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Community Rankings · 2026

Best Golf Courses in California

Community-ranked golf courses in California, rated by real golfers using First Loop's Elo comparison system. Current top courses: Cypress Point Club, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Los Angeles Country Club (North).

  1. #1
    Cypress Point Club

    Pebble Beach, CA

    9.8/10
  2. #2
    Pebble Beach Golf Links

    Pebble Beach, CA

    9.6/10
  3. #3 9.3/10
  4. #4
    Riviera Country Club

    Pacific Palisades, CA

    9.2/10
  5. #5
    San Francisco Golf Club

    San Francisco, CA

    9.1/10
  6. #6
    The Olympic Club

    San Francisco, CA

    9.0/10
  7. #7
    Valley Club of Montecito

    Santa Barbara, CA

    8.7/10
  8. #8
    California Golf Club of San Francisco

    South San Francisco, CA

    8.7/10
  9. #9
    Spyglass Hill Golf Course

    Pebble Beach, CA

    8.6/10
  10. #10
    Pasatiempo Golf Club

    Santa Cruz, CA

    8.6/10
  11. #11
    Ladera Golf Club

    Thermal, CA

    8.6/10
  12. #12 8.5/10
  13. #13
    Bel-Air Country Club

    Los Angeles, CA

    7.8/10
  14. #14
    Sherwood Country Club

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    7.8/10
  15. #15
    The Quarry at La Quinta

    La Quinta, CA

    7.8/10
  16. #16 7.8/10
  17. #17
    Big Canyon Country Club

    Newport Beach, CA

    7.6/10
  18. #18
    Hacienda Golf Club

    La Habra Heights, CA

    7.6/10
  19. #19
    Pauma Valley Country Club

    Pauma Valley, CA

    7.6/10
  20. #20
    Pelican Hill Golf Club

    Newport Coast, CA

    7.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course in California?

According to the First Loop community, the top-ranked golf course in California is Cypress Point Club, followed by Pebble Beach Golf Links and Los Angeles Country Club (North). Rankings are based on real golfer Elo comparisons.

How many golf courses are in California?

First Loop has 1,002 golf courses listed in California. Community rankings are updated continuously as golfers log rounds and rate courses head-to-head.

How are golf courses in California ranked on First Loop?

First Loop uses an Elo rating system — the same method used in chess and sports. Golfers who have played multiple courses compare them head-to-head, and the rankings reflect the community's collective opinion, not a single editorial panel.

Are these the best public golf courses in California?

First Loop ranks all golf courses in California — public, semi-private, and private — based on real golfer reviews. Filter or browse individual course pages to see green fees, conditions ratings, and community reviews for each.