Golf Tours, Tournaments & Events in California | A Golfer’s Paradise
Golf in California offers a premium experience with diverse courses set against stunning landscapes. From iconic destinations like Pebble Beach Golf Links to inland championship courses and local public greens, the state caters to golfers of all skill levels.
Players can enjoy coastal fairways, desert courses, and lush valleys, all benefiting from California’s mild, year-round climate. Many courses feature top-tier facilities, scenic views, and well-maintained layouts that enhance every round.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, California provides endless opportunities to enjoy the game while taking in some of the most beautiful settings in the country.
Featured Events
The Diversity of California Golf
California’s incredible geographic diversity means golfers can experience:
- Coastal courses: Stunning ocean views and challenging coastal winds
- Desert courses: Lush fairways surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes
- Mountain courses: High-altitude play with spectacular Sierra Nevada views
- Parkland courses: Tree-lined fairways in beautiful settings
- Resort courses: World-class facilities with luxury accommodations
- Municipal courses: Affordable public golf accessible to all
- Private clubs: Exclusive, highly-rated courses
This guide covers the top golf experiences throughout California, from world-famous championship courses to hidden gems.
Major Professional Golf Tournaments
California hosts some of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Champions Tour.
PGA Tour Events
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Pebble Beach)
This iconic tournament combines world-class golf with celebrity appeal. Played across three courses—Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club—the event draws top PGA Tour professionals and Hollywood celebrities.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula CC
- Typical Date: February
- Format: 72-hole stroke play with pro-am format
Highlights: The famous Pebble Beach coastline, celebrity sightings, challenging conditions, stunning scenery.
The American Express (La Quinta)
Formerly the Bob Hope Classic, this tournament is played across three courses in the Palm Springs area. It features a pro-am format and draws a strong field.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Courses: PGA West (Stadium Course, Nicklaus Tournament Course), La Quinta Country Club
- Typical Date: January
- Format: 72-hole stroke play with pro-am format
Highlights: Desert golf, warm winter weather, celebrity participation.
Farmers Insurance Open (San Diego)
Held at the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course, this tournament is a fan favorite. The course overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has hosted numerous major championships.
- Location: San Diego, California
- Course: Torrey Pines Golf Course (South and North Courses)
- Typical Date: January
- Format: 72-hole stroke play
Highlights: Torrey Pines’ famous oceanfront holes, challenging South Course, strong field, views of the Pacific.
Genesis Invitational (Los Angeles)
Hosted by Tiger Woods, this prestigious tournament takes place at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. It attracts one of the strongest fields of the year.
- Location: Pacific Palisades, California
- Course: The Riviera Country Club
- Typical Date: February
- Format: 72-hole stroke play
Highlights: Classic course architecture, strong field, Tiger Woods as host, Los Angeles setting.
LPGA Tour Events
JTBC Classic (Carlsbad)
This LPGA event is played at Aviara Golf Club, a beautiful resort course overlooking the Pacific.
- Location: Carlsbad, California
- Course: Aviara Golf Club
- Typical Date: March
- Format: 72-hole stroke play
Highlights: Coastal views, strong women’s field, resort setting.
KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
This major championship has been held at California courses, including Sahalee Country Club and others.
PGA Tour Champions Events
PURE Insurance Championship (Pebble Beach)
This Champions Tour event is played at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill. It pairs legendary golfers with junior golfers from The First Tee.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Course: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill
- Typical Date: September
- Format: 54-hole stroke play with junior partner component
Highlights: Pebble Beach scenery, legendary players, junior golf involvement.
Major Amateur and Collegiate Events
California hosts some of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and Champions Tour.
California State Amateur Championship
The premier amateur golf event in California. It rotates among the state’s top courses.
NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships
California courses frequently host NCAA regionals and championships.
U.S. Open Qualifying
California courses regularly host local and sectional qualifying for the U.S. Open.
U.S. Amateur
The U.S. Amateur has been held at California courses including Pebble Beach, Olympic Club, and Riviera.
Top Golf Courses in California
California is home to some of the most highly ranked golf courses in the world.
Pebble Beach Golf Links
The most famous public golf course in America. Pebble Beach consistently ranks as one of the top courses in the world. Its stunning oceanfront holes, including the iconic par-3 7th and the dramatic 18th, make it a bucket-list destination.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Architect: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant (1919)
- Highlights: Oceanfront holes, famous 7th hole, 18th hole along the water, host of multiple U.S. Opens and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course
Often ranked among the toughest courses in America, Spyglass Hill combines a dramatic opening five holes through sand dunes with a challenging forested back nine.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr. (1966)
- Highlights: Dunes holes, forested holes, challenging layout.
Cypress Point Club
One of the most exclusive and beautiful courses in the world. Cypress Point is a private club that rarely appears on public lists, but its legendary holes along the Pacific are the stuff of golf lore.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Architect: Alister MacKenzie (1928)
- Highlights: Exclusive, stunning ocean holes, classic MacKenzie design, private.
Poppy Hills Golf Course
A public course in the Pebble Beach area that has hosted PGA Tour events. It winds through the Del Monte Forest and offers a beautiful, challenging layout.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1986); redesign by Tom Fazio (2014)
- Highlights: Forest setting, public access, tournament history.
Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course
A beautiful coastal course that hosts the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Its stunning oceanfront holes rival those of Pebble Beach.
- Location: Pebble Beach, California
- Architect: Seth Raynor (1926); Tom Fazio redesign
- Highlights: Oceanfront holes, championship history.
Torrey Pines South Course
One of the premier municipal golf courses in the world. The South Course has hosted the U.S. Open and is the regular site of the Farmers Insurance Open. Its dramatic oceanfront setting and challenging layout make it a must-play.
- Location: San Diego, California
- Architect: William F. Bell (1957); Rees Jones redesign (2001)
- Highlights: Oceanfront holes, U.S. Open history, challenging layout, public access.
Torrey Pines North Course
A more player-friendly companion to the South Course, with stunning ocean views and a fun layout.
- Location: San Diego, California
- Architect: William F. Bell (1957); Tom Weiskopf redesign (2016)
- Highlights: Ocean views, accessible design, public access.
The Riviera Country Club
One of the most revered courses in America, Riviera is a classic design that has hosted multiple majors and is the permanent home of the Genesis Invitational.
- Location: Pacific Palisades, California
- Architect: George C. Thomas Jr. (1926)
- Highlights: Classic architecture, challenging layout, famous par-4 10th hole, private club.
PGA West Stadium Course
One of the most challenging courses in the desert, designed by Pete Dye. It is famous for its difficult layout and has hosted PGA Tour events.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Architect: Pete Dye (1986)
- Highlights: Challenging design, water hazards, dramatic bunkers.
PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course
A more player-friendly course that hosts the PGA Tour’s American Express tournament.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1987)
- Highlights: Playable design, tournament history.
PGA West Greg Norman Course
Another excellent desert course designed by Greg Norman.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Architect: Greg Norman (1999)
- Highlights: Desert scenery, strategic design.
La Quinta Resort Mountain Course
A classic desert course that has hosted PGA Tour events for decades. Its beautiful setting and interesting design make it a favorite.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Architect: Pete Dye (1980)
- Highlights: Desert scenery, tournament history.
Pelican Hill Golf Club
A stunning coastal resort with two 18-hole courses. Both offer spectacular ocean views and challenging play.
- Location: Newport Beach, California
- Architect: Tom Fazio (1993)
- Highlights: Ocean views, resort amenities, two championship courses.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
One of Alister MacKenzie’s masterpieces, Pasatiempo is a classic design that has influenced courses around the world. It is a public course that welcomes visitors.
- Location: Santa Cruz, California
- Architect: Alister MacKenzie (1929)
- Highlights: Classic MacKenzie design, public access, challenging layout.
Olympic Club Lake Course
One of the most challenging and historic courses in California. The Lake Course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is known for its demanding layout.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Architect: Sam Whiting (1924); Robert Trent Jones Jr. redesign
- Highlights: U.S. Open history, challenging layout, private club.
Harding Park Golf Course
A beautiful public course in San Francisco that has hosted the PGA Championship and Presidents Cup. Its classic design and city setting make it a must-play.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Architect: Willie Watson (1925); Arnold Palmer redesign
- Highlights: PGA Tour history, public access, San Francisco setting.
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club
A classic California course in a beautiful coastal community.
- Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California
- Architect: Max Behr (1928)
- Highlights: Classic design, exclusive community.
Sherwood Country Club
A private club that has hosted PGA Tour events, including the Tiger Woods-hosted tournament.
- Location: Thousand Oaks, California
- Architect: Jack Nicklaus (1989)
- Highlights: Nicklaus design, tournament history.
Aviara Golf Club
A beautiful resort course that hosts the LPGA’s JTBC Classic. Its coastal setting and challenging layout make it a top destination.
- Location: Carlsbad, California
- Architect: Arnold Palmer (1991)
- Highlights: LPGA tournament host, coastal views, resort amenities.
Indian Wells Golf Resort
A top desert resort with two excellent public courses. The Celebrity Course and Players Course offer beautiful desert golf.
- Location: Indian Wells, California
- Architect: John Fought (Celebrity), Clive Clark (Players)
- Highlights: Desert setting, public access, resort amenities.
Classic Club
A public course in the desert that has hosted PGA Tour events. Its challenging layout and beautiful setting make it a favorite.
- Location: Palm Desert, California
- Architect: Arnold Palmer (2005)
- Highlights: PGA Tour history, public access, desert setting.
Desert Willow Golf Resort
A top municipal facility with two excellent courses, Firecliff and Mountain View. Both offer beautiful desert golf.
- Location: Palm Desert, California
- Architect: Michael Hurdzan (Firecliff), Dana Fry (Mountain View)
- Highlights: Public access, desert setting, two courses.
SilverRock Resort
A public course in the desert that has hosted PGA Tour qualifying. Its dramatic setting and challenging layout make it a must-play.
- Location: La Quinta, California
- Architect: Arnold Palmer (2005)
- Highlights: Public access, desert setting, mountain views.
Public Golf Courses
California offers excellent public golf at all price points.
- Torrey Pines Golf Course (San Diego): The premier municipal course in the state. South Course is expensive for non-residents but worth it.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links (Pebble Beach): The most famous public course in America. Rates are high, but it’s a bucket-list experience.
- Spyglass Hill (Pebble Beach): Another top public course at Pebble Beach.
- Pasatiempo Golf Club (Santa Cruz): A classic MacKenzie design open to the public.
- Harding Park (San Francisco): A public course with PGA Tour history.
- Poppy Hills (Pebble Beach): A public course in the Pebble Beach area.
- Indian Wells Golf Resort (Indian Wells): Two excellent public courses in the desert.
- Desert Willow Golf Resort (Palm Desert): Two top municipal courses.
- SilverRock Resort (La Quinta): A public course with PGA Tour history.
Rustic Canyon Golf Course
A highly regarded public course designed by Gil Hanse. It offers a links-style experience.
- Location: Moorpark, California
- Architect: Gil Hanse, Geoff Shackelford (2002)
- Highlights: Links style, affordable, highly rated.
Oak Quarry Golf Club
A stunning public course carved from an old quarry. Its dramatic setting and challenging layout make it a favorite.
- Location: Riverside, California
- Architect: Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner (2000)
- Highlights: Quarry setting, dramatic holes, public access.
Industry Hills Golf Club
A public facility with two challenging courses, the Ike and Babe. Both have hosted PGA Tour events.
- Location: City of Industry, California
- Architect: William F. Bell (1979)
- Highlights: Challenging layout, tournament history, public access.
Trump National Golf Club
A spectacular coastal course with dramatic ocean views. It is a public course with resort amenities.
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
- Architect: Pete Dye, David Schriver (2006)
- Highlights: Ocean views, dramatic holes, public access.
Skylinks Golf Course
A popular public course with a links-style design.
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Architect: William F. Bell (1964)
- Highlights: Affordable, links style, public access.
Recreation Park Golf Course
Two 18-hole courses, including the historic “Big Rec” and “Little Rec.”
- Location: Long Beach, California
- Highlights: Historic, affordable, public access.
Resort Golf
California’s golf resorts offer complete vacation experiences.
- Pebble Beach Resorts (Pebble Beach): The ultimate golf resort, with four world-class courses, luxury accommodations, and stunning scenery.
- La Quinta Resort & Club (La Quinta): A historic desert resort with multiple courses, including the PGA West facilities.
- The Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport Beach): A luxury resort with two Tom Fazio-designed courses.
- Indian Wells Golf Resort (Indian Wells): A resort with two excellent public courses and luxury accommodations.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
A historic resort with two courses that have hosted PGA Tour events. It is also home to the world-famous spa.
- Location: Carlsbad, California
- Architect: Dick Wilson (1965)
- Highlights: Tournament history, spa, resort amenities.
Terranea Resort
A luxury resort with a beautiful coastal setting. The golf course offers stunning ocean views.
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
- Architect: Todd Eckenrode (2009)
- Highlights: Ocean views, resort amenities, coastal setting.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
A luxury resort with two courses, including the famous Ocean Course along the cliffs.
- Location: Half Moon Bay, California
- Architect: Arnold Palmer (Ocean Course), Arthur Hills (Old Course)
- Highlights: Ocean views, luxury resort, coastal setting.
Golf Events and Festivals
Beyond tournaments, California hosts golf events and festivals.
- Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance: While primarily a car show, this event during Monterey Car Week includes golf exhibitions and activities.
- Monterey Classic Golf Week: A week of golf events in the Pebble Beach area.
- Palm Springs Golf Fest: A celebration of desert golf with events and activities.
California’s Golf Paradise
California offers golfers an unparalleled variety of world-class experiences across its diverse landscapes. The Golden State serves as a premier golf paradise, featuring legendary coastal gems and challenging desert escapes. Players test their skills on iconic fairways that host major championships and professional tours.
From the rugged cliffs of the Pacific to the manicured greens of the Coachella Valley, every round provides a unique perspective on the sport. These courses blend natural beauty with masterful design to create an elite destination for enthusiasts worldwide.
Tee Time in the Golden State | Golf in California
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, California provides endless opportunities to enjoy the game while taking in some of the most beautiful settings in the country.Whether you are a scratch golfer seeking a championship test or a weekend player enjoying a round with friends, California’s courses welcome you. The state’s perfect climate, stunning scenery, and world-class facilities make it a premier golf destination.
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