Spotlight

Carlton Oaks Golf Club - hole 12

Carlton Oaks Golf Club near San Diego is making a comeback

Soon after losing its greens in 2011, Carlton Oaks Golf Club in Santee got a bad reputation for poor conditions. But recent reviews of this San Diego-area stalwart show that the efforts of the past two superintendents are paying off.
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Maderas golf course - 12th hole

Maderas G.C. makes a strong case as San Diego area's finest inland public course

Maderas Golf Club in Poway doesn't have the tournament history of a Torrey Pines or La Costa, but it just might be the San Diego area's premier public place to play. Operated by Troon Golf, Maderas checks all the boxes of a destination golf course.
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Catalina Island Golf Course - hole 1

Swing into history: Catalina Island Golf Course is the oldest play in all of California

If you're heading to Catalina Island Golf Course expecting luxury club life, you're traveling to the wrong place. Yet if you're going absorb a distinct piece of American golf history, then ready your island vibe for a fun nine-hole track with some serious lore.
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California Destinations

  • Central Coast of California

    Between the bustling metropolises of Los Angeles and San Francisco runs an unparalleled stretch of American beauty that is the Central Coast of California. State Route 1 along the Pacific has long been aptly numbered in inspirational value for painters, writers, vacationers, and, of course, golfers.

    Blacklake Golf Resort boasts 27 holes of championship golf that are divided into three nines called the Oaks, Canyons, and Lakes. The nines can be played in three different 18-hole combinations. The Oaks/Canyons Course is the toughest of the three.
    Avila Beach Golf Resort is located right along the bay, giving it a scenic setting that has made it the most well known of the Central Coast golf courses. The layout offers plenty of variety with a hilly front nine that features small, often elevated, greens that are surrounded by oak-lined valleys and a back nine that that is routed across a tidal estuary.
    The 18-hole Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1994. Designed by Kenneth Hunter and Mike McGinnis, Hunter Ranch Golf Course measures 6741 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 138 and a 72.
  • 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 River Oaks Golf Club in Nicolaus, CA is a private golf course that opened in 2000. River Oaks Golf Club measures 6467 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 71.
    Located less than an hour east of San Francisco, the Course at Wente Vineyards sprawls across the lush, rolling hills of Livermore Valley. Greg Norman carefully crafted the golf course, creating one of northern California's most challenging layouts. The course incorporates three different landscapes: woodlands, grassy meadows, and mature vineyards.
    The 18-hole Zinfandel/Merlot at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1996. Designed by Rees Jones and Steve Weisser, Zinfandel/Merlot at Poppy Ridge Golf Course measures 7128 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 137 and a 74.
  • 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.

    The 18-hole Hillside/Diablo at Brentwood Golf Club in Brentwood, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1994. Hillside/Diablo at Brentwood Golf Club measures 6487 yards from the longest tees. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels. Greens and fairways are rye grass.
    The 18-hole Bay View Golf Club (formerly known as Summitpointe Golf Club) in Milpitas, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1968. Bay View Golf Club measures 6331 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 133 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.

    The 18-hole Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake (formerly known as EastLake Country Club) in Chula Vista, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1991. Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr.
    The 18-hole Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course in Bonita, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1961. Designed by Harry Rainville, Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course measures 6759 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 130 and a 72.
    Situated just outside of Temecula, the Golf Club of California enjoys a scenic landscape provided by the rolling hills north of San Diego. Although there is an abundance of trees, the course still has many wide-open areas. The layout is not particularly long, but golfers should be prepared for a challenging round of target golf.
  • 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.

    The Navy Golf Course Seal Beach is a 27-hole facility that includes the championship Destroyer Course and the nine-hole executive Cruiser Course. The 6,780-yard Destroyer Course presents a challenge even for low handicappers with a slew of hazards coming into play throughout. The small greens have challenging slopes ranging from subtle breaks to dramatic drop-offs.
    Angeles National Golf Club is the only Nicklaus Design course in Los Angeles County. It is tucked away in the Angeles National Forest. This championship course is known for being one of the area's most challenging with tough greens that are lightning fast and more than 50 strategically placed bunkers. There are also two lakes and a creek that come into play.
    The David L. Baker Golf Course is an affordable public course located in Fountain Valley. It has an approachable layout that is versatile enough to appeal to a range of different skill levels. No two holes are alike but all of the greens and fairways share the same excellent conditions.
  • 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 Nakoma Golf Resort in Clio, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1998. Designed by Robin Nelson, Nakoma Golf Resort measures 6791 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 139 and a 72 USGA rating. The course features 7 sets of tees for different skill levels.
    Plumas Pines Golf Resort is tucked away amid the mature pine trees of the Plumas National Forest at the middle fork of the Feather River. There are more than 60 lakes interspersed throughout beautiful forested landscape and through the treetops you'll catch glimpses of the stunning mountains that surround the resort.
    The 18-hole The Links at Everline (formerly known as Links at Squaw Creek) in Olympic Valley, CA is a resort golf course that opened in 1991. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
  • 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.

    The 18-hole Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club in Carmel, CA is a resort golf course that opened in 1964. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club measures 6464 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 71.
    The Black Horse was built after the unexpected popularity of its sister course the Bayonet that was built 10 years prior in 1954. Situated on the site of the former Fort Ord, both share a rich military history. Both also offer unrivaled vistas of Monterey Bay, but the more open nature of Black Horse allows for more panoramic views
  • 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.

    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.
    Peacock Gap Golf Club extends along the shores of San Pablo Bay, but it sits inland enough to avoid the fogginess of the coast and enjoy consistently sunny weather throughout the year. The course's layout has undergone many renovations over the years that have brought it to its current playability
    Nestled in the foothills of Napa Valley, Eagle Vines Vineyards & Golf Club is bordered by endless rows of grapes. Unlike many other vineyard courses that sell their grapes, Eagle Vines produces their own wines. Surrounding the vineyards is a landscape of 200-year-old oak trees and lush, grassy meadows, an ideal setting for golf.
  • 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.

    Located less than an hour east of San Francisco, the Course at Wente Vineyards sprawls across the lush, rolling hills of Livermore Valley. Greg Norman carefully crafted the golf course, creating one of northern California's most challenging layouts. The course incorporates three different landscapes: woodlands, grassy meadows, and mature vineyards.
    The 18-hole Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1960. Designed by Ray Anerson, Spring Valley Golf Course measures 6009 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 113 and a 68.
    Peacock Gap Golf Club extends along the shores of San Pablo Bay, but it sits inland enough to avoid the fogginess of the coast and enjoy consistently sunny weather throughout the year. The course's layout has undergone many renovations over the years that have brought it to its current playability
  • 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.

    Soboba Springs Golf Course was founded in 2004 when the Luiseno Indians purchased the property. It had long been a dream of the tribal leaders to own this golf course, which borders their reservation. The tribe's leaders hired Cary Bickler, a disciple of the course's original designer, Desmond Muirhead, to update the layout and pave the way for it to once again be one of southern California's premier golfing destinations.
    The 18-hole Shandin Hills Golf Club in San Bernardino, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1985. Designed by Cary Bickler, Shandin Hills Golf Club measures 6556 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 127 and a 70.
    The 18-hole Legends Golf Club in Temecula, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1995. Designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. , The Legends Golf Club measures 6547 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 129 and a 72 USGA rating.
  • 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 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.
    The 9-hole Churn Creek Golf Course in Redding, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1977. Churn Creek Golf Course measures 6299 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 123 and a 70.3 USGA rating. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.
    The 9-hole Lake Redding Golf Course in Redding, CA is a public golf course that opened in 1959. Lake Redding Golf Course measures 3685 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 87 and a 58.9 USGA rating.
  • 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.

    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
    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.
    Meadowlark Golf Club in Huntington Beach is a player-friendly layout that is a popular choice amongst locals. Like most classically designed layouts, the course is short and tight but that also makes it easily walkable. The pin placements on the greens can be tricky and there are also some challenging water hazards that come into play on several holes.
  • 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!

    Indian Canyons Golf Resort boasts two championship courses, the North and South. The courses are surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, providing scenic views while also sheltering them from the wind. The North Course is the longer of the two. It has a classic layout that was designed by William Bell. Thousands of trees blanket the course, including palms and olive trees as well as several varieties of native trees.
    Desert Dunes Golf Course has a unique layout that combines a traditional links design with true desert-style golf. The course winds through natural sand dunes that are accented with mature trees and an abundance of native vegetation. It offers one of the most challenging rounds in the valley with narrow fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and fast, sloped greens.
    It's not easy to outdo and overshadow Pete Dye. But many golf observers feel that Gary Player's done just that with this design at Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.