The West Coast of the United States is home to a rich tapestry of golf courses, celebrated not only for their impeccable design but also for their breathtaking natural settings.
Here are some of the best golf courses on the West Coast, replete with details to whet your golfing appetite:
1. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
- Overview: World-renowned, Pebble Beach Golf Links offers breathtaking beauty and a challenging coastal layout that any golfer would dream of playing.
- Signature Hole: The par-3 7th hole, which offers players a short but daunting shot over the ocean to a tiny green.
- Tournaments Hosted: U.S. Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, and numerous other significant events.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, luxurious accommodations, spa, restaurants, and a world-class practice facility.
- Location: 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.
- Contact Details: (800) 877-0597
2. Bandon Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
- Overview: A pure links experience, Bandon Dunes brings authentic Scottish-style golf to the rugged Oregon coast.
- Signature Hole: The 16th at Bandon Dunes, a par-4 with majestic coastal views.
- Tournaments Hosted: U.S. Amateur, among others.
- Facilities: Multiple courses, lodging options, practice facilities, dining venues, and a golf shop.
- Location: 57744 Round Lake Road, Bandon, OR 97411.
- Contact Details: (844) 981-0830
3. Riviera Country Club – Pacific Palisades, California
- Overview: A classic layout with history stretching back to Hollywood’s golden era, Riviera is a staple on the PGA TOUR.
- Signature Hole: The par-4 10th, a strategic masterpiece that is both short and devilishly tricky.
- Tournaments Hosted: The Genesis Open (previously the Northern Trust Open and Los Angeles Open).
- Facilities: An iconic clubhouse, tennis and fitness centers, swimming, and fine dining.
- Location: 1250 Capri Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
- Contact Details: (310) 454-6591
4. Torrey Pines (South Course) – La Jolla, California
- Overview: Perched above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines offers stunning cliff-top vistas paired with challenging golf.
- Signature Hole: The par-3 3rd, with the Pacific Ocean as the dramatic backdrop.
- Tournaments Hosted: The Farmers Insurance Open, U.S. Open.
- Facilities: The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a state-of-the-art golf academy, dining establishments, and a pro shop.
- Location: 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037.
- Contact Details: (858) 452-3226
5. Pasatiempo Golf Club – Santa Cruz, California
- Overview: Designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie, Pasatiempo offers an intriguing layout with numerous elevation changes and strategic bunkering.
- Signature Hole: The par-4 16th, a brilliant example of MacKenzie’s bunkering artistry.
- Tournaments Hosted: Western Intercollegiate, among others.
- Facilities: A historic clubhouse, restaurant, bar, and a top-tier practice facility.
- Location: 20 Clubhouse Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
- Contact Details: (831) 459-9155
6. Olympic Club (Lake Course) – San Francisco, California
- Overview: The Olympic Club, established in 1860, boasts a rich history, making it one of the oldest athletic clubs in the United States. The Lake Course, in particular, offers a challenging terrain amidst Monterey pines.
- Signature Hole: The par-3 15th, renowned for its elevation change and picturesque setting.
- Tournaments Hosted: Multiple U.S. Opens, including the memorable 1966 and 2012 events.
- Facilities: Three golf courses, athletic facilities, dining venues, and a grand historic clubhouse.
- Location: 599 Skyline Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94132.
- Contact Details: (415) 404-4300
7. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach, California
- Overview: Often in the shadow of its famed neighbor, Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill offers a unique combination of forested terrain and links-style golf with stunning ocean views.
- Signature Hole: The par-3 3rd, with its dramatic dune setting and panoramic ocean vistas.
- Tournaments Hosted: Regularly co-hosts the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
- Facilities: A top-tier practice facility, pro shop, and dining options.
- Location: 3206 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953.
- Contact Details: (831) 625-8563
8. Chambers Bay – University Place, Washington
- Overview: A true links-style gem situated along the Puget Sound, Chambers Bay offers vast fairways, towering dunes, and demanding greens.
- Signature Hole: The par-3 15th, a cliff-hanging hole with the Puget Sound forming a breathtaking backdrop.
- Tournaments Hosted: U.S. Open in 2015.
- Facilities: A spacious clubhouse, restaurant, and an excellent practice facility.
- Location: 6320 Grandview Drive W, University Place, WA 98467.
- Contact Details: (253) 460-4653
9. Sahalee Country Club – Sammamish, Washington
- Overview: Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, Sahalee is surrounded by majestic cedar and fir trees, offering a unique Pacific Northwest golfing experience.
- Signature Hole: The par-4 2nd, flanked by dense woods, showcases the course’s natural beauty.
- Tournaments Hosted: PGA Championship in 1998 and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2016.
- Facilities: A luxurious clubhouse, dining areas, and top-tier practice areas.
- Location: 21200 NE Sahalee Country Club Drive, Sammamish, WA 98074.
- Contact Details: (425) 453-0484
Note: While Nevada isn’t typically considered part of the coastal region, Shadow Creek’s stature in the golfing world merits its inclusion.
10. Shadow Creek Golf Course – North Las Vegas, Nevada
- Overview: While not on the coast, Shadow Creek is too iconic to miss. This oasis in the desert offers surreal landscapes, from cascading waterfalls to exotic birds.
- Signature Hole: The par-5 18th, complete with a waterfall backdrop.
- Tournaments Hosted: The Match (Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson) in 2018.
- Facilities: A lavish clubhouse, on-site accommodations, and an unparalleled level of luxury.
- Location: 3 Shadow Creek Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89081.
- Contact Details: (702) 399-7111
These golf courses, with their rich heritage and unparalleled design, offer golfing aficionados a chance to experience the game in its purest form amidst diverse terrains and settings. Whether you’re teeing off with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop or navigating through dense Pacific Northwest woods, the West Coast is truly a golfer’s paradise.
