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Top Holidays

The golfer's guide to California

  • Sport
  • By Guy Humphrey
  • Published 28 February 2020
  • Published 28 February 2020

With more than 900 courses, California is a golf-lovers dream destination. Expect a variety of serene backdrops to accompany the Californian greenery from coastal and forest to desert and mountain. As there is so much choice, it’s often hard to decipher where’s best to score a birdie which is why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite six courses. Whether you want to stay on one set of fairways or you fancy hopping around California on a multi-stop itinerary, we’re happy to help. To enquire click here or call us now on 0203 816 0985. 

SilverRock Resort

Owned by the City of La Quinta in Palm Springs, SilverRock Resort’s Classic Course provides avid golfers 7,239-yards and more than 200 acres of fairways, bunkers and stunning water features to work their way through, all accompanied by beautiful backdrops of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This 18-hole course has a par of 72 and was home to the Bob Hope Classic tournament between 2008 and 2011. After a recent renovation, the resort is now a top destination for lovers of the sport in Palm Springs. Think a new themed restaurant, two hotels, resort-style homes and condos managed by Montage and Pendry, a new golf clubhouse alongside event and corporate spaces available to rent.

Owned by the City of La Quinta in Palm Springs, SilverRock Resort’s Classic Course provides avid golfers 7,239-yards and more than 200 acres of fairways, bunkers and stunning water features to work their way through, all accompanied by beautiful backdrops of the Santa Rosa Mountains. This 18-hole course has a par of 72 and was home to the Bob Hope Classic tournament between 2008 and 2011. After a recent renovation, the resort is now a top destination for lovers of the sport in Palm Springs. Think a new themed restaurant, two hotels, resort-style homes and condos managed by Montage and Pendry, a new golf clubhouse alongside event and corporate spaces available to rent.

Where to stay: La Quinta Resort & Club
 

Situated in Coachella Valley, La Quinta Resort & Club merges Spanish style with luxury hotel-brand Waldorf Astoria’s signature extravagance. Expect whitewashed walls, blue doorways and traditional roof tiles. Just a 10-minute drive from SilverRock Resort, here you can tee off at 5 further PGA courses before devouring a meal at one of 5 restaurants. Accommodation is split into casitas and suites and draws on the same Spanish influences. Think terracotta tiled floors and rounded windows and doors. There are 41 pools dotted within the property’s 45 acres, so if you like to get a few lengths in to get your day started, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Where to stay: La Quinta Resort & Club
 

Situated in Coachella Valley, La Quinta Resort & Club merges Spanish style with luxury hotel-brand Waldorf Astoria’s signature extravagance. Expect whitewashed walls, blue doorways and traditional roof tiles. Just a 10-minute drive from SilverRock Resort, here you can tee off at 5 further PGA courses before devouring a meal at one of 5 restaurants. Accommodation is split into casitas and suites and draws on the same Spanish influences. Think terracotta tiled floors and rounded windows and doors. There are 41 pools dotted within the property’s 45 acres, so if you like to get a few lengths in to get your day started, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Torrey Pines Golf Course

36-holes is yours to take advantage of at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. Towering above the Pacific Ocean, this cliffside set of fairways lets golfers marvel at the coastline views and deep ravines in between every swing of their club. If you’re forgotten any kit, then you’re in luck as there’s an award-winning golf shop full of apparel and souvenirs so you can remember your game. Golf lessons are available to book, too. Directed by head golf professional Joe DeBock, who has more than 26-years’ experience in the industry, you’re able to improve your skill with ease.

36-holes is yours to take advantage of at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. Towering above the Pacific Ocean, this cliffside set of fairways lets golfers marvel at the coastline views and deep ravines in between every swing of their club. If you’re forgotten any kit, then you’re in luck as there’s an award-winning golf shop full of apparel and souvenirs so you can remember your game. Golf lessons are available to book, too. Directed by head golf professional Joe DeBock, who has more than 26-years’ experience in the industry, you’re able to improve your skill with ease.

Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
 

Ommiting seaside charm from every corner, Hotel del Coronado is in a wonderful location on the Pacific edge of Coronado Island, just minutes from Downtown San Diego by car and a 30-minute drive from Torrey Pines Golf Course. Loved by royals and celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, eight dining destinations, a spa and 17 boutiques are just the start when it comes to facilities. Rooms and suites are modern in style, and if you really want to amp up the luxury then upgrade to a cottage or villa in the gated Beach Village. A personal concierge, up to three bedrooms and lavish interiors throughout… what’s not to love?

Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
 

Ommiting seaside charm from every corner, Hotel del Coronado is in a wonderful location on the Pacific edge of Coronado Island, just minutes from Downtown San Diego by car and a 30-minute drive from Torrey Pines Golf Course. Loved by royals and celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, eight dining destinations, a spa and 17 boutiques are just the start when it comes to facilities. Rooms and suites are modern in style, and if you really want to amp up the luxury then upgrade to a cottage or villa in the gated Beach Village. A personal concierge, up to three bedrooms and lavish interiors throughout… what’s not to love?

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Half Moon Bay Golf Links

Half Moon Bay Golf Links is high on the bucket list of many who have a love for golf. Its beachside location in the San Francisco Bay Area has attracted golfers from around the world, and with 36-holes to play you can easily spend an entire holiday here. The Arnold Palmer-designed Old Course is great if you want a challenging 18-holes, while the Scottish Links style Ocean Course will have you traversing through gorgeous natural scenery. A golf shop, professional bocce ball courts and a restaurant are on-hand so you can really make a day of it, with tee times and caddies able to be reserved.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links is high on the bucket list of many who have a love for golf. Its beachside location in the San Francisco Bay Area has attracted golfers from around the world, and with 36-holes to play you can easily spend an entire holiday here. The Arnold Palmer-designed Old Course is great if you want a challenging 18-holes, while the Scottish Links style Ocean Course will have you traversing through gorgeous natural scenery. A golf shop, professional bocce ball courts and a restaurant are on-hand so you can really make a day of it, with tee times and caddies able to be reserved.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
 

Once you’ve finished on the fairways, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot to rest your head. Found next door to Half Moon Bay Golf Links, you’re minutes from a world of Californian-inspired design, three restaurants and a spa. Some rooms even come with a fire pit so you can indulge in the quintessential golfing getaway in The Golden State. Surfing, hiking, wine tasting and horseback riding can all be done in the immediate area, and if you want to explore the hustle and bustle of San Francisco you can with ease as the city is 45-minutes away by car. 

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
 

Once you’ve finished on the fairways, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is the perfect spot to rest your head. Found next door to Half Moon Bay Golf Links, you’re minutes from a world of Californian-inspired design, three restaurants and a spa. Some rooms even come with a fire pit so you can indulge in the quintessential golfing getaway in The Golden State. Surfing, hiking, wine tasting and horseback riding can all be done in the immediate area, and if you want to explore the hustle and bustle of San Francisco you can with ease as the city is 45-minutes away by car. 

Angeles National Golf Club

If you’re a fan of American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, then you simply must experience the green of Angeles National Golf Club. The only Nicklaus designed course in Los Angeles, this choice appeals to golfers of all abilities with four sets of tees that accommodate both the professional and beginner. The trophy cabinet here is bursting with awards too as its ranked as one of the ‘Best 30 New Courses Worldwide’ and one of the ‘Top 10 Best New Public/Resort in the US’ by Travel + Leisure Golf with its 18 holes, par of 72, Spanish style club house and pro shop.

If you’re a fan of American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus, then you simply must experience the green of Angeles National Golf Club. The only Nicklaus designed course in Los Angeles, this choice appeals to golfers of all abilities with four sets of tees that accommodate both the professional and beginner. The trophy cabinet here is bursting with awards too as its ranked as one of the ‘Best 30 New Courses Worldwide’ and one of the ‘Top 10 Best New Public/Resort in the US’ by Travel + Leisure Golf with its 18 holes, par of 72, Spanish style club house and pro shop.

Where to stay: Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
 

Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is a wonderful haven in LA, located just 30-minutes by car from Angeles National Golf Club. The epitome of Hollywood glamour, the hotel offers uncompromised privacy on a tree-lined residential street all while being less than a mile from Rodeo Drive. The on-site restaurant Avec Nous is on-hand for breakfast, lunch and dinner while the luxury studio and residential suites are ideal to relax in after a day on the fairways.

Where to stay: Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
 

Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is a wonderful haven in LA, located just 30-minutes by car from Angeles National Golf Club. The epitome of Hollywood glamour, the hotel offers uncompromised privacy on a tree-lined residential street all while being less than a mile from Rodeo Drive. The on-site restaurant Avec Nous is on-hand for breakfast, lunch and dinner while the luxury studio and residential suites are ideal to relax in after a day on the fairways.

Pebble Beach Golf Links™

Home to six US Opens and reputed as one of the most iconic golfing destinations in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links™ simply had to be on this list. Found on the west-coast of California, this course has been ranked ‘America’s Greatest Public Course’ by GolfDigest every year since 2003. The 18-holes provide a challenge for even the most seasoned players what with bunkers, steep slopes and cliffside locations. The area is also home to four other golf courses: Spyglass Hill Course; The Links at Spanish Bay; Del Monte Golf Course and Short Course which opens Autumn 2020. There’s a golf academy if you need to brush up on your swing, and the pro shop will have you looking the part in no time.

Home to six US Opens and reputed as one of the most iconic golfing destinations in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links™ simply had to be on this list. Found on the west-coast of California, this course has been ranked ‘America’s Greatest Public Course’ by GolfDigest every year since 2003. The 18-holes provide a challenge for even the most seasoned players what with bunkers, steep slopes and cliffside locations. The area is also home to four other golf courses: Spyglass Hill Course; The Links at Spanish Bay; Del Monte Golf Course and Short Course which opens Autumn 2020. There’s a golf academy if you need to brush up on your swing, and the pro shop will have you looking the part in no time.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Pebble Beach™
 
A landmark hotel goes hand-in-hand with an iconic golf course and The Lodge at Pebble Beach™ is no different. Overlooking the 18th hole, accommodation is varied with garden and ocean view rooms and studios available. There’s also Fairway One Cottages which boast an unrivalled setting overlooking the first hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links™ and have up to four bedrooms. Seven restaurants serve a wide choice of food including Italian, Hawaiian, steak and California coastal, and we don’t blame you if you want to book a treatment or two at the on-site spa. One of only 60 in the world to receive the coveted Forbes Five Star Award, signature rituals that draw on naturally healing ingredients are a staple. 

Where to stay: The Lodge at Pebble Beach™
 
A landmark hotel goes hand-in-hand with an iconic golf course and The Lodge at Pebble Beach™ is no different. Overlooking the 18th hole, accommodation is varied with garden and ocean view rooms and studios available. There’s also Fairway One Cottages which boast an unrivalled setting overlooking the first hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links™ and have up to four bedrooms. Seven restaurants serve a wide choice of food including Italian, Hawaiian, steak and California coastal, and we don’t blame you if you want to book a treatment or two at the on-site spa. One of only 60 in the world to receive the coveted Forbes Five Star Award, signature rituals that draw on naturally healing ingredients are a staple. 

Pelican Hill Golf Club

The luxe oceanfront golf resort of Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach will have you channelling your inner Tiger Woods from the moment you step on the green. Players of every level can have a turn on the 36-holes here, which features a scorecard of almost endless accolades including ‘#1 California Golf Resort’ at Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2010 and 2011. If that wasn’t enough, it ranked highly in the ‘Best Golf Courses You Can Play’ by Golfweek from 2009 to 2015. Once you’ve potted the 18th hole of either North Course or South Course, make sure to enjoy a celebratory drink and Californian cuisine at Pelican Grill. Jumbo lump crab cakes and barbequed short ribs… the menu is making our mouth water just thinking about it.

The luxe oceanfront golf resort of Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach will have you channelling your inner Tiger Woods from the moment you step on the green. Players of every level can have a turn on the 36-holes here, which features a scorecard of almost endless accolades including ‘#1 California Golf Resort’ at Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2010 and 2011. If that wasn’t enough, it ranked highly in the ‘Best Golf Courses You Can Play’ by Golfweek from 2009 to 2015. Once you’ve potted the 18th hole of either North Course or South Course, make sure to enjoy a celebratory drink and Californian cuisine at Pelican Grill. Jumbo lump crab cakes and barbequed short ribs… the menu is making our mouth water just thinking about it.

Where to stay: The Resort at Pelican Hill

Italian influences are ever apparent when staying at this hotel. Found next door to the golf course, the circular Coliseum Pool is gorgeous enough to take your breath away, and we haven’t even got started on the rest of the property yet! Merging in with the natural beauty of Southern California, interiors throughout the bungalows and villas are stereotypically laid-back. Expect working fireplaces, slouchy sofas and private terraces that look out onto the ocean, Newport Beach and the hotel’s finely manicured gardens. Farm-to-table ingredients are used in all three of the restaurants, while the spa provides the perfect excuse to have a TLC session in style.
 
If any of these golf courses or hotels have given you a new-found thirst for a California getaway, Winged Boots has you covered. To find out more information about The Golden State click here. Alternatively, enquire or call one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 to book.

Where to stay: The Resort at Pelican Hill

Italian influences are ever apparent when staying at this hotel. Found next door to the golf course, the circular Coliseum Pool is gorgeous enough to take your breath away, and we haven’t even got started on the rest of the property yet! Merging in with the natural beauty of Southern California, interiors throughout the bungalows and villas are stereotypically laid-back. Expect working fireplaces, slouchy sofas and private terraces that look out onto the ocean, Newport Beach and the hotel’s finely manicured gardens. Farm-to-table ingredients are used in all three of the restaurants, while the spa provides the perfect excuse to have a TLC session in style.
 
If any of these golf courses or hotels have given you a new-found thirst for a California getaway, Winged Boots has you covered. To find out more information about The Golden State click here. Alternatively, enquire or call one of our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 to book.

Tagged: California
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