How were the Top 25 public courses in California ranked?

The list is data-driven, based on 5,000+ verified golfer reviews, 1,500+ Reddit mentions and forum threads, and sentiment analysis. Each course earned a Confidence Score from 80–99 reflecting review volume, sentiment, and recency.

What does the Confidence Score mean?

It’s a 100-point indicator (80–99 for ranked courses) that blends review volume, sentiment, and how recent the feedback is. Higher scores indicate stronger, more current, and more consistent golfer approval.

Are private clubs included?

No. Only public-access courses are included—daily-fee, resort, or semi-private courses that offer public tee times.

How often is the ranking updated?

Annually. The 2025 edition refreshes golfer sentiment, review data, and green fee examples; future editions will update the title year while keeping the same URL.

What are typical green fees at Pebble Beach?

Pebble Beach Golf Links typically posts $675–$725 (Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026). Resort stays are usually required for advance bookings.

Is Spyglass Hill harder than Pebble Beach?

Many golfers consider Spyglass the tougher test. It opens with dune-lined, ocean-view holes before shifting to demanding forest corridors that reward precision over power.

When is the best time to play Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula?

Generally April–October for firmer turf and better visibility. Winter can bring more wind and spray but may offer lower rates.

What are Torrey Pines South non-resident rates?

Non-resident green fees are typically about $202 on weekdays and $252 on weekends, with lower rates available to California and San Diego residents.

Is Rams Hill open year-round?

No. Rams Hill is typically a seasonal desert course, best November–May, and usually closes during peak summer heat.

When is the best season to play in the Coachella Valley (Palm Springs area)?

Prime conditions are November–April after overseed. Summer is very hot but often has significant green-fee deals.

What’s a good budget-friendly coastal alternative to Pebble?

Pacific Grove Golf Links is a beloved muni with a dunesy, oceanfront back nine and lighthouse views—often called the “Poor Man’s Pebble.”

How can I plan a California golf trip using this guide?

Start with the Top 25 list to shortlist courses by region and season, then use the Pebble Beach and Palm Springs trip templates or request a custom 18Away plan for tee times, hotels, and dining.

Do green fees change by time and season?

Yes. Many courses use dynamic pricing and seasonal grids. Morning and peak-season tee times tend to be higher; twilight and shoulder seasons are often cheaper.

Why include semi-private courses?

If a semi-private course offers public daily-fee access, it’s functionally public for trip planning. The list focuses on where non-members can actually book and play.

Public Golf

Top 25 Public Golf Courses in California: Ranked by Real Golfers (2025)

Powered by thousands of real golfer reviews and sentiment, with green fees, best time to play, insider tips, and confidence scores.

August 2nd, 2025 · 9 min read

By Ryan at 18Away

Introduction

From the cliffs of Pebble Beach to hidden gems in the desert and mountains, California offers one of the most diverse and spectacular golf landscapes in the world.

This Top 25 list isn’t based on magazine editors or industry insiders; it’s powered by real golfers. We analyzed 5,000+ verified reviews, thousands of Reddit mentions, and sentiment scores to find the courses players actually love to play.

The result: a transparent, data-driven ranking of California’s best public-access golf courses, whether daily-fee, resort, or semi-private with public tee times.

Scroll down from #25 to #1 to see which courses made the cut.

Methodology

Signal Sources: 5,000+ reviews from GolfPass, Golf Advisor, TripAdvisor, and Google.
Community Buzz: 1,500+ Reddit mentions and forum threads analyzed.
Confidence Score: Each course earned a score (80–99/100) based on review volume, sentiment, and recency.
Public Access Only: Only courses open to the public, resorts, or semi-privates with daily-fee play were included.

25. The Links at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: True seaside links vibes with dunes, pot bunkers, and a bagpiper at sunset. Shorter and more playful than Pebble or Spyglass, but the ambience and closing stretch along the beach are unforgettable.

Best time to play: April–October for clearer afternoons; winter brings more wind and spray, but can be cheaper.

Green fees: Typically around $365 public rack, with resort/destination packages and limited day-of access.

Insider tip: Book a late tee time and plan to linger at the fire pits for sunset.

Confidence Score: 80/100 (signal volume ~500 reviews)

24. Oak Quarry Golf Club (Riverside)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: A dramatic quarry setting with gleaming white cliffs. The par-3 14th (“Spinel”) over water is a SoCal bucket-list shot, and the rest of the routing balances thrills with playability.

Best time to play: October–May for cooler temps and firmer turf.

Green fees: Dynamic, with posted seasonal ranges (e.g., $95–$125 in late fall/winter) and day-by-day tee-sheet pricing.

Insider tip: Morning rounds are calmer; afternoon winds can add a club.

Confidence score: 81/100

23. Old Greenwood (Truckee)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: A Jack Nicklaus design in the Tahoe pines with generous landing areas, contoured greens, and altitude-boosted drives. Polished summer conditions and a tranquil mountain setting.

Best time to play: Late June–September; shoulder months depend on snowmelt.

Green fees: $225 AM; $157 PM/Late PM (public rate grid).

Insider tip: Pair it with nearby Gray’s Crossing for a perfect Tahoe double.

Confidence score: 82/100

22. Soule Park (Ojai)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: Gil Hanse’s redesign transformed a muni into a strategic, wide-landing-value gem. Walkable, scenic, and priced like a local course while feeling like a private club.

Best time to play: October–May for the best combo of temps and firmness.

Green fees: Rack posted around $65 weekdays / $90 Fri–Sun (walking); twilight and Ojai resident discounts available.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the width off the tee but respect the undulating greens.

Confidence score: 83/100

21. Coronado Golf Course (Coronado)

Course type: Municipal

Why golfers love it: One of America’s great muni bargains. Flat and friendly, but the San Diego Bay setting, skyline views, and sea breezes make it memorable every time.

Best time to play: Year-round; winter light and calm mornings are lovely.

Green fees: Non-resident $65 weekday / $86 weekend; lower rates for residents.

Insider tip: Book early and consider twilight for magic-hour views at a deal.

Confidence score: 84/100 (signal volume ~1,000)

20. Aviara Golf Club (Carlsbad)

Course type: Resort

Why golfers love it: Arnold Palmer’s botanical showcase with water features, wildflowers, and lagoon vistas. Home of the LPGA, it pairs tournament pedigree with garden-like tranquility.

Best time to play: March–October for peak bloom and firmer conditions.

Green fees: Official 2025 schedule shows $325 AM / $250 mid-day / $180 twilight (Jan–Mar); summer/fall grids also published.

Insider tip: Expect slick greens; favor below-the-hole approaches.

Confidence score: 85/100

19. TPC Harding Park (San Francisco)

Course type: Municipal

Why golfers love it: A major-championship test anyone can walk. Lake Merced breezes, cypress corridors, and a classic parkland vibe where Tiger and Morikawa have won.

Best time to play: Spring–fall; winter is playable but softer.

Green fees: $85 for SF residents up to ~$240 for non-residents, depending on day/time.

Insider tip: Conditions and pace are best early; afternoon wind adds bite.

Confidence score: 85/100 (signal volume ~1,000)

18. Pacific Grove Golf Links (Pacific Grove)

Course type: Municipal

Why golfers love it: The “Poor Man’s Pebble.” A modest parkland front nine gives way to a dunesy, oceanfront back nine with lighthouse views and pure coastal charm.

Best time to play: April–October for clearer afternoons; marine layer can roll in anytime.

Green fees: Non-resident $65 weekday / $86 weekend (18-hole walking); twilight deals available.

Insider tip: Twilight is sublime, bring a light sweater and your camera.

Confidence score: 86/100 (signal volume ~800)

17. Pine Mountain Lake (Groveland)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: An unpretentious mountain course near Yosemite with friendly vibes, scenic doglegs, and consistently good greens, a sleeper that golfers adore.

Best time to play: May–October; winters can be chilly and damp.

Green fees: Public $74 for 18 holes with cart (rack card).

Insider tip: Make a Yosemite weekend of it; morning rounds are the calmest.

Confidence score: 87/100 (signal volume ~250)

16. Classic Club (Palm Desert)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: An Arnold Palmer “modern classic” with pines, water, and tour-level grooming, unique for the desert. Breezes add bite, and the finishing stretch brings great risk-reward.

Best time to play: November–April post-overseed; summer is hot but value-packed.

Green fees: Prime winter rounds commonly land in the low- to mid-$200s, with shoulder-season deals lower; tee sheets and directories reflect ~$200+ typical peaks.

Insider tip: Club selection in the wind is everything; aim for mid-morning.

Confidence score: 87/100

15. Journey at Pechanga (Temecula)

Course type: Resort

Why golfers love it: Roller-coaster canyon golf with a famous 300-foot drop tee shot, tunnel drives, and varied terrain. It’s challenging, scenic, and exuberantly fun.

Best time to play: March–June and September–November.

Green fees: Public $210; hotel guest $168 (published resort rates).

Insider tip: GPS carts are essential; pace improves if you play ready golf on the big climbs.

Confidence score: 88/100

14. Desert Willow, Firecliff (Palm Desert)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: Colorful desert landscaping, mountain views, and strategic bunkering. A locals’ favorite for conditioning and value with a strong, water-influenced finish.

Best time to play: November–April; summer deals if you can handle the heat.

Green fees: Dynamic pricing via the resort’s tee sheet; city/resident programs offer additional discounts. Expect prime-season public rates typically in the $150–$200 band, with lower shoulder/summer pricing.

Insider tip: If you want something tamer, the Mountain View course is your alternate.

Confidence score: 89/100 (signal volume ~550)

13. Sandpiper Golf Club (Santa Barbara)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: Blufftop holes above the Pacific deliver Pebble-esque moments at a fraction of the price. Conditions fluctuate, but the scenery keeps golfers coming back.

Best time to play: March–October for firmer turf and clearer views.

Green fees: $205 weekday / $240 weekend (includes cart).

Insider tip: The wind is real; choose conservative lines and embrace knock-downs.

Confidence score: 89/100 (signal volume ~500)

12. PGA West, TPC Stadium (La Quinta)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: Pete Dye at his most mischievous, deep bunkers, water everywhere, and the island-green 17 (“Alcatraz”). A badge-of-honor round with Tour history.

Best time to play: November–April post-overseed; summer is brutal but discounted.

Green fees: Published 2025 schedule is $310–$399 morning, ~$316 mid-day, ~$177 at 2 pm, ~$112 after 3 pm (in-season).

Insider tip: Expect a longer pace on busy days; bring extra balls and patience.

Confidence score: 90/100 (signal volume ~700)

11. Half Moon Bay, Ocean Course (Half Moon Bay)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: A coastal links feel with a spectacular cliffside finish and the Ritz-Carlton backdrop. Firm, wind-etched terrain rewards creativity.

Best time to play: April–October; marine layer mornings are common.

Green fees: Dynamic; recent public tee sheets show ~$130–$190+ depending on day/time.

Insider tip: Plan a post-round drink overlooking 18, one of NorCal’s best views.

Confidence score: 90/100

10. Pelican Hill, Ocean North (Newport Coast)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: Tom Fazio’s clifftop vistas, wide fairways, and big, tiered greens, the definition of “postcard golf,” with five-star service.

Best time to play: March–October for consistent sun; winter has softer turf.

Green fees: Starting at $425 prime-time. Twilight and shoulder slots are priced lower.

Insider tip: Book late afternoon for golden-hour photos on the par-3s.

Confidence score: 91/100

9. Rustic Canyon (Moorpark)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: Gil Hanse’s firm-and-fast, minimalist masterclass where angles and creativity matter more than brute force, all at muni-friendly pricing.

Best time to play: October–May for firm, fast conditions and cooler temps.

Green fees: $65 Mon–Thu / $90 Fri–Sun (walking); dynamic/twilight deals on top.

Insider tip: Walk it if you can; you’ll see better lines and enjoy the routing.

Confidence score: 92/100

8. Maderas Golf Club (Poway)

Course type: Public

Why golfers love it: A canyon-threading Johnny Miller design with elevated tees, ravine carries, and pristine greens, plus a private-club level of service.

Best time to play: Year-round; spring and fall are sweet spots.

Green fees: Dynamic. Recent prime-time examples show ~$259 with mid-day/late-day rates lower.

Insider tip: Most uphill approaches need an extra club; don’t get cute.

Confidence score: 92/100

7. Indian Wells, Celebrity Course

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: “Prettiest course in the desert” energy, waterfalls, streams, florals, and mountain backdrops with tour-caliber grooming.

Best time to play: November–April; summers are toasty but cheap.

Green fees: Dynamic pricing via the resort’s booking engine; typical peak-season public rounds trend ~$150–$200+ with lower shoulder/summer deals.

Insider tip: If you’re choosing just one, pick Celebrity for the wow factor.

Confidence score: 93/100 (signal volume ~600)

6. Yocha Dehe Golf Club (Brooks)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: Vineyard and olive-grove scenery, seclusion, and immaculate conditions. It feels like a private club that happens to be public.

Best time to play: April–June and September–October.

Green fees: Dynamic; recent 2025 tee-sheet examples show ~$122–$219 depending on day/time.

Insider tip: The downhill 17th is the postcard swing; keep the drive center-left.

Confidence score: 94/100 (signal volume ~500)

5. Torrey Pines, South Course (La Jolla)

a person flying a kite on top of a hill near the ocean

Course type: Municipal

Why golfers love it: A U.S. Open venue with muni soul, coastal bluffs, kikuyu fairways, and small, sloped greens. The value of walking a major test is unmatched.

Best time to play: Late winter–spring near the Farmers for peak prep; summer for clearer views.

Green fees: Non-resident $202 weekday / $252 weekend; CA resident and SD resident rates are much lower.

Insider tip: Book early; if you’re new to Torrey, the North Course is a friendlier warm-up.

Confidence score: 94/100 (signal volume 2,000+)

4. Rams Hill (Borrego Springs)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: Tom Fazio’s desert oasis with flawless conditioning, sculpted bunkers, and a house-free hush. Hospitality (and the famous apple pie) seals it.

Best time to play: Typically November–May; closed in peak-summer heat.

Green fees: Seasonal grid shows $140–$165 late Sept/early Oct, rising later in prime season.

Insider tip: Make it a stay-and-play and stargaze — the night sky is unreal.

Confidence score: 95/100 (signal volume ~600)

3. Pasatiempo (Santa Cruz)

Course type: Semi-Private, Public Access

Why golfers love it: Alister MacKenzie’s strategic art: masterful green complexes, bold contour, and brilliant routing. Not long, but endlessly interesting.

Best time to play: March–October for firmer turf and fast greens.

Green fees: $425 to walk / $470 to ride (public); dynamic by day.

Insider tip: Below the hole is mandatory; downhill putts can run away.

Confidence score: 96/100 (signal volume ~800)

2. Spyglass Hill (Pebble Beach)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: Dune-lined ocean-view openers (1–5) give way to demanding forest corridors, many rate it tougher than Pebble, and it's a purist’s delight.

Best time to play: April–October; mornings are clearer, wind can build later.

Green fees: $460–$470 (posted for Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026).

Insider tip: Position over power, fairway woods off certain tees save shots.

Confidence score: 97/100 (signal volume ~1,200)

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach)

Course type: Resort/Public

Why golfers love it: The holy grail of public golf: cliffside holes (4, 6–10, 17, 18), tiny tilted greens, and U.S. Open history. A “spiritual” round that lives up to the hype.

Best time to play: April–October for firm turf and better visibility; winter offers softer conditions and lower rates.

Green fees: $675–$725 (posted for Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026; resort stay required for advance bookings).

Insider tip: If budget allows, play 36, a golden-hour finish along Carmel Bay is bucket-list stuff.

Confidence score: 99/100 (signal volume 2,000+)

Honorable Mentions

Gray’s Crossing (Truckee)
CordeValle (San Martin, limited public)
La Purisima (Lompoc)
Monarch Beach (Dana Point)
Eagle Glen (Corona)

Planning California Golf Trip?

Whether you’re dreaming of Pebble Beach or seeking hidden gems in Palm Springs, planning a California golf trip can be overwhelming. That’s where we help:

Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz and see which destinations fit your vibe.

Sources & Data

This 2025 ranking is based on golfer sentiment from 5,000+ reviews and 1,500+ Reddit mentions collected between 2022 and 2025 in California. By using a three-year dataset, we captured both recent buzz and long-term consistency.

Data was aggregated from:

Reddit golf community threads
GolfPass (formerly Golf Advisor) rankings and reviews
Google, TheGrint, and other public review platforms
Verified media coverage of GolfPass Players’ Choice awards

References

Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.

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Introduction

Methodology

25. The Links at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach)

24. Oak Quarry Golf Club (Riverside)

23. Old Greenwood (Truckee)

22. Soule Park (Ojai)

21. Coronado Golf Course (Coronado)

20. Aviara Golf Club (Carlsbad)

19. TPC Harding Park (San Francisco)

18. Pacific Grove Golf Links (Pacific Grove)

17. Pine Mountain Lake (Groveland)

16. Classic Club (Palm Desert)

15. Journey at Pechanga (Temecula)

14. Desert Willow, Firecliff (Palm Desert)

13. Sandpiper Golf Club (Santa Barbara)

12. PGA West, TPC Stadium (La Quinta)

11. Half Moon Bay, Ocean Course (Half Moon Bay)

10. Pelican Hill, Ocean North (Newport Coast)

9. Rustic Canyon (Moorpark)

8. Maderas Golf Club (Poway)

7. Indian Wells, Celebrity Course

6. Yocha Dehe Golf Club (Brooks)

5. Torrey Pines, South Course (La Jolla)

4. Rams Hill (Borrego Springs)

3. Pasatiempo (Santa Cruz)

2. Spyglass Hill (Pebble Beach)

1. Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach)

Honorable Mentions

Planning California Golf Trip?

Sources & Data

References

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