Best golf resorts in California

Spanning the west coast of the country, the backdrop to Californian golf can vary greatly; from the desert courses in the south, through to more links-style layouts around Monterey. However, one constant throughout the state is the sheer quality of the courses here, particularly when coupled with the excellent options for on-site accommodations.

There’s no greater feeling than arriving at your golf holiday destination knowing that everything is right on your doorstep, and few places do that better than The Golden State. Take a look below at some of the best golf resorts in California you can enjoy on your next golf holiday.

Arguably the jewel in the crown of resort golf in the USA, Pebble Beach® is quite simply magnificent. Emulate your heroes by taking on one of the most famous courses in the world on a pilgrimage that every golfer should make at least once in their lifetime.

But it’s not just the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links™ that delights on the course, with several other top tier options to add to your trip. The Links at Spanish Bay™, Spyglass Hill®, Poppy Hills, and Del Monte™ are all fantastic courses in their own right and should definitely be on your golf holiday itinerary. In terms of accommodation, there’s also plenty to choose from. The Inn at Spanish Bay™ and Casa Palmero are fantastic options dependent on the requirements of your group, with the 161 rooms at The Lodge perpetually popular with our golfers.

Staying towards the north of the state, Carmel Valley Ranch is an idyllic option for those looking for some relaxation from their golf trip, coupled with top quality golf. The cabin style accommodation is split into three individual neighbourhoods on the property, with a myriad of spa and restaurant options to choose from. Every suite has its own fireplace and private deck, giving you a true home-away-from-home feeling. But, once you’re ready for the course make sure to bring your A-Game as you take on Pete Dye’s only layout in the north of California.

Heading down to Southern California and you’ll find the multiple Major and PGA TOUR venue at Torrey Pines. Our guests love staying in The Lodge at Torrey Pines with the five-star resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There’s a world-class feeling to the place, with a truly breathtaking experience to be had … even before you take on the famous North and South Courses.

The resort staff offer guided tours of this stunning landscape, one of the most idyllic spots in the country for a hike. The whole area is steeped in golfing history, from Tiger’s infamous win at the 2008 US Open through to Jon Rahm’s romantic clifftop proposal to his now-wife alongside the course that he’d go on to capture his own US Open title at in 2021. Torrey Pines is without doubt one of the best golf resorts in California.

Another much-loved PGA TOUR favourite of ours can be found at La Quinta Resort & Club. Set to the east of Los Angeles in the Californian desert, there are five fantastic courses to choose from here – including regular PGA TOUR stop, The Stadium Course at PGA West.

While the resort of La Quinta is impressive, the golf next door at PGA WEST is the big draw. As a guest of the club, there are five championship courses to choose from designed by the likes of Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The Pete Dye Stadium Course hosts the PGA TOUR each year, notoriously difficult, it has been ranked the 4th toughest course to play in the country by Golf Digest. Add the four other courses and you have a feast of golf that runs through the desert with surreal views of the Coachella Valley and mountain landscape.

Whatever you want from a golf holiday, you’ll find it at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. For more than 30 years the PGA TOUR came here, playing a composite layout of its two courses, The Champions Course and The Legends Course. However, with a myriad of swimming pools (including water slides!), tennis courts, and one the best full-service spas in the US, you won’t be short of things to do away from the course. If you really want to make the most of this venue located just north of San Diego be sure to check out the weekly kayaking classes… or perhaps yoga for those looking for a more chilled out trip!

Situated close to La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs, is The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. Pete Dye designed the on-site course here which, as you’d expect, has a classic Dye ‘risk and reward’ type feel to many holes. However, due to its location, you’re also not short of options in the area – notably the Gary Player Signature Course at Mission Hills.

The Resort & Spa is set on more than 300 acres within the Rancho Mirage community, with 500 luxury rooms the ideal place to unwind. Those looking for even more peace and quiet should note that the resort boasts an ‘adults only’ pool, creating a slightly calmer atmosphere than those of the other two spacious swimming pools on-site.

Another venue in Palm Springs is the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. As you’re probably gathering, the area has a lot of golf to choose from, with the 36-holes at the Indian Wells Golf Resort just across the road from the hotel. The high-end four-star hotel also provides an option that can save a few more pounds for your green fees – without at all compromising on the quality of your stay. The resort boasts an on-site spa, as well as ‘HyTides Plunge’ featuring a 30-foot waterslide as well as a 450-foot lazy river!

Singing Hills at Sycuan is a true gem of our Californian collection. The resort is a tranquil retreat just outside of San Diego, providing the perfect place to escape and fully immerse yourself in your holiday. There are three golf courses on-site, The Willow Glen and Oak Glen are both full-length 18-hole layouts, whilst the Pine Glen offers 18 Par-3’s, ideal for honing your game.

With all this said, you’d think there’d be no reason to step foot off the resort. However, Singing Hills is located just five minutes from Sycuan Casino, where resort guests are able to enjoy many of the bars and restaurants, as well as the casino games themselves. What more could you want from your trip? Singing Hills at Sycuan is a very safe bet in our book!

Our final suggestion sees us head back up the coast to Monterey. The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa is just two miles from downtown, making it the perfect base from which to explore this quaint seaside community. The Del Monte Golf Course is located on-site, but the area lends itself to exploration, with all of the courses within the Monterey area within easy reach. As with its sister hotel at Indian Wells, the hotel boasts affordable quality, making it hugely popular with those looking to add a trip to the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links to their itinerary.