Top golf courses in California

For San Diego residents, there’s no shortage of golf courses to choose from. The range of courses that you prefer will depend on your level of skill and how committed you are to the game, but there are some standout options too. If you’re looking for somewhere new to unwind as you hit out a few rounds of golf, then California has you covered. With the Californian scenery making everything better, golf is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to revel in being in the great outdoors, and all while getting a little light exercise too! If you're looking for a new course, then these are the best golf courses in the whole of Cali.

1. Pasatiempo, Santa Cruz

Designed by one of the greats, this Alister MacKenzie course is iconic. Open since 1929; it has a long history that means players will be following in the footsteps of some of the most important golfing names in the world. It might be one to avoid if you’re new to the game, as it is known as a particularly challenging course. However, even if you’re hitting the ball into the sand every other shot, you will still be able to revel in the idyllic surroundings. Make sure that you have a good selection of excellent golf clubs to play with in order to get the most from your round! Pasatiempo is a semi-private club, which means that members of the public can enjoy a game there at select times of the day.

2. Stadium Course at PGA West, La Quinta

Even non-golfers have heard of the Bob Hope Classic (although it’s now called the PGA Tour CareerBuilder Challenge), and this course is one of the reasons why it’s such a famous tournament. A stunning course that should be high on the dream destination list for golfers of all skill levels, there are some key highlights. Designed by famed golf course designer Pete Dye, there are some extremely difficult sections of the course, with hole 17 perhaps the most challenging. Also known as the Alcatraz hole, players have to land the ball on a green that is situated on a small island. Motivation is high though, as golfers hope to follow in the footsteps of Lee Trevino, who scored himself a hole in one on Alcatraz, and earned a whopping $175,000.

3. TPC Harding Park, San Francisco

Owned by the SF Department of Parks and Recreation, this public course is a beautiful example of the rich surroundings of California. It’s advisable to book your tee-time in advance, although walk-ins are allowed for those who just want to try out the nine-hole Fleming Course. Although the 1920s design has seen some changes, it still retains that ic

onic 20s feel. The improvements to the course that allowed it to be part of the PGA tour events have been nothing but stellar, making this course not just one of the finest in California, but one of the most stunning in America.

Golf is a great way to unwind and relax in the best surroundings that California has to offer. If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside and get exploring the best of the Californian outdoors, then these top golf courses are the perfect excuse to work on your par.