When you grow out of the Fairfax hype, you graduate to the green. We’ve sifted through many of the mundane to find the best of the best. These courses are where your Drake NOCTA Golf capsule pieces won't go unnoticed, and we kinda like that.
As native Californians, we take our golf seriously. Not as seriously as we do our vodka drinking, but still pretty serious. When it comes to perfecting our backswing and avoiding water hazards, we're all in. So we've put together this list of the 10 best SoCal golf courses, perfect for any level of player. Whether you're from Los Angeles or San Diego, these courses will have you teeing off in no time. Cheers!
1. South Course at Pelican Hill
Pelican Hill is a Tom Fazio design that can be challenging to play. The course has sage and eucalyptus trees lining the fairways, which quickly give way to rocky cliffs on either side of you before plummeting down towards crystal blue Pacific water below; it's not over-the-top Augusta National type terrain but still demands precision off both tee boxes as well as greens!
2. Ojai Valley Inn
Is that dude wearing birkenstocks on the green? One of the best kept secrets in all of Southern, CA is the Ojai Valley Inn, just a few miles east of Santa Barbara.
Built in 1923, this track is quintessential West Coast old-style design. The course traverses expansive canyons and features narrow fairways and small greens. You won’t need the driver much out here. Afterwards, check out Ojai's Hot Springs.
3. The Classic Club
Another great public track in Palm Desert is the Classic Club. Once home to the Bob Hope Classic, this course affords a Tour-level experience to the average Joe. The clubhouse is huge and boasts world class dining, spacious locker rooms, and plenty of space to host your next party or event. The golf is verdant from wall-to-wall. Tree lined fairways and expansive greens are always kept in great shape.
4. Oak Quarry Golf Club
One of Riverside’s finest is Oak Quarry Golf Club. Built on the site of the historic Jensen Quarry, this track has plenty of rocky, jagged features you won’t find anywhere else. Hole #14 has been voted the ”Best Par 3 in Southern California” and the par four 4th the “Prettiest Par Four.” It’s not hard to see why. Be sure to take full advantage of the practice facilities before your round. They’re first-rate.
5. Angeles National Golf Course
The only Jack Nicklaus design in Los Angeles County is Angeles National. Situated at the base of the Angeles National Forest, this course has generous fairways and expansive greens. Keeping focused on your round might be the toughest part about playing this course. That’s because the views of the valley below and surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Plan to spend the day out here. Not because pace of play is slow, but because there’s so many world class amenities to enjoy.
