The Inside Swing

Best Public Golf Courses in Los Angeles, California

You don't need a membership to play great golf in Los Angeles. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.

1
Rustic Canyon Golf Course public

Los Angeles, California · Gil Hanse & Geoff Shackelford (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,900 yards

A Gil Hanse/Geoff Shackelford design in Moorpark, Rustic Canyon is a links-inspired layout that stands as one of the best public golf values in America. The no-frills, walk-friendly course lets the architecture speak for itself.

Gil Hanse public course gemLinks-inspired Southern California designAmong America's best public values
Green Fee: $35–$75 Rating: 4.5/5
2
Angeles National Golf Club public

Los Angeles, California · Jack Nicklaus (2004) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,016 yards

A Jack Nicklaus design in the San Fernando Valley foothills, Angeles National offers a challenging, well-conditioned public golf experience with dramatic views of the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains.

Jack Nicklaus designAngeles National Forest viewsChallenging valley foothill routing
Green Fee: $80–$150 Rating: 4.3/5
3
Pelican Hill Golf Club - Ocean South resort

Los Angeles, California · Tom Fazio (1991) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,580 yards

Overlooking the Pacific from Newport Coast, Pelican Hill's Ocean South Course delivers one of the most spectacular resort golf experiences in California. Tom Fazio sculpted 18 holes with sweeping ocean panoramas and immaculate conditioning.

Sweeping Pacific Ocean panoramasTom Fazio coastal designResort at Pelican Hill luxury setting
Green Fee: $200–$350 Rating: 4.6/5
4
Monarch Beach Golf Links resort

Los Angeles, California · Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1983) · 18 holes · Par 70 · 6,601 yards

Perched on the bluffs above Dana Point with sweeping Pacific Ocean views, Monarch Beach is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. links-style design at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach resort. The coastal layout features ocean-view holes, sea breezes, and Catalina Island on the horizon.

Pacific Ocean blufftop settingWaldorf Astoria Monarch Beach resortCatalina Island views
Green Fee: $175–$275 Rating: 4.3/5

Best Time to Play

Year-round, though September through November offers the warmest, clearest conditions. LA's mild climate means golf is always in season.

Booking Tips

For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.

LAX is the primary airport. Most top courses are scattered across a wide area — expect significant drive times. Rustic Canyon (Moorpark) and Angeles National are in the northern valleys, while Pelican Hill is in Newport Beach, about an hour south.

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