Spotlight

Half Moon Bay - Old Course - hole 18

Northern California coastal golf: Drama and salt spray

When you think of golf along coastlines, such exotic venues as Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and Turnberry in Scotland come to mind. Yet California has them beat in one key element -- proximity. Many of northern California's coastal gems sit atop bluffs. There are days at Pebble Beach where you can find yourself putting on the seventh green while a salty mist gently descends, courtesy of the waves crashing on the rocks. With that perspective, here's a rundown on northern California's top coastal golf opportunities.
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La Costa Resort - Champions golf course - 16th

Scouting San Diego: Five must-play golf venues

While San Diego arguably has the best golf weather in the United States, it also has a pretty good collection of golf courses to go with it. There are a number of outstanding venues in the area, but we narrowed it down to five must-plays, especially if money is no object. Most of these command healthy green fees, but they are well worth it if you're making the trip.
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The Crossings at Carlsbad golf course - hole 17

Fewer homes, more golf: San Diego's houseless courses

For bustling southern California, the lure of a golf course not surrounded by homes appeals to golfers looking to get away from it all, yet is elusive in an area packed with civilization. The San Diego area, however, offers several golf courses without real estate and primed with nature, such as The Crossings at Carlsbad, Salt Creek Golf Club and Barona Creek Golf Club.
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California Destinations

  • Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra

    Northern California's High Sierra makes for some of the world's most spectacular natural mountain wonders. It's home to Yosemite National Park, home to mighty waterfalls and marvelous glacial rock formations. To the north, sparkling Lake Tahoe sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet and provides one of the West's great winter and summer escapes, home to skiing in the winter, and boating, mountain climbing and plenty of golf in the warmer months.

    The 18-hole Old Greenwood Golf Club in Truckee, CA is a resort golf course that opened in 2004. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Old Greenwood Golf Club measures 7518 yards from the longest tees. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels. The fairways are blue grass.
    The 18-hole Plumas Pines Golf Resort in Blairsden, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1980. Designed by Homer Flint, Plumas Pines Golf Resort measures 6421 yards from the longest tees. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels. The greens are blue grass.
    Schaffer’s Mill Club (formerly Timilick Tahoe) was recognized as the “#1 Best New Private Course in California” by GolfWeek magazine in 2008, and the accolades have continued to come in ever since.
  • Los Angeles

    The Los Angeles area, which includes Hollywood and Beverly Hills, has often been called the land of make-believe and dreams, but one thing is certain: There's plenty to do and plenty of ways to do it. From the movie studios, to the beaches, to the Dodgers and Lakers, to enjoying the sunny weather on the golf courses, it does indeed seem to never rain in Southern California.

    Situated along the Ventura Harbor overlooking the Santa Clara River, Olivas Links enjoys coastal breezes that make it cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing perfect conditions for golf year-round. The golf course has a links-style layout that closely follows the natural swales and curves of the landscape.
    Royal Vista Golf Club offers 27 holes of golf that are played in three different 18-hole combinations. The East/North combination is the longest of the three layouts. The course features elevated tees, narrow fairways lined with trees, and elevated greens, many of which are bordered by deep bunkers.
    Located just north of Los Angeles, Robinson Ranch offers two 18-hole golf courses that sprawl across a lush landscape striped with colorful bands of sage, chaparral, California sycamores, and coastal live oaks. Both courses offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  • Shasta Cascade

    For travelers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds, there's no better area than the Shasta Cascade region of northern California. Located in the shadows of Mount Shasta and the Cascade Mountains, this eight-county area, which makes up one-fifth of the state of California, is much the way it was centuries ago, albeit with a few more towns and a few peaceful golf courses sprinkled into the mix.

    The 9-hole River Tasalmi Golf Course in Redding, CA is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1990. Designed by Bill Ralston, River Tasalmi Golf Course measures 4104 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 97 and a 61.
    The 18-hole Mount Shasta Resort in Mount Shasta, CA is a resort golf course that opened in 1993. Designed by Jim Sommers and Sandy Tatum, Mount Shasta Resort measures 6065 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 121 and a 68.
  • Central Valley

    California's Central Valley stretches over 450 miles through the center of the state and parallels the Pacific Ocean. Also called the "Sacramento Valley," it encompasses such towns as Bakersfield to the south, past Sacramento and Fresno to Stockton at the northern end.

    For a variety of reasons, some of which include the challenging layouts and stunning views over the Monterey Peninsula, the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses have hosted to numerous PGA legends such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus as well as several U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.
    Pacific Grove Golf Links is perched at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula looking out over Point Pinos and the sparkling blue Pacific. The championship course has an interesting layout that combines both parkland and links holes. The golf course begins inland through densely forested areas and then makes its way towards the coast.
    The 18-hole Diamond Oaks Municipal Golf Course in Roseville, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1963. Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. , Diamond Oaks Municipal Golf Course measures 6179 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 122 and a 69.
  • Monterey Peninsula

    Those who drive the famous Highway 101 up the California coast will agree there is no better ocean drive in the United States -- and perhaps the world. The beauty of the coastline is highlighted by 17-mile drive along the Monterey Peninsula, which passes through beach towns as well as one of the world's most coveted golf vacation destinations.

    Pacific Grove Golf Links is perched at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula looking out over Point Pinos and the sparkling blue Pacific. The championship course has an interesting layout that combines both parkland and links holes. The golf course begins inland through densely forested areas and then makes its way towards the coast.
    For a variety of reasons, some of which include the challenging layouts and stunning views over the Monterey Peninsula, the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Courses have hosted to numerous PGA legends such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus as well as several U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries.
    Carmel Valley Ranch Resort stretches from the outskirts of the coastal village of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the heart of the St. Lucia Mountains. The ideal location enjoys a warmer and less foggy climate than the coast and it being a popular area for wine growing, scenic vineyards accent the beauty of the landscape.
  • Palm Springs

    Desert hotbed Palm Springs anchors the Coachella Valley, a region home to a collection of cities with a wealth of golf communities. The valley is a favorite spot for seasonal residents and retirees, especially those after sunny winters on golf courses in prime, lush and green condition. Between January and April, few spots on earth are better for desert golf!

    On the Classic Club's scenic landscape, golfers will find a wide variety of trees including olive trees, towering pines, and California pepper, but unlike the many other golf courses in Palm Springs, there isn't a single palm tree.
    Desert Springs Resort has a longstanding reputation as a luxury resort that offers something for everyone. There are two championship golf courses that sprawl across beautifully landscaped grounds covered with lush vegetation and sparkling lagoons, providing a scenic oasis amidst the desert surroundings.
    Escena Golf Club in Palm Springs is a return to what made desert golf great. This Nicklaus Design course with stunning views stretches to almost 7,200 yards to challenge the most skilled players.
  • Napa/Sonoma

    From wine tasting to redwoods to quaint small towns bursting with arts, shopping and history, the North Coast of California may be the most relaxing region in the state. Here, you can explore the famous Sonoma vineyards, drive a car through a giant Redwood or experience the best of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, river rafting, mountain biking and, of course, golf.

    The 18-hole The Sea Ranch Golf Links in Sea Ranch, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1973. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, The Sea Ranch Golf Links measures 6604 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 134 and a 73 USGA rating.
    Situated along the beautiful Sonoma County Coast, the Links at Bodega Harbour enjoys stunning views of the Pacific. The golf course is a true links-style layout with rolling fairways and undulating greens. Accents of native coastal rough are reminiscent of its Scottish links heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the back nine in 1978, which was the original course before the front nine was added in 1987.
    Sitting at the gateway to Napa Valley, Chardonnay Golf Club wanders through 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards. Native trees, vast lakes, and meandering creeks make up the beautiful landscape, which is naturally home to an abundance of wildlife.
  • Orange County

    Although Orange County might be best known as the original home of Mickey Mouse, the area anchored by Disneyland offers plenty of other entertainment options for travelers, including scores of diverse golf courses, both on the coast and inland.

    Talega Golf Club is one of southern California's treasures, offering a challenging Fred Couples layout that sits above the "Spanish Village by the Sea." The course winds through canyons and valleys offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside throughout.
    Shorecliffs Golf Course wanders through the coastal canyons and valleys of San Clemente, heading towards the beautiful shoreline. Situated just steps from the ocean, the course enjoys cool ocean breezes and a temperate climate, which makes it a year-round haven for golfers.
    Playing at Monarch Beach Golf Links will bring to mind the great traditions of Scottish links golf. The seaside course offers sweeping views of the oceanfront as well as a challenging and diverse layout. The course is on the shorter side but it is an excellent place to work on your iron game
  • Sacramento & Gold Country

    The year 1849 and the California Golf Rush are long gone, but "Gold Country" is still an attractive region of the state. Also nicknamed the "Mother Lode" region, it includes the capital city of Sacramento to the west and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which head into Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park to the east in Mariposa County, the state's largest.

    The 18-hole La Contenta Golf Course in Valley Springs, CA is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1973. Designed by Richard Bigler, La Contenta Golf Course measures 6425 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 125 and a 70.
    The 18-hole Mace Meadow Golf Club in Pioneer, CA is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1977. Designed by Jack Fleming, Mace Meadow Golf Club measures 6294 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 69.
    The 18-hole Mountain Springs Golf Club in Sonora, CA is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1990. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Mountain Springs Golf Club measures 6599 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 71.
  • San Diego

    Nobody does weather better than San Diego, which makes the area a perfect location for many great outdoor activities such as shopping, hiking, surfing, sailing sunbathing and playing golf.

    Maderas Golf Club is one of San Diego's most popular courses. Although it is less than an hour from Torrey Pines, it has a stunning landscape and challenging design that rivals that of the famed seaside course. Maderas may not have the ocean views, but its beautiful landscape provides just as much scenery.
    Pala Mesa Golf Resort is situated between Temecula wine country and the beautiful countryside of San Diego's North County. The course was carefully carved from the surrounding hillsides, providing rolling fairways and undulating greens throughout the layout.
    Escondido Country Club sits on the outskirts Escondido, just north of San Diego. Nestled amongst rolling hills and idyllic countryside, golfers can enjoy pleasant views from every hole on the course.The layout offers some interesting par 4s that provide decent length and the sprawling nature of the layout will make long hitters feel more at home.
  • Inland Empire

    Composed of the Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino areas, the Inland Empire is the fifth largest urban area in the state of California and quickly becoming one of the most diverse. Although it holds onto to its agricultural roots, which includes the Temecula Wine Region, the area is growing in terms of cultural arts, sports and recreation, including golf.

    The Links at Summerly borders Lake Elsinore, southern California's largest natural lake. The Ortega Mountains and the Cleveland Natural Forest are also the golf course's neighbors. Although it feels nicely secluded, the Links are conveniently just minutes from Temecula.
    The Golf Club at Rancho California has had a tumultuous history since opening in 1970 including two different names and owners, but it has endured to become one of southern California's finest competitive venues today. The course sprawls across hilly terrain that provides elevated tees, rolling fairways, interesting elevation changes, and not to mention scenic views.
    Situated next to the Cleveland National Forest, the Golf Club at Glen Ivy winds across canyons and sloping hillsides and through groves of citrus trees. The layout also has rolling fairways and the wind definitely comes into play, but the more challenging elements are balanced by generous landing areas that are welcoming to beginners.
  • San Francisco

    San Francisco is a favorite destination for travelers all over the world, thanks to a strong mix of cultures, unique attractions and mild weather year round. It's easy to stay busy on a San Francisco vacation, from riding cable cars throughout the city to exploring one of the many unique neighborhoods, each with its own appeal.

    Sitting at the gateway to Napa Valley, Chardonnay Golf Club wanders through 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards. Native trees, vast lakes, and meandering creeks make up the beautiful landscape, which is naturally home to an abundance of wildlife.
    The 18-hole Willow Park Golf Course in Castro Valley, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1966. Designed by Bob E. Baldock and Robert L. Baldock, Willow Park Golf Course measures 6227 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 115 and a 69.
    The 9-hole Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, CA is a municipal golf course that opened in 1965. Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course measures 1418 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 113 and a 35.5 USGA rating. The course features 2 sets of tees for different skill levels.