California is home to some of the most beautiful and renowned public golf courses in the United States. Here's a list of the 10 best public golf courses in California.
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Courtesy of Pebble Beach Golf Links
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Features: Iconic course known for its stunning coastal views along the Pacific Ocean. Hosts the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and has hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships.
- Designer: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant
- Established: 1919
2. Torrey Pines Golf Course (South)
Courtesy of Torrey Pines Golf Course
- Location: La Jolla
- Features: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Hosted the U.S. Open in 2008 and 2021.
- Designer: William F. Bell (Re-designed by Rees Jones)
- Established: 1957 (Re-designed in 2001)
3. Pasatiempo Golf Club
Courtesy of Pasatiempo Golf Club
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Features: Known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery, designed by the famous Alister MacKenzie.
- Designer: Alister MacKenzie
- Established: 1929
4. Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Courtesy of Spyglass Golf Course
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Features: Combines ocean views and forested holes. Known for its difficulty and scenic beauty.
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
- Established: 1966
5. Poppy Hills Golf Course
Courtesy of Poppy Hills Golf Course
- Location: Pebble Beach
- Features: Set within the Del Monte Forest, known for its immaculate condition and challenging play.
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Established: 1986 (Renovated in 2013)
6. Pelican Hill Golf Club (Ocean South)
Courtesy of Pelican Hills Golf Club
- Location: Newport Coast
- Features: Offers stunning ocean views and challenging terrain.
- Designer: Tom Fazio
- Established: 1991
7. Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Ocean Course)
Courtesy of Half Moon Bay Golf Links
- Location: Half Moon Bay
- Features: Known for its dramatic seaside location and challenging play.
- Designer: Arthur Hills
- Established: 1997
8. CordeValle Golf Club
Courtesy of CordeValle Golf Club
- Location: San Martin
- Features: Set in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a luxurious and challenging golfing experience.
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Established: 1999
9. Rustic Canyon Golf Course
Courtesy of Rustic Golf Course
- Location: Moorpark
- Features: Known for its natural setting and minimalist design, offering a unique and challenging golf experience.
- Designer: Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and Geoff Shackelford
- Established: 2002
10. La Purisima Golf Course
Courtesy of La Purisima Golf Course
- Location: Lompoc
- Features: Known for its tough layout and beautiful, natural setting. Often referred to as the "Poor Man's Pebble Beach."
- Designer: Robert Muir Graves
- Established: 1986
These courses offer a variety of landscapes and challenges, from coastal links to forested fairways, making California a premier destination for golfers.
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