California is not only a land of golden beaches, Hollywood lights, and towering redwoods — it’s also home to some of the most celebrated golf courses in the world. From the rugged Pacific coastline of Monterey to the sun-drenched deserts of Palm Springs and the fertile wine country of Napa Valley, the Golden State offers a staggering variety of world-class golfing experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual enthusiast, California delivers a blend of natural beauty, architectural brilliance, and challenging layouts that few places on Earth can match.
Pebble Beach: The Crown Jewel of Coastal Golf
No discussion of California golf would be complete without Pebble Beach Golf Links. Perched along the dramatic cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, this course is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful — and most prestigious — in the world. Opened in 1919 and redesigned by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, Pebble Beach has hosted numerous U.S. Opens and is a regular stop on the PGA Tour.
The course’s signature 7th hole — a tiny par-3 surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides — is as iconic as it is intimidating. But it’s not just the views that make Pebble Beach legendary. The fast greens, variable coastal winds, and tight fairways test every facet of a golfer’s game. For those looking to indulge, staying at The Lodge at Pebble Beach offers exclusive tee times and luxury accommodations.
Cypress Point: Exclusive and Enchanting
Neighbouring Pebble Beach is the ultra-private Cypress Point Club, often ranked in the top three golf courses globally. Designed by Alister MacKenzie — the same mastermind behind Augusta National — Cypress Point winds through forests of Monterey pines before emerging onto cliffs overlooking the Pacific.
The 16th hole, a dramatic 231-yard par-3 requiring a full carry over the ocean, is considered one of the greatest holes in golf. However, tee times here are nearly impossible to secure unless you know a member. Still, its mystique only adds to its status in the pantheon of elite golf destinations.
Torrey Pines: Championship Golf with Public Access
Located just north of San Diego in La Jolla, Torrey Pines is one of the few PGA Tour venues that the public can play. The South Course, redesigned by Rees Jones, was the stage for Tiger Woods’ unforgettable 2008 U.S. Open victory, played on a broken leg. Overlooking the Pacific from atop rugged cliffs, Torrey Pines offers sweeping views and wide, forgiving fairways, with the wind and rough providing plenty of bite.
The North Course, while less challenging, is equally scenic and was redesigned by Tom Weiskopf in 2016 to enhance its playability and beauty. With green fees significantly lower than those of private clubs of similar pedigree, Torrey Pines represents tremendous value for a truly world-class experience.
PGA WEST: Desert Golf at Its Finest
In the heart of the Coachella Valley, PGA WEST in La Quinta showcases desert golf at its most dramatic. This golf mecca includes six courses, with the Stadium Course designed by Pete Dye standing out for its punishing layout and visual flair. Built to challenge the best in the world, the Stadium Course is home to The American Express PGA Tour event.
Its famous 17th hole, “Alcatraz,” is an island green that has wrecked many scorecards. The course’s rugged bunkers, deep water hazards, and massive undulations require both strategy and nerve. For a less intense round, the Nicklaus Tournament Course and Greg Norman Course offer a more forgiving but still thrilling experience.
Rustic Canyon: Simplicity and Strategy in Southern California
Tucked away in Moorpark, north of Los Angeles, Rustic Canyon is a minimalist masterpiece by Gil Hanse, Geoff Shackelford, and Jim Wagner. Designed with a commitment to traditional links-style golf, it features wide fairways, natural barrancas, and firm, fast greens. There are no forced carries or artificial hazards — just a pure golfing experience that rewards thoughtful shot-making.
What sets Rustic Canyon apart is its affordability and accessibility. Regularly ranked as one of the best public courses in the U.S., it’s a testament to the idea that great golf doesn’t need to be expensive or exclusive.
Pasatiempo: A Historic Treasure in Santa Cruz
Designed by Alister MacKenzie before he created Augusta, Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz is often overshadowed by Pebble Beach — but it shouldn’t be. This semi-private course offers public tee times and delivers a thrilling, cerebral round across rolling hills with views of the Monterey Bay.
Pasatiempo’s greens are notoriously difficult, with subtle breaks and devilish speed. The back nine in particular showcases MacKenzie’s genius, with bunkering and elevation changes that challenge even scratch golfers. It was MacKenzie’s home course in his later years, and he considered it his finest work.
The Olympic Club: Steeped in Tradition
In San Francisco, The Olympic Club’s Lake Course is as formidable as it is storied. Having hosted five U.S. Opens (and set to host the 2033 Ryder Cup), this private club offers narrow fairways, severe rough, and punishing greens that have humbled the greatest players in the world.
While the course lacks ocean views, it makes up for it with historic pedigree and challenging terrain. The Olympic Club is known for its tree-lined corridors and complex routing, demanding precision off the tee and on approach shots.
Wine Country Golf: Silverado Resort and Beyond
In Northern California’s wine regions, golf takes on a more relaxed, indulgent vibe. Silverado Resort in Napa Valley, home to the PGA Tour’s Fortinet Championship, combines vineyard views with lush fairways. Redesigned by Johnny Miller, the North Course is a solid test of golf, with tree-lined holes and small greens that reward accuracy.
Nearby, courses like Sonoma Golf Club and Mayacama (a private Jack Nicklaus design) offer upscale golf paired with luxury resorts and award-winning wine tasting, perfect for couples or groups looking to blend leisure with sport.
A Golden State for Every Golfer
California’s golfing landscape is as diverse as its geography. From fog-draped coastal cliffs to sun-baked canyons, from architectural masterpieces to modern tournament hosts, every region of the state offers its own signature style of play.
Whether you’re chasing the footsteps of legends at Pebble Beach, braving the desert elements in Palm Springs, or discovering hidden gems in wine country, California invites you to explore, challenge, and enjoy. With year-round golf-friendly weather and a legacy of championship pedigree, it’s no wonder the Golden State is a bucket list destination for golfers from around the world.
