Wondering the best public golf courses in california? While New York boasts some of the nation’s most revered courses and Florida offers a tropical golf paradise, California, with its huge list of golf courses, offers something magical.
The depth of great golf, both public and private, makes the Golden State one of the best golfing states in the US.
The state is blessed with some visually stunning and ingeniously designed golf courses that meander around the mountains and valleys throughout the vast area on the west coast of the country.
You will rarely miss a spot that is saturated with award-winning golf. So, if you are one of those people who is skirting the rugged coast of the Pacific to the green splotches breaking up the barren desert landscape, we have something for you.
We have compiled a lot of the best public golf courses in California. Read on to find out the full list of the best public golf courses in California.
Overview of the Best Public Golf Courses in California
| Golf Course | Location | Yardage (Back Tees) | Par | Typical Green Fee Range* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Pebble Beach | ~6,828 yds | 72 | US$650–695+ (2025) | Bucket list coastal championship golf |
| Pasatiempo Golf Club | Santa Cruz | ~6,500 yds | 70 | US$325–400 (public) | Historic Alister MacKenzie design |
| Spyglass Hill Golf Course | Pebble Beach | ~6,960 yds | 72 | US$525 (2025) | Elite forest + dunes championship golf |
| Torrey Pines (South) | La Jolla | ~7,800 yds | 72 | US$246–306 (non-res) | Major-championship muni golf |
| Trump National LA | Rancho Palos Verdes | ~7,200 yds | 71 | ~US$165–215+ (up to ~400) | High-drama ocean cliffs |
| The Links at Spanish Bay | Pebble Beach | ~6,820 yds | 72 | ~US$300–400+ | True links-style seaside vibe |
| CordeValle Golf Club | San Martin | ~7,200 yds | 72 | ~US$200–300+ (resort) | Ultra-private wine-country feel |
| PGA West – Stadium Course | La Quinta | ~7,300 yds | 72 | ~US$100–400+ (dynamic) | Brutal desert challenge |
| Pelican Hill – Ocean South | Newport Coast | ~6,500+ yds | 70–72 | ~US$300–450+ (dynamic) | Five-star ocean resort golf |
| La Quinta – Mountain Course | La Quinta | ~6,700–6,800 yds | 72 | ~US$150–250 | Desert-mountain scenic golf |
| The Journey at Pechanga | Temecula | ~7,100–7,200 yds | 72 | ~US$168–210 | Canyon golf + casino resort |
| Quail Lodge & Golf Club | Carmel Valley | ~6,450–6,500 yds | 71 | ~US$140–175 | Walkable, relaxed resort golf |
| Pine Mountain Lake | Groveland | ~6,380 yds | 70 | ~US$45–74 | Budget-friendly mountain golf |
| Classic Club | Palm Desert | ~7,300 yds | 72 | ~US$100–160 | Tournament feel at fair value |
| Paso Robles Golf Club | Paso Robles | ~6,150 yds | 70 | ~US$74–84 | Wine-country casual golf |
*All price ranges reflect the most current available 2025 public & resort pricing. Rates vary by season and time of day.
The Best Public Golf Courses in California
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links is one of the most famous public-access courses in the world, combining dramatic oceanfront holes with a true championship challenge. It’s expensive, but for many golfers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime round.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,828 yards (from championship tees)
- Par: 72
- Style: Coastal links-style with ocean cliffs, tight fairways, and well-protected greens
- Walkability: Moderate – walking allowed and highly recommended, especially with a caddie
💵Pricing & Value (Approximate)
- Green Fee (Resort Guest): ~ US$625 per round
- Green Fee (Non-Resort Guest): ~ US$675 per round
- Cart Fee: ~ US$55–60 per person (cart-path only)
- Caddie (Walking): ~ US$155 for a single-bag caddie (tip extra)
- Rental Clubs: ~ US$115+ per set
- Realistic Total: With fees + caddie/cart + rentals, many golfers spend well over US$800 for the full experience.
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Driving Range & Practice: High-quality range plus putting and short-game areas
- Rental Clubs: Premium club rentals available on-site
- Carts with GPS: Golf carts with GPS available (cart-path only, many golfers still walk)
- Restaurant & Bar: Full-service dining, bars, and lounges with ocean views
- Pro Shop: Large shop with equipment, apparel, and Pebble Beach-branded souvenirs
- Resort Perks: On-site lodging, spa, and other resort amenities for guests
Note: All prices are approximate as of 2025 and can change based on season, availability, and resort policies. Always check the official Pebble Beach website for the latest rates.
2. Pasatiempo Golf Club
Pasatiempo Golf Club is a historic Alister MacKenzie design and a top-100 course that still sets aside daily tee times for public play. It’s a semi-private club with championship-level strategy, big elevation changes, and serious architectural pedigree.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage (Back Tees): ~6,500 yards
- Par: 70
- Course Rating / Slope: 72.3 / 140 (back tees – tough test)
- Style: Classic parkland / hillside layout with tight driving zones, deep bunkers, and fast, contoured greens
- Walkability: Walkable but hilly – many golfers either walk with a push cart or ride; caddies available by advance request
💵 Pricing & Value (Public Play)
- 18-Hole Green Fee – Walking: US$425 per player
- 18-Hole Green Fee – Riding: US$470 per player
- Electric Cart Rental: US$45 per player (18 holes)
- Push / Pull Cart: US$15 per player (for walkers)
- Club Rentals: US$60 per player, per day
- Caddies: Available by advance booking through the pro shop (fee + tip extra)
- Real-World Spend: Most visiting golfers should budget in the US$450–$550 range before food/merch, depending on walking vs riding and rentals.
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, short-game area, and practice bunkers
- Rental Clubs: On-site rentals for travelling golfers or those without their own set
- Carts: Electric carts available; push/pull carts for walkers
- Clubhouse & Dining: Clubhouse with bar and restaurant for pre- or post-round food and drinks
- Pro Shop: Fully stocked shop with apparel, balls, accessories, and Pasatiempo-branded merch
- Public Access: Semi-private – daily public tee times, but advance booking is essential, especially weekends and peak season
Note: All rates are based on Pasatiempo’s posted fees as of 2025 and can change with season and demand. Always confirm current prices directly with the club before booking.
3. Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Spyglass Hill is one of the toughest and most visually stunning public-access courses in California. With a front nine carved through coastal dunes and a back nine routed through dense Del Monte Forest, this course offers one of the most dramatic layout transitions in American golf.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~ 6,960 yards from the championship tees
- Par: 72
- Course Rating / Slope: ~ 75.5 / 145 (very challenging)
- Style: Coastal dunes opening holes transitioning into tight, tree-lined forest fairways
- Walkability: Walkable; carts available but restricted to cart-path only
💵Pricing (Public Access)
- Green Fee: US$525 per player
- Cart Fee: US$60 per person (cart-path only)
- Pull / Push Cart: US$20
- Caddie (Optional): ~ US$155 for a single-bag caddie (tip not included)
- Rental Clubs: ~ US$115 + tax per set
- Realistic Total Spend: US$600–$700+ depending on cart, caddie, and rentals
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice Facilities: Driving range, putting green, bunker & short-game areas
- Rental Clubs: High-quality rental sets available
- Carts with GPS: Electric carts equipped with GPS (path-only)
- Clubhouse Dining: Full-service dining and lounge areas for pre- and post-round meals
- Pro Shop: Fully stocked with apparel, balls, accessories, and Spyglass-branded gear
- Public Access: Open to public golfers; advance booking strongly recommended
Note: All prices reflect the most up-to-date 2025–2026 posted rates and may vary by season or booking date. Always confirm current rates before reserving.
4. Torrey Pines Golf Course (South)
Torrey Pines South is one of the most famous municipal courses in the world, sitting on bluffs above the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla. It hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open and has staged multiple U.S. Opens.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~7,800 yards from the championship tees (U.S. Open setup)
- Par: 72
- Style: Clifftop coastal layout with wide fairways, deep bunkers, and small, firm greens
- Difficulty: Tour-level challenge with frequent wind off the ocean
- Walkability: Walkable but long; many visitors use carts or push carts
💵Pricing & Value
- Non-Resident 18 Holes: US$246 (Mon–Thu) / US$306 (Fri–Sun & holidays)
- Non-Resident Twilight: US$148–185 depending on day
- San Diego Resident 18 Holes: about US$71–88 depending on day
- Cart Fee: about US$45 per cart for 18 holes (not included in green fee)
- Realistic Spend: Non-residents usually spend US$280–350+ after cart and fees
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Driving range, putting and chipping greens
- Rental Clubs: Available for traveling golfers
- Carts & Trolleys: Power carts and pull carts available
- Clubhouse: Pro shop, grill, bar, and patios overlooking the ocean
- Access: Public municipal course, but prime tee times require advance booking
Note: Torrey Pines uses city/municipal pricing that can change year to year. Always confirm current rates on the official site before booking.
5. Trump National LA
Trump National LA sits top the cliffs of Rancho Palos Verdes with sweeping views of Catalina Island best public golf courses in california. It’s a showpiece daily-fee course with huge bunkers, waterfalls, and a glamorous clubhouse.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~ 7,200+ yards from the back tees
- Par: 71
- Style: Oceanfront cliffs with barrancas, big bunkers, and elevated tees
- Difficulty: Demanding with coastal wind and sloping lies
- Walkability: Technically walkable, but most guests ride due to terrain and distances
💵 Pricing & Value
- Green Fee Range: ~ US$165–215 for standard 18-hole tee times
- Peak / Premium Slots: Some weekend and peak-season packages start around US$300–400+ per player
- Rental Clubs: About US$100 per set (includes balls)
- Practice Balls: Large range bag around US$30
- Realistic Spend: Many players budget US$250–400+ including green fee, cart, and extras
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Full driving range, putting and chipping greens
- Carts with GPS: Power carts with GPS standard
- Clubhouse: Large, luxury clubhouse with restaurant, bar, terraces, and locker rooms
- Rental Clubs: Premium rentals on site
- Access: Public daily-fee course with online tee times and dynamic pricing
Note: Rates are dynamically priced and can change quickly with demand. Check the official tee time portal for live pricing.
6. The Links at Spanish Bay
The Links at Spanish Bay is Pebble Beach’s windswept, Scottish-inspired seaside course, weaving through sand dunes and pines along 17-Mile Drive with constant ocean views and evening bagpiper vibes.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,820 yards from the back tees
- Par: 72
- Style: Links-inspired coastal routing through dunes, native grasses, and shoreline
- Difficulty: Medium-high; wind is a major defense
- Walkability: Walkable and best enjoyed on foot, though carts are available
💵 Pricing & Value (Approx.)
- Green Fee Range: Typically around US$300–400+ depending on season and package
- Resort Packages: Often bundled with hotel stays at Pebble Beach Resorts
- Carts: Included or added as a separate fee depending on package
- Rental Clubs: Premium rentals available similar to other Pebble courses
- Realistic Spend: Expect US$350–450+ for a round once all extras are included
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Access to Pebble practice areas, putting greens, and short-game facilities
- Clubhouse & Dining: Restaurants and lounges with ocean views at Spanish Bay
- Carts & Rentals: Carts (often with GPS), rental clubs, caddies by request
- Resort Access: Part of Pebble Beach Resorts with full lodging and spa options
- Note: Scheduled for a major renovation closure starting March 2026 (timing may affect availability)
Note: Fees for Spanish Bay are dynamic and tied to Pebble Beach resort packages. Always check the official Pebble Beach site for current rates and possible closures.
7. CordeValle Golf Club
CordeValle is a secluded, luxury golf retreat in San Martin with a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course winding through rolling foothills, vineyards, and creeks. It has hosted PGA Tour and LPGA events and is known for a very private club feel.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~7,200 yards from the back tees
- Par: 72
- Style: Parkland/foothill routing with elevation changes, creeks, and strategic bunkering
- Difficulty: Championship-level challenge with fast, pure greens
- Walkability: Walkable with a caddie, but many guests ride due to terrain
💵 2025 Pricing & Value (Resort/Semi-Private)
- Access: Primarily for members and resort guests; limited public/tournament play
- Tournament / Guest Round: ~ US$175+ including cart and base caddie fee
- Resort Guest Rounds: Expect effective green fees in the US$200–300+ range once taxes and fees are included
- Caddies: Strong caddie program; gratuity expected
- Realistic Spend: Often US$250–350+ per round for non-members staying on property
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Full driving range, short-game area, and putting greens
- Resort: On-site luxury lodging, spa, and fine dining
- Clubhouse: High-end locker rooms, lounge, and wine-country atmosphere
- Carts & Rentals: Power carts and rental clubs available
- Access Model: Best experienced as part of a stay-and-play package
Note: CordeValle does not publish a simple public “daily-fee” rack rate; pricing depends heavily on membership or resort package.
8. PGA West (Stadium Course)
The Stadium Course at PGA West is a best public golf courses in california, Pete Dye’s famous desert design known for deep bunkers, water everywhere, and the island-green 17th “Alcatraz.” It’s one of the most intimidating public-access courses in California.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~7,300 yards from the back tees
- Par: 72
- Style: Stadium-style desert layout with water, railroad-tie bunkers, and visually intimidating shots
- Difficulty: Extremely challenging; high slope and course rating
- Walkability: Technically walkable, but desert heat and spacing make carts standard
💵Pricing & Value
- Prime Morning Tee Times: Often around US$300–400+ during peak season
- Midday / Off-Peak: Commonly in the US$175–250 range
- Late Twilight: ~ US$100–150 depending on season and daylight
- Carts: Typically included in the green fee
- Realistic Spend: Most visitors budget US$200–350 per round in peak season
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Shared PGA West ranges, putting greens, and short-game areas
- Resort Tie-In: Linked with La Quinta Resort & Club and other PGA West courses
- Rental Clubs: Available through the resort complex
- Clubhouse & Dining: Bars, grills, and event spaces around the complex
- Access: Public-access through dynamic online tee times and stay-and-play packages
Note: Rates swing widely with season and time of day. Always check the official booking engine for current dynamic pricing.
9. Pelican Hill (Ocean South)
Pelican Hill’s Ocean South course offers clifftop holes with Pacific views, perfect turf, and a high-end resort setting in Newport Coast. It’s built for precision, scenery, and service rather than maximum brutality.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,500+ yards from the back tees
- Par: 70–72 depending on setup
- Style: Coastal parkland with canyon carries and ocean-view holes
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging; more about angles and strategy than sheer length
- Walkability: Generally played by cart due to elevation and resort style
💵 Pricing & Value
- Resort Guest Rates: Commonly around US$300–350 in prime times
- Public Guest Rates: Often around US$400+ in prime season
- Twilight: Can drop to the low-US$200s depending on day and demand
- High-Demand Slots: Dynamic pricing can push some times much higher
- Realistic Spend: Many golfers budget US$300–450 for a round here
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Resort: Pelican Hill Resort with bungalows, villas, spa, and pools
- Practice: High-end range and short-game areas with ocean backdrop
- Carts with GPS: Power carts equipped with GPS standard
- Rental Clubs: Premium rentals available
- Dining: Multiple on-course and resort dining options with sea views
Note: Pelican Hill uses full dynamic pricing. Check their online rates calendar for up-to-date numbers.
10. La Quinta Resort (Mountain Course)
The Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort is a Pete Dye desert layout that climbs right into the Santa Rosa Mountains, with holes pressed against rock walls, dramatic elevation changes, and strong visuals.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,700–6,800 yards from the back tees
- Par: 72
- Style: Desert-mountain hybrid with canyon holes, pot bunkers, and rock backdrops
- Difficulty: Moderately tough with tight landing areas and elevation
- Walkability: Mostly cart golf due to heat and terrain
💵 Pricing & Value
- Prime Season Rounds: Often in the US$150–250 range depending on day and package
- Off-Peak / Shoulder: Can drop below US$150, especially in hot summer
- Carts: Usually included in the green fee
- Rental Clubs: Available via the resort and PGA West complexes
- Realistic Spend: Most guests budget US$160–230 for a peak-season round
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Shared ranges and practice areas with La Quinta/PGA West
- Resort: Historic La Quinta Resort & Club with casitas, spa, and restaurants
- Carts & Rentals: Power carts standard, rental clubs available
- Dining: Multiple resort dining spots on and off the course
- Access: Public-access for resort guests and daily-fee golfers via online booking
Note: Exact green fees vary by season, package, and time of day; check La Quinta’s booking portal for current rates.
11. The Journey at Pechanga
The Journey at Pechanga is a best public golf courses in california with a dramatic resort course in Temecula routed across canyons and hills with big elevation changes and views over wine country, tied directly to Pechanga Resort & Casino.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~7,100–7,200 yards from the back tees
- Par: 72
- Style: Canyon and hill routing with forced carries and elevated tees
- Difficulty: Challenging but playable if you choose the right tees
- Walkability: Primarily cart-only due to distances and elevation
💵Pricing and Value
- Hotel Guest Rate: US$168 per player
- Public Guest Rate: US$210 per player
- Military & Guest: US$168 per player
- Carts: Included with the rate
- Realistic Spend: Expect around US$170–220 for a standard round
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Full range, putting green, and short-game area
- Resort: On-site hotel, casino, spa, and multiple restaurants
- Rental Clubs: Available for visiting golfers
- Carts: Power carts required, included in rate
- Access: Public-access with online reservations up to 7 days in advance
Note: Rates are current for 2025 but may be adjusted; always confirm on Pechanga’s official Journey page.
12. Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club
Quail Lodge is a friendly, walkable resort course in Carmel Valley with consistently excellent conditions, water features, and a relaxed atmosphere just inland from the Monterey coast.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,450–6,500 yards
- Par: 71
- Style: Parkland resort layout with lakes, river crossings, and tree-lined fairways
- Difficulty: Fair and playable for most handicaps
- Walkability: Very walkable; carts also available
💵 Pricing & Value
- Weekday 18 Holes: ~ US$140 including cart
- Weekend/Holiday 18 Holes: ~ US$175 including cart
- Twilight & Packages: Discounted twilight and stay-and-play deals available
- Rental Clubs: Offered for hotel guests and public players
- Realistic Spend: US$140–180 for most visitors
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Resort: On-site lodge with rooms, pool, and spa services
- Practice: Driving range and putting green
- Carts & Rentals: Power carts and rental clubs available
- Dining: Restaurant and bar with views over the course
- Access: Public resort course with online booking
Note: Exact fees vary by season and package; check Quail Lodge’s site or phone the pro shop for current rates.
13. Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course
Pine Mountain Lake is a friendly public course in Groveland, near Yosemite National Park, offering tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and a relaxed mountain-town vibe at very accessible prices.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,380 yards
- Par: 70
- Style: Mountain parkland with doglegs and elevation changes
- Difficulty: Fair test for most handicaps; accuracy off the tee helps
- Walkability: Very walkable; carts popular but not essential
💵 Pricing and Value
- Public 18 Holes w/ Cart: US$74
- Public 9 Holes w/ Cart: US$45
- Public Twilight w/ Cart: US$52
- Public Super-Twilight w/ Cart: US$45
- Walking: Walking rates available at twilight and later
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Driving range and putting green
- Clubhouse: Small pro shop and grill/restaurant
- Carts: Power carts and pull carts available
- Programs: Junior clinics and local events
- Access: Public tee times with additional discounts for property owners and guests
Note: 2025 rates are published on Pine Mountain Lake’s official rack card; always check for any updates.
14. The Classic Club
Classic Club is an Arnold Palmer-designed course in Palm Desert and best public golf courses in california with lakes, pines, and tour-style shaping. It’s a former Bob Hope/Desert Classic host and feels more like a stadium parkland course than a bare-bones desert track.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: Around 7,300 yards from the tips
- Par: 72
- Style: Water-rich, pine-lined resort layout with big greens and bunkers
- Difficulty: Challenging but very playable with multiple tee sets
- Walkability: Mostly cart golf, though walking is possible in cooler months
💵 Pricing & Value
- Peak Season Rounds: ~ US$120–160
- Summer / Off-Peak: Discounts can bring rates under US$100
- Carts: Normally included in the green fee
- Food Credit: Many rates include a small food & beverage credit
- Realistic Spend: US$110–160 for prime-season visitors
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Clubhouse: Large modern clubhouse with restaurant and events space
- Practice: Full range, putting green, and short-game area
- Carts & Rentals: Power carts included; rental clubs available
- Dining: On-site grill/restaurant with patio seating
- Access: Public tee times via resort and online booking platforms
Note: Exact green fees change with season and specials; check Classic Club’s official site or tee time partners.
15. Paso Robles Golf Club
Paso Robles Golf Club is an updated public course in wine country with mature trees, improved fairways and greens, and a friendly community feel – ideal as a casual round on a wine trip.
⛳ Course Layout & Playability
- Yardage: ~6,150 yards
- Par: 70
- Style: Parkland routing with tree-lined fairways and modest elevation
- Difficulty: Accessible for most golfers; solid test without being punishing
- Walkability: Very walkable; carts commonly used but not required
💵Pricing and Value
- Weekday 18 Holes: ~ US$74
- Weekend 18 Holes: ~ US$84
- Cart (18 Holes): ~ US$21 per rider
- Twilight & 9-Hole: Discounted options available
- Realistic Spend: Typically US$80–100 including cart
🏨 Amenities & Facilities
- Practice: Driving range and practice area
- Clubhouse: Restaurant and bar popular with locals
- Carts: Power carts and pull carts available
- Programs: Leagues, events, and instruction
- Access: Fully public with easy tee time access
Note: 2025 green fees are taken from the club’s published rate sheet; always verify for any new season changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Palm Springs and Palm Desert Resorts area is perceived to be the golf capital of not only California but the whole world.
The place is blessed with over 130 golf courses and great weather and natural beauty to back it up. That is why it is one of the top golf destinations in the world.
California is one of the top golf destinations in terms of the number of golf courses. The state has more than 900 golf courses that spread throughout all regions of California.
As mentioned earlier, the Golden State’s vast landscape allows golfers to choose their favorite spot, whether it is the coastlines, mountains, desert, or forest.
There are several premier golf courses in Los Angeles that have public access, but the most expensive and prestigious one is Trump National Golf Club.
The club offers a similar experience that you would get at top private golf courses.
Final Thoughts
California is a massive state that covers the vast area on the western coast of the country, ranging from the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the east to the Pacific Coast in the west.
The state is also blessed with a huge number of golf courses that could only be equated to those of Florida.
So, when figuring out which golf course to play on your next trip to the Golden State, location will obviously be a limiting factor.
Don’t worry though, because you now have a narrowed-down list of the best public golf courses in California.
Just pick any of the top ten courses, and you will have the best experience. If you are there for a short while, then either the Pebble Beach Golf Links or Spyglass Hill will offer a satisfactory experience.
You may also want to consider Pasatiempo Golf Club and Trump National LA.
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