Expert reviews and ratings of premier golf courses in California and Arizona
Measures overall satisfaction with the golf course or resort facilities, design, maintenance, and overall experience.
Evaluates the quality, knowledge, and helpfulness of caddy services where available.
Pebble Beach, CA
"My caddy at Pebble Beach made the experience unforgettable. His knowledge of the course conditions and reading of the greens was spot on. He helped me navigate the coastal winds and gave me the right club every time."
One of the most iconic golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every hole. The course has hosted numerous major championships and is known for its challenging small greens and dramatic coastline holes.
Pebble Beach, CA
"The caddies at Spyglass are true professionals. My caddy helped me navigate the challenging layout and provided excellent club selection advice. His knowledge of the greens was invaluable on this difficult course."
Often called the most difficult course on the Monterey Peninsula, Spyglass Hill features a stunning combination of seaside dunes and forested holes. The course is known for its challenging layout and exceptional conditioning.
Pacific Grove, CA
"My caddy at Spanish Bay provided incredible insight into playing true links-style golf. His knowledge of how to use the ground game against the ocean winds and where to miss on these firm, undulating greens saved me several strokes. He perfectly read the breaks on greens that looked completely flat to my eye."
The Links at Spanish Bay offers a genuine Scottish links experience on the California coast, with rolling fairways weaving through dramatic sand dunes and offering breathtaking ocean views on nearly every hole. Designed to emulate the classic links courses of Scotland, the course features firm, fast-playing conditions, strategic pot bunkering, and ever-present coastal winds that challenge players to use the ground game. The course finishes with a spectacular sunset along Spanish Bay Beach, accompanied by the evening bagpiper—a tradition since opening :cite[1]:cite[2]:cite[9].
Pebble Beach, CA
"The caddies at Cypress are truly exceptional. My caddy read putts perfectly and knew exactly how to play the coastal winds. An unforgettable experience."
Consistently ranked among the world's top courses, Cypress Point is Alister MacKenzie's masterpiece featuring dramatic coastal holes including the iconic 15th-17th along the Pacific.
San Francisco, CA
"My caddy at Olympic Club knew every nuance of this historic course. His advice on how to play the famous sloping fairways and small greens saved me multiple strokes. A true professional."
A historic club that has hosted multiple major championships, The Olympic Club is known for its challenging tree-lined fairways, small greens, and history of underdog victories in major tournaments.
San Francisco, CA
"My caddy at SFGC was incredibly knowledgeable about the course's history and subtle breaks on the greens. His advice on club selection for the often windy conditions was spot on throughout the round."
A classic A.W. Tillinghast design, San Francisco Golf Club is known for its strategic bunkering, subtle green complexes, and rich history. The course has hosted numerous important championships and remains one of the most exclusive clubs in California.
South San Francisco, CA
"The caddies at Cal Club are true professionals who know every nuance of this MacKenzie design. My caddy's ability to read the subtle breaks on the greens saved me several strokes during my round."
Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie and recently restored by Kyle Phillips, California Golf Club features strategic bunkering, rolling fairways, and challenging green complexes that test golfers of all skill levels.
Santa Cruz, CA
"My caddy at Pasatiempo had an incredible knowledge of MacKenzie's design philosophy. His advice on how to approach each hole and read the complex greens made for a memorable round on this classic course."
Alister MacKenzie's personal favorite among his American designs, Pasatiempo features dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and some of the most challenging green complexes in golf. The course winds through natural ravines with stunning views of the Monterey Bay.
Pebble Beach, CA
"My caddy at MPCC Shore Course was exceptional at reading the coastal winds and helping me select the right clubs. His knowledge of the course's subtle breaks and how to play the firm, fast conditions was invaluable."
Mike Strantz's masterpiece at MPCC, the Shore Course features dramatic coastal views, strategic bunkering, and some of the most memorable holes on the Monterey Peninsula. The course seamlessly integrates with the natural dunescape.
Pebble Beach, CA
"The caddies at MPCC Dunes Course have incredible knowledge of the traditional layout. My caddy helped me navigate the tree-lined fairways and read the subtle breaks on the greens, making for an enjoyable round."
The original course at MPCC, the Dunes Course features a more traditional parkland design with tree-lined fairways and strategic bunkering. The course offers a different but equally enjoyable challenge compared to its newer sibling.
Carmel, CA
"My caddy at The Preserve was exceptional. His knowledge of the natural terrain and how to play the elevation changes was invaluable. He read the greens perfectly and helped me navigate this beautiful Fazio design."
Tom Fazio's masterpiece set within 20,000 acres of protected wilderness, The Preserve offers a exclusive golf experience with stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The course seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape.
San Martin, CA
"My caddy at CordeValle was excellent at helping me navigate the strategic risk-reward opportunities throughout the course. His knowledge of the greens and how they break toward the valley was incredibly helpful."
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. design set in the scenic Santa Clara Valley, CordeValle features rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The course hosted the 2016 U.S. Women's Open.
Carmel, CA
"My caddy at Quail Lodge was very knowledgeable about the course's history and how to play the various water hazards. His advice on club selection for the shorter but strategic holes helped me score better than expected."
Set in the Carmel Valley, Quail Lodge features a parkland-style course with tree-lined fairways, numerous water hazards, and well-manicured greens. The course offers a more relaxed alternative to the coastal courses of the Monterey Peninsula.
Seaside, CA
"My caddy at Bayonet was very helpful in navigating this challenging layout. His knowledge of where to miss and how to play the difficult approach shots was invaluable on this classic military course."
Originally built as a military golf course, Bayonet is known for its narrow fairways, small greens, and challenging layout. The course has hosted numerous professional events and remains one of the most difficult tests on the Monterey Peninsula.
Stateline, NV
"My caddy at Edgewood Tahoe was incredibly knowledgeable about reading the elevation effects at 6,200 feet and how to play the dramatic lakeside holes. His guidance on club selection for the thin mountain air and reading the subtle breaks on the fast greens was invaluable. He knew exactly how to navigate the challenging finishing holes along Lake Tahoe's shoreline."
Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is renowned for its breathtaking setting along the shores of Lake Tahoe, offering stunning mountain and water views on virtually every hole :cite[2]:cite[5]. Designed by George Fazio and opened in 1968, this championship course hosts the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament and features a spectacular layout that plays at 6,200 feet elevation, adding extra distance to shots :cite[3]:cite[5]. The course measures 7,532 yards from the back tees with a slope rating of 136, challenging golfers with its strategic bunkering, pristine fairways, and the unforgettable finishing holes that bring players right alongside the majestic Lake Tahoe :cite[3]:cite[7].
Truckee, CA
"My caddy at Martis Camp was exceptional at reading the mountain terrain and helping me adjust to the high-altitude conditions. His knowledge of Tom Fazio's design strategy and how to approach the signature 17th hole with its crystal-clear lake was invaluable. He perfectly guided me through the challenging layout with its undulating greens and strategic bunkering."
Martis Camp Club is an exclusive private community recognized as a Platinum Club® of America, offering a world-class Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course set in the picturesque mountains of Tahoe :cite[4]:cite[6]. The course features meticulously maintained fairways winding through serene mountain landscapes with breathtaking views, strategic bunkers, and pristine water features :cite[6]. Voted by Golf Digest as the best new private club in the country in 2009, Martis Camp also offers exceptional amenities including a private ski lodge with direct access to Northstar, a vibrant Family Barn with bowling and movie theater, and an adventure park with zip lines and ropes courses :cite[6]:cite[8]. The club hosts prestigious events including the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, showcasing its commitment to excellence in golf :cite[8].
La Jolla, CA
"Playing Torrey Pines with a caddy was a fantastic experience. His knowledge of the coastal winds and how the ball reacts on the poa annua greens helped me navigate this challenging course."
Perched on the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines offers stunning ocean views from nearly every hole. The South Course has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and is known for its challenging layout and breathtaking scenery.
Pacific Palisades, CA
"My caddy at Riviera was incredibly knowledgeable about the course's history and design. His advice on how to approach the famous bunkering and barranca hazards was invaluable throughout the round."
Known as "Hogan's Alley" for Ben Hogan's success there, Riviera is a classic strategic design that has hosted the PGA Tour's Genesis Invitational since 1929. The course is known for its distinctive bunkering and challenging kikuyu grass.
Los Angeles, CA
"The caddies at LACC are among the best I've ever experienced. My caddy's knowledge of the North Course's subtle nuances and his ability to read the complex greens was extraordinary. He made a difficult course much more playable."
A historic George C. Thomas design that recently hosted the 2023 U.S. Open, LACC features two championship courses with the North Course being particularly noted for its strategic design, barranca hazards, and impeccable conditioning.
Los Angeles, CA
"My caddy at Bel-Air was exceptional at helping me navigate the dramatic elevation changes and unique course features. His knowledge of the restored Thomas design elements, including the precise angles needed on approach shots and how to use the strategic ground contours, significantly improved my scoring. "
Bel-Air Country Club completes George C. Thomas Jr.'s legendary hat trick of Los Angeles designs alongside LACC North and Riviera. This spectacular canyon-style routing winds through mansion-dotted Hollywood hills featuring dramatic elevation changes, unique transitions through tunnels and across a famous suspension bridge, and recently restored Thomas design elements. Tom Doak's 2018 restoration faithfully recaptured the original splashy bunkering and strategic characteristics while removing modern alterations, resulting in a charming throwback experience that masterfully utilizes the challenging terrain.
Los Angeles, CA
"My caddy at Wilshire was excellent at reading the subtle breaks on the greens and helping me navigate the classic layout. His knowledge of the course's history added to the enjoyment of the round."
A classic Hollywood-era course located in the heart of Los Angeles, Wilshire Country Club features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and a traditional layout that has challenged golfers for over a century.
Newport Coast, CA
"My caddy at Pelican Hill North was exceptional at helping me judge the ocean winds and select the right clubs. His knowledge of the course's strategic design and how to play the elevated greens was invaluable."
Tom Fazio's North Course at Pelican Hill features stunning ocean views, dramatic elevation changes, and impeccable conditioning. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with strategic risk-reward opportunities throughout.
Newport Coast, CA
"My caddy at Pelican Hill South was excellent at helping me navigate the oceanfront holes and judge the coastal winds. His knowledge of the course's strategic design made for an enjoyable round with stunning views."
The South Course at Pelican Hill features more dramatic oceanfront holes than its sibling, with several playing directly along the coastline. Tom Fazio's design maximizes the stunning views while providing a challenging yet fair test of golf.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
"The caddies at Trump National LA are exceptional at reading the ocean winds and helping with club selection. My caddy's knowledge of the course's subtle breaks and how to play the dramatic elevation changes was invaluable. The service throughout the experience was top-notch."
Perched on the cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Trump National Los Angeles offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views from every hole. This Pete Dye-designed course features dramatic elevation changes, challenging barrancas, and impeccable conditioning. The luxurious 45,000 square foot clubhouse and exceptional service create an unforgettable golf experience.
Palm Desert, CA
"My caddy at Bighorn was exceptional at reading the dramatic elevation changes and helping me select the right clubs for the desert winds. His knowledge of both the Mountains and Canyons courses was impressive, and he gave me perfect advice on how to approach the risk-reward holes. He knew exactly how the ball would roll on the fast, undulating greens."
Bighorn Golf Club is an ultra-exclusive private club featuring two championship courses - the Mountains Course designed by Tom Fazio and the Canyons Course designed by Arthur Hills. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains, both courses offer dramatic elevation changes, pristine conditions, and breathtaking desert scenery. The club has hosted numerous PGA Tour Champions events and is known for its impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and challenging yet playable designs that capitalize on the natural desert landscape.
La Quinta, CA
"My caddy at The Quarry was incredibly knowledgeable about reading the dramatic elevation changes and helping me navigate the three distinct playing areas. His advice on club selection for the 300-foot elevation changes and how to approach the signature holes with their breathtaking mountain backdrops was invaluable. He knew exactly how to play the risk-reward elements of this Fazio masterpiece."
The Quarry at La Quinta is Tom Fazio's desert masterpiece nestled at the base of the foothills between the Coral and Santa Rosa Mountains :cite[2]:cite[3]. This exclusive private club features an 18-hole championship course with dramatic 300-foot elevation changes, impeccable Augusta-like conditioning, and breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscape :cite[3]:cite[4]. The course masterfully incorporates an old rock quarry into its design, creating three distinct playing environments that challenge golfers of all skill levels while offering a serene, uncrowded experience :cite[3]:cite[4]. The club also features a renowned 10-hole par-3 short course, luxurious amenities, and world-class service :cite[3]:cite[4].
Indio, CA
"My caddy at The Plantation was excellent at helping me navigate the strategic bunkering and palm tree placements. His knowledge of how to play the risk-reward holes and read the subtle breaks on the Bermuda greens saved me several strokes. He knew exactly where to position shots to avoid the well-placed hazards and maximize scoring opportunities."
The Plantation Golf Club offers a distinctive desert golf experience set among mature date palm orchards and citrus trees, creating a unique tropical oasis atmosphere :cite[4]. Designed by Fred Couples and Brian Curley, this private club features a thoughtful routing that weaves through the natural landscape with no housing developments, preserving a pure golf environment :cite[4]. The course is known for its strategic bunkering, challenging yet fair design that accommodates golfers of all skill levels, and immaculate playing conditions with well-groomed fairways and greens :cite[1]:cite[4]. The club maintains a low-key atmosphere with excellent service and a focus on the enjoyment of the game :cite[4].
Palm Desert, CA
"My caddy at Stone Eagle was exceptional at helping me navigate the dramatic elevation changes and reading the challenging greens. His knowledge of the mountain terrain and how to play the natural contours of this Doak design was invaluable. He perfectly guided me on club selection for the altitude changes and helped me avoid the strategically placed hazards throughout the course."
Stone Eagle Golf Club is a stunning Tom Doak-designed course nestled within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, surrounded by thousands of acres of protected land :cite[1]. This exclusive private club features a dramatic desert mountain layout with breathtaking elevation changes, rugged natural terrain, and panoramic views of the Coachella Valley :cite[6]:cite[10]. The course measures 7,012 yards from the back tees with a rating of 73.7 and slope of 139, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels :cite[3]:cite[7]. Known for its exceptional turf conditions and pristine maintenance, Stone Eagle provides a secluded, pure golf experience without housing developments interrupting the natural landscape :cite[4]:cite[10].
La Quinta, CA
"While caddies aren't typically available, the course's excellent signage and detailed yardage books make navigation straightforward. The stunning Arnold Palmer design features dramatic elevation changes, particularly on the signature 17th hole which drops over 200 feet, and the lightning-fast greens require careful reading and precise approach shots."
Tradition Golf Club is Arnold Palmer's desert masterpiece, consistently ranked among the top Palmer-designed courses in the world by Golf Digest :cite[10]. This exclusive private club features an 18-hole championship course with dramatic elevation changes, split greens, and Arnie's secret tee boxes :cite[5]. The front nine offers stunning mountain views through wildflower landscapes, while the back nine is defined by natural desert scenery and the spectacular signature 17th hole that drops over 200 feet from an elevated tee :cite[5]:cite[10]. The course is renowned for its impeccable Augusta White sand bunkers, captivating water features, and lightning-fast greens maintained to major championship standards :cite[3]:cite[5]. The club also features a separate 9-hole par-3 course for short game practice and offers a luxurious Spanish colonial-inspired clubhouse with world-class amenities :cite[6].
La Quinta, CA
"My caddy at the Stadium Course was essential for navigating Pete Dye's diabolical design. His knowledge of where to miss and how to play the infamous 17th island green saved me from several big numbers."
Known as one of Pete Dye's most difficult designs, the Stadium Course at PGA West features dramatic bunkering, water hazards, and the famous island green on the 17th hole. It's a true test of golf for players of all skill levels.
La Quinta, CA
"My caddy at the Nicklaus Course was excellent at helping me navigate the numerous water hazards and bunkers. His knowledge of where to miss and how to approach the challenging green complexes saved me several strokes."
Jack Nicklaus' contribution to the PGA West complex, the Tournament Course features the Golden Bear's signature design elements including risk-reward opportunities, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging water hazards.
Rancho Mirage, CA
"My caddy at Mission Hills was excellent at helping me navigate the classic desert layout. His knowledge of the course's history and how to play the challenging island green on the 18th was invaluable."
A classic desert course that has hosted the LPGA's first major of the season for decades, Mission Hills features tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards, and the famous island green on the 18th hole of the Dinah Shore Tournament Course.
Scottsdale, AZ
"Playing the Stadium Course with a caddy during tournament week was incredible. My caddy knew exactly how the pros play each hole and gave me great insight into course strategy. The 16th hole experience was unforgettable!"
Home to the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course is famous for its par-3 16th hole that transforms into a massive stadium during the tournament. The course offers a true PGA Tour experience.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Troon North was exceptional. His knowledge of the desert layout and how to play the dramatic elevation changes was invaluable. He read putts perfectly on the fast greens and helped me navigate the challenging desert hazards."
Set in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Troon North features two stunning courses that weave through natural desert arroyos and giant granite boulders. The courses offer dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the Sonoran Desert.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Troon North Pinnacle was exceptional at helping me navigate the dramatic elevation changes and read the fast greens. His knowledge of the desert layout and where to miss was invaluable throughout the round."
The Pinnacle Course at Troon North features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views of Pinnacle Peak, and challenging desert carries. Tom Weiskopf's design seamlessly integrates with the natural desert landscape.
Fort McDowell, AZ
"My caddy at We-Ko-Pa Saguaro was exceptional. His knowledge of the natural desert terrain and how to play the firm, fast conditions was invaluable. He read the greens perfectly and helped me navigate this strategic Coore & Crenshaw design."
A Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design that emphasizes strategy and playability, the Saguaro Course at We-Ko-Pa features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and greens that accommodate various approach shots. The course is known for its minimal environmental impact and seamless integration with the desert landscape.
Fort McDowell, AZ
"My caddy at We-Ko-Pa Cholla was excellent at helping me navigate the dramatic elevation changes and read the undulating greens. His knowledge of the desert carries and where to miss was invaluable throughout the round."
The original course at We-Ko-Pa, the Cholla Course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and challenging desert carries. Scott Miller's design maximizes the natural terrain to create a memorable golf experience.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Grayhawk Talon was exceptional at helping me navigate the risk-reward opportunities throughout the course. His knowledge of the greens and how they break was invaluable on this challenging layout."
The Talon Course at Grayhawk features dramatic elevation changes, strategic risk-reward opportunities, and impeccable conditioning. The course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events and is known for its challenging yet playable design.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Grayhawk Raptor was excellent at helping me navigate Tom Fazio's strategic design. His knowledge of the course's nuances and how to play the challenging approach shots was invaluable throughout the round."
Tom Fazio's Raptor Course at Grayhawk features strategic bunkering, challenging water hazards, and impeccable conditioning. The course has hosted NCAA Championships and is known for its demanding yet fair test of golf.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Desert Mountain Cochise was exceptional at helping me navigate Jack Nicklaus' strategic design. His knowledge of the course's risk-reward opportunities and how to play the challenging greens was invaluable."
Jack Nicklaus' Cochise Course at Desert Mountain features dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable test of golf with risk-reward opportunities throughout.
Scottsdale, AZ
"My caddy at Outlaw was exceptional at reading the desert winds and helping me navigate the strategic bunkering. His knowledge of the links-style layout and how to play the firm, fast conditions was invaluable. He perfectly guided me on club selection for the elevation changes and how to approach the challenging green complexes that Jack Nicklaus is known for."
Desert Mountain Outlaw Course is Jack Nicklaus's Scottish links-inspired masterpiece set against the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert :cite[1]:cite[3]. Opened in 2003 as the sixth and final course at Desert Mountain, Outlaw features a traditional links-style layout with 126 bunkers, generous fairways, and large greens ranging from 5,000 to 14,000 square feet :cite[1]:cite[2]. The course stretches 7,107 yards from the back tees with a slope rating of 147, offering a challenging yet fair test for golfers of all skill levels :cite[2]:cite[4]. Unlike other Desert Mountain courses, Outlaw has no real estate development, providing unobstructed views of Pinnacle Peak, the McDowell Mountains, and Four Peaks :cite[1]:cite[3]. The course emphasizes strategic shot-making with natural washes and desert terrain incorporated into the design, creating an authentic links experience in the Arizona desert :cite[1]:cite[8].
Carefree, AZ
"My caddy at The Boulders North Course provided exceptional guidance on reading the subtle green breaks and selecting the right club for elevation changes. His knowledge of the desert hazards and how to play the signature boulder-lined fairways significantly improved my round."
The North Course at The Boulders Resort is renowned for its stunning desert landscape, dramatic granite boulder formations, and challenging yet playable layout. With its elevated tee boxes, strategically placed bunkers, and breathtaking views, the North Course offers a premier desert golf experience that highlights the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert.
Carefree, AZ
"My caddy at The Boulders South Course was excellent at helping me navigate the dramatic rock formations and desert carries. His knowledge of the course's unique layout and how to play the elevated greens was invaluable."
The South Course at The Boulders Resort features dramatic rock formations, challenging desert carries, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Jay Morrish's design seamlessly integrates with the natural desert landscape to create a memorable golf experience.
Tucson, AZ
"My caddy at Ventana Canyon was excellent at reading the mountain greens and judging elevation changes. His knowledge of the desert hazards and how to play the dramatic elevation changes was invaluable."
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Ventana Canyon features two Tom Fazio-designed courses that weave through dramatic desert terrain with breathtaking views and challenging desert golf.
Marana, AZ
"My caddy at Dove Mountain was excellent at helping me navigate the elevation changes and desert carries. His knowledge of how the course played during the Match Play championship added a special dimension to the experience."
Home to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship from 2009 to 2014, Dove Mountain features 27 holes of Jack Nicklaus-designed golf that winds through the high Sonoran Desert with dramatic elevation changes and stunning mountain views.