
It opened in the early 1960s but was neglected for several years until it deteriorated and was out of use.
Recently, the City renovated the course with the help of some architects; it now has a brand-new golf house, modern equipment, and improved playing conditions.
Eighteen holes spread across six thousand yards, wide enough for golfers to tour the expanse of the property.
It is a traditional course with a stunning landscape, tree-lined pathways, and a wide-open layout with beautiful plants.
Whispering Lakes has a club for male seniors where they can enjoy playing golf every morning.
It is a historic golf course that takes you on a journey to uncover how golf courses were in the 60s.
Address: 2525 E Riverside Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, United States
Also see our article on Fun things to do in California.
Golf Courses in Palm Springs, California
1. Escena Golf Club (Breathtaking Scenery, Fun Challenge)
Escena Golf Club is one of the best golf courses in Palm Springs.
With its beautiful scenery, peculiar style, location, and accessibility, it is one of the most popular destinations in Palm Springs.
Its breathtaking scenery features high mountains, clear blue skies, abundant palm trees, naturally beautiful landscapes, and bodies of water.
Beginners and professional golfers will enjoy playing on this course.
It is fun and challenging; golfers immerse themselves in the precision and discipline required for the game without losing sight of the joy of golfing.
Escena is easily accessible from all parts of the desert because of its proximity to the Palm Springs airport and several five-star hotels.
The facility features a lounge, a bar and grill, and a gift shop where you can get your golfing essentials.
Address: 1100 Clubhouse View Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States
2. Indian Canyons Golf Resort (Beautiful Mountain Views, Watering Holes)
Indian Canyons Golf Resort has existed since the early 60s and was once called Canyon Country Club.
The facility has thirty-six challenging holes and was a favorite among Hollywood elites.
This course setting is on 550 acres on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation.
Indian Canyons feature both a North and South Course.
The North Course is the longer of the two courses.
It is almost seven thousand yards.
Visitors can see beautiful mountain views, unique houses initially owned by Walt Disney, and watering holes.
The remodel of the South Course was by an architectural firm and a golfing legend.
It is a favorite among women because of its scenic features like ponds, palm trees, and also ‘Washingtonia Filifera’, a cherished tree of the Agua Caliente Native American tribe.
Indian Canyons is a 20-minute drive from the airport in Palm Springs and only 10 minutes south of downtown Palm Springs.
Address: 1097 E Murray Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States
3. Desert Willow Golf Resort (High-end, Test of skills)
Desert Willow is a high-end daily fee golf club.
KemperSports manage it on behalf of the City of Palm Desert.
Desert Willow is an excellent facility that offers two golf courses.
The first course is called the Firecliff Course and has been named one of the best places to play by Golf Digest.
It measures over seven thousand yards and serves as a test of the skill and abilities of golfers.
Golfers work through a wide course, with over 100 shelters spread across the property.
The Mountain View Course is another course in Desert Willow that offers natural beauty with a relaxing setting.
It features wider pathways, a desert area, small water bodies, rolling hills, wild desert flowers, beautiful mountain views, and vibrant green grass.
Address: 38-995 Desert Willow Dr, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United States
Also see our article on National Parks in California.
Golf Courses in Monterey, California
1. Del Monte Golf Club (Californian History, Old-School Charm)
Del Monte has been a popular golf course since it opened in the late 1890s, over 100 years ago.
It is the oldest golf course in the country and has hosted several golfing tournaments over the years.
Del Monte retained its initial charm and old-school features, a true relic.
A golf round at Del Monte is a tour through Californian history.
It was initially a nine-hole course in the 1890s and measured about two thousand yards.
A few years later, it expanded to eighteen holes and began to attract the best golf players from all over the country.
The course held an annual golf contest called Del Monte Championship, which was very prestigious.
Many considered whoever emerged as the winner to be the best golfer in the state.
Winning the contest was no easy fit; only the best golfers signed up.
Address: 1300 Sylvan Road, Monterey, California 93940, United States
2. Monterey Pines Golf Course (Beautiful Backdrop, Challenging and Fun)
Monterey Pines Golf Course is a public course that initially had only nine holes in 1963.
After a few years, nine additional holes were constructed, making this eighteen holes in total.
It is one of the best golf courses in Monterey; renovated by the best architects.
Monterey Pines is known as the ‘Navy course’ and is the perfect course for beginner golfers.
Another renovation project began a few years ago to modernize the eighteen holes.
There are two large lakes in the facility which further enhance the beauty of the location.
Monterey Pines measures over five thousand yards.
It is a challenging and fun course for golfers on a budget.
Also, the course has a beautiful backdrop that makes you appreciate nature even more.
Address: 1250 Garden Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
3. Laguna Seca Golf Course (Rolling Hills, Signature Challenging Hole)
Laguna Seca Golf Course design was by a father and his son, both architects.
It has many rolling hills, shelters, a practice facility, and a gift shop.
The Golf Course is over six thousand yards with eighteen golf holes.
Undoubtedly, golfers will have to use their creativity to approach each hole.
The signature hole has a snake-like shape that makes even the best golfers sweat.
It requires skill and precision.
Monterey Pines offers annual membership subscriptions at some of the best rates on the Monterey Peninsula.
Rancho Canada Golf Club is in charge of the course.
Other facilities available to members include a golf shop to buy the best golf clubs, golfing shoes, golf bags, and the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch lounge.
Address: 10520 York Rd, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
4. Spyglass Hill Golf Course (Toughest Test, Views of Pacific Ocean)
Spyglass Hill Golf Course opened in the 69s and was designed by R. T. Jones Sr.
The classic book, Treasure Island, served as the inspiration for the name of the golf course.
While thinking of ideas for his book, the author is said to have walked the Spyglass area several times.
The holes in the golf course imitate the name of characters in the novel.
Its demanding layout of the course is blind to humble the best golfers: which is why many say it is the toughest test of golfing skills on the Peninsula.
Spyglass Hill has several unique characteristics.
The most prominent is that the expanse of the land features views of the Pacific Ocean.
There is also a forest, several pine trees, vibrant green grass, a maze of pathways, and artificial ponds.
Golfers have to lodge at one of the Pebble Beach hotels if they want to book a reservation at the golf course.
Address: 3206 Stevenson Dr, Pebble Beach, CA 93953, United States
5. The Club at Pasadera. (Exclusive, Extreme Changes in Landscape)
The Club at Pasadera is a J. Nicklaus design that opened at the turn of the century.
It is a private and luxurious golf course known as one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the country.
There are eighteen challenging holes for you to overcome.
These spread across seven thousand yards of beautiful landscape.
The first nine holes give you an excellent native feel and the last nine holes present extreme changes in the landscape that add to the thrill of the game.
Some holes are across two mountains, and you play the ball from one mountain to another.
You probably think this is impossible, but you should try it out.
It is undoubtedly a demanding layout, but nothing practice, precision, and focus cannot overcome.
The Club at Pasadera should be on your bucket list of golf courses to visit in Monterey.
Address: 100 Pasadera Dr, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Planetariums, Safari, and Horseback Riding in California.
Looking beyond California? Check out our article on the best Golf Courses in Texas and Florida.