The Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Los Angeles: Ultimate Guide for Golf Enthusiasts
Los Angeles is celebrated for its diverse and picturesque golf courses, each designed to provide a unique and unforgettable golfing experience. From historic courses with exclusive memberships to publicly accessible greens, the city’s offerings cater to golfers of all levels. Here, we highlight the best golf courses in Los Angeles, known for their scenic beauty, challenging designs, and top-notch amenities.
1. Riviera Country Club
- Rating: 4.7 stars (250 reviews)
- Location: 1250 Capri Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
- Designed by: George C. Thomas Jr.
- Notable Features: Famous for hosting the Los Angeles Open, the course is challenging with tight fairways and strategic bunkers, particularly the iconic 10th hole.
2. Wilshire Country Club
- Rating: 4.8 stars (350 reviews)
- Location: 301 N Rossmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004
- Designed by: Norman Macbeth
- Notable Features: Classic layout with a scenic barranca running through the course, Wilshire combines rich history with an elegant and exclusive golfing experience.
3. Los Angeles Country Club (North Course)
- Rating: 4.8/5 (1,200 reviews)
- Location: 10101 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Notable Features: Known for its rolling hills and meticulously maintained fairways, the North Course is a top-rated course providing challenging play and beautiful surroundings.
4. Bel-Air Country Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (83 reviews)
- Location: 10768 Bellagio Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077-3799
- Notable Features: Designed by George C. Thomas and William Bell, Bel-Air Country Club offers scenic, well-manicured grounds and a historic, exclusive ambiance.
5. Trump National Golf Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (3,000 reviews)
- Location: One Trump National Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275-6173
- Notable Features: This luxurious course offers Pacific Ocean views, challenging terrain, and top-notch amenities that attract golfers from all over.
6. Sherwood Country Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (145 reviews)
- Location: 320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361-5087
- Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
- Notable Features: With a historic setting and unique water features, Sherwood’s course and Georgian-style clubhouse provide a sophisticated experience.
7. MountainGate Country Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (99 reviews)
- Location: 12445 Mountaingate Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Notable Features: Nestled at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, this club’s three nine-hole courses offer a tranquil, scenic escape with challenging play.
8. Angeles National Golf Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (150 reviews)
- Location: 9401 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, CA 91040
- Designed by: Jack Nicklaus
- Notable Features: Located near the Angeles National Forest, this course offers breathtaking mountain views and meticulously maintained fairways.
9. Brookside Golf Club
- Rating: 4.5 stars (1,200 reviews)
- Location: 1133 Rosemont Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
- Notable Features: This historic club offers two 18-hole courses with stunning mountain views and a challenging layout that appeals to all skill levels.
10. Griffith Park Golf Complex
- Rating: 4.5 stars (293 reviews)
- Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Notable Features: Featuring the Wilson and Harding courses, this public complex provides a relaxing yet challenging golf experience with scenic parkland views.
Membership and Accessibility
Golfers in Los Angeles can choose between public and private courses. Public courses, such as Griffith Park and Brookside, are accessible to all, while private clubs like Riviera and Los Angeles Country Club offer exclusive memberships. Both types offer a high level of play and amenities, but membership at private clubs comes with added benefits such as social events and premium facilities.
Los Angeles offers year-round golfing, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Optimal seasons are spring and fall, when temperatures are mild. The dry summers and wetter winters influence course conditions, making it essential for golfers to consider the season’s impact on play.
Whether you’re aiming to challenge yourself on a legendary course or enjoy a relaxing day on the greens, Los Angeles has a golf experience to meet your expectations.