13 Best Golf Courses in Los Angeles

I’ve researched over 80 golf courses in the Los Angeles area to list only the best golf courses in Los Angeles, California, along with their key features, pricing, player ratings, and more.

So, what are the best golf courses in Los Angeles? These are the 13 best golf courses in LA:

1. Los Angeles Country Club Golf Course — Best Overall Golf Club
2. Bel-Air Country Club Golf Course — Best Private Golf Course
3. Brentwood Country Club Golf Course — Best Country Club
4. Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course
5. The Links at Terranea Par-3 course — Best Par-3 Course
6. The Lakes at El Segundo — Best TopGolf Golf Course
7. Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles — Best Ocean View Golf Course
8. Westdrift Manhattan Beach Golf Club
9. Alhambra Golf Course — Best Budget Course
10. Angeles National Golf Course
11. Hansen Dam Golf Course
12. Debell Golf Course
13. Alondra Park Golf Course

This is a combined list of Los Angeles’s best public & private golf courses. I divided the list into two categories to help you decide on your golfing retreat to Los Angeles, California.

The following courses have been compiled with the help of a vast database of the TheGrint app. This app is home to an extensive golf database and is a social platform for golfers to obtain information and share their experiences on different courses around the globe.

Keep reading to learn more about the best golf courses near Los Angeles.

Overview of Golf in Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles is the land of stars. Most celebrities and athletes reside in LA and share a keen interest in golf. This raises demand for luxurious golf courses catering to the high-profile population of LA. Because of this, the majority of the courses in LA are private country clubs. But don’t worry; Golfspan has you covered.

The U.S. has over 15,000 golf courses, of which there are around 19 golf courses in Los Angeles. The good news is you can find approximately 65 golf courses near Los Angeles in a 20-mile radius and beautiful golf courses in California. San Diego is not so far either, so if you’re headed there, it’s best to be prepared for the best golf courses in San Diego too.

Below we’ve compiled a list of the best public and private courses in LA.

List of Golf Courses in Los Angeles, California

Here’s my list of the city’s best public and private golf courses.

Note: Our rating system is an accumulation of our and other people’s experience on the course. Categories considered are Fun, Shape, and Overall.

4 Best Private Courses in Los Angeles

Here is a list of the best private golf courses in Los Angeles:

• Los Angeles Country Club Golf Course
• Bel-Air Country Club Golf Course
• Brentwood Country Club Golf Course
• Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course

9 Public Courses in Los Angeles

Here is a list of the best public golf courses Los Angeles has to offer:

• The Links at Terranea Par-3 course
• The Lakes at El Segundo
• Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles
• Westdrift Manhattan Beach Golf Club
• Alhambra Golf Course
• Angeles National Golf Course
• Debell Golf Course
• Hansen Dam Golf Course
• Alondra Golf Course

Swipe to see more as we rate the best golf courses in Los Angeles area.

Top 10 Courses in Los Angeles, California

Here’s the list of seven top golf courses in Los Angeles. This list includes private and public courses as well.

1. Los Angeles Country Club | North Thomas Tees — Best Overall Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Par: 72
• Green fees: $93 – $108
• Length: 7,010 yards of the back tees and 5,610 yards of the front trees with two tees in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: The signature hole is the 9th with the clubhouse in the background, but the members consider the 11th the signature because of the LA skyline backdrop.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 99.0	Fun Rating: 99.2	Shape Rating: 98.8

In my list of best LA golf courses, this golf course finds the top spot. The Los Angeles Country Club has a long and eventful history around it.

The golf club is home to 36 holes and is a state-of-the-art country club with beautifully manicured golf courses that play long and difficult because of its slopes and ridges.

Because of its location, the value of this golf course is extremely high, and invites are hard to get. It’s one of the most exclusive and best golf courses on the planet.

2. Bel-Air Country Club Golf Course — Best Private Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Par: 70
• Green fees: $100 to $220
• Length: 6,782 yards of the back tees and 5,794 yards of the front trees with three tees in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: The 18th hole with the suspension bridge in the background is one of the best backdrops in golf.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 98.9	Fun Rating: 98.9	Shape Rating: 98.9

The course design is creative and unique. The setup is exquisite in design, as recently as 2018, Tom Doak removed most of the trees and hazards. The topography of the course is so steep that players are guided from one hole to another through tunnels.

3. Brentwood Country Club Golf Course — Best Country Club

• Site link
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Par: 72
• Green fees: $80 to $105
• Length: 6,884 yards of the back tees and 5,325 yards of the front trees with nine tees in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: N/A

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 97.7	Fun Rating: 96.3	Shape Rating: 99.1

The course features bent-grass greens, which are always lovely to putt on.

By removing about 300 trees has made the course way more accessible for the sun to reach the fairways ensuring better conditions and competitive rounds of golf.

Brentwood is one of the best country clubs in Los Angeles. The food and service at the clubhouse are always top-notch.

4. Hillcrest Country Club Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Par: 71
• Green fees: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends.
• Length: 6,287 yards of the back tees and 5,250 yards of the front trees, with nine tees in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: N/A

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 96.5	Fun Rating: 95.6	Shape Rating: 97.4

The par threes are real feature holes, primarily the new 155-yard 2nd, with a hollow green and the monster 12th – playing all of 260 yards from the back markers – which plays to an enormous Biarritz green (a deep gully bisecting the middle).

The course mostly consists of a typical setup compared to other Los Angeles golf courses. Three of the par five holes are wonderfully strategic (and challenging to reach in two shots), while the 18th can be stretched to 600 yards, finishing with a fantastic new green complex.

5. Trump National Golf Club — Los Angeles — Best Ocean Views Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
• Par: 71
• Green fees: $95 to $540
• Length: 7,240 yards of the back tees and 4,510 of the front tees, with seven tee boxes in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: The 17th hole is a long par-3 stretching to 238 yards. A waterfall drops into a pond behind the green. Five bunkers lurk around the green awaiting to catch your tee shots.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 95.2	Fun Rating: 94.5	Shape Rating: 95.9

The Trump National Golf Course has an expensive green fee but is not the most expensive either. Here are the world’s 8 most expensive golf courses by their green fees.

Anyway, getting back to the TNGC. One phrase that can summarize the Trump National Golf Course — Los Angeles is “picturesque ocean views.”

This public course, originally a Pete Dye design revamped by Donald Trump’s management, is one of a kind when it comes to sea views.

On the 18-hole stretch, you’ll have many “wow” moments, especially on a sunny day. You cannot deny the majestic views this course brings. Trump National — Los Angeles is high up there in consideration for the best golf course in Los Angeles.

The course is well maintained and has spacious fairways, leaving you to choose the driver of most tees.

Since most of the slopes face the sea, the wind is a huge factor, and uneven lies are common and add to your difficulty.

A fully developed clubhouse with fine dining and an expensive pro shop awaits you at this course.

6. The Links at Terranea — Par-3 course — Best Par-3 Course

• Site link
• Location: Palos Verdas, California
• Par: 27
• Green fees: $55 to $73
• Length: 1,239 yards.
• Signature Hole: The signature hole is the par-3 third, 172 yards. The green offers a panoramic view of the pacific ocean. Depending on the wind, you might need a driver on this hole!

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 94.6	Fun Rating: 95.8	Shape Rating: 93.4

A par-3 course with picturesque Pacific ocean and Catalina Island views. The course plays difficult because of the wind, but the conditions are pure.

All holes are championship-caliber, and the real estate is beautifully integrated with its surroundings.

This course is an amenity to the Terranea resort and is walk-only. It’s a delightful experience if you get to have it. This course will give you one of the best golf in Los Angeles.

7. Angeles National Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Sunland, California
• Par: 72
• Green fees: $100 to $185 (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 7,141 yards of the tips and 4,899 yards of the front.
• Signature Hole: #18 has views of the lake as you step up to the green. In the background, you’ll find a fountain and agave, a plant that inspired the course’s logo.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 89.5	Fun Rating: 92.2	Shape Rating: 86.8

Built by Nicklaus Design group, this golf course has received raves from Will Ferrell and Don Cheadle. The course sits at the edge of the Angeles National Forest.

This tough test is enjoyed by skilled players and those who relish playing in a dramatic, natural setting free from housing and other city distractions.

Although Angeles National Golf Club is rather flat, the surrounding mountains present a sublime backdrop in the distance. The setting is especially attractive in the late afternoon — you’ll reach for your cell phone to snap a few photos during the round.

8. Alhambra Golf Course — Best Budget Course

• Site link
• Location: Alhambra, California
• Par: 71
• Green fees: $15 to $54
• Length: 5,478 yards off the Tips and 4,581 yards off the Front. Two more tee boxes in between these distances.
• Signature Hole: The signature hole is the par-5, 16th. An intimidating tee shot over the water makes for an interesting start to the end of your round.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 86.7	Fun Rating: 88.3	Shape Rating: 85.1

This William F. Bell design par-71 course has a fun, classical layout. It’s not a very long course, but short hitters can’t just come here thinking it’s their time to make some birdies. The course still offers challenges that require players to think about.

This parkland setup consists of plenty of trees, a couple of lakes, and a few green side bunkers. Par-5s and some short par-4s make up for good birdie opportunities.

Almansor Grill in the clubhouse serves classic American fare for breakfast and lunch, including omelets, French toast, club sandwiches, tuna melts, and more.

9. Hansen Dam Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Pacoima, California
• Par: 72
• Green fees: $14 to $22 (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 6,699 yards from the back and 5,421 yards from the front
• Signature Hole: Hole no. 6 is widely regarded as the signature hole as its the only hole on the course where water comes into play.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 86.5	Fun Rating: 88.2	Shape Rating: 84.7

The 18-hole Hansen Dam Golf Course in Pacoima, CA, is a public golf course that opened in 1964. Hansen Dam Golf Course measures 6669 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 121 and a 71.8 USGA rating. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels.

10. Debell Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Burbank, California
• Par: 71
• Green fees: $20 to $47 (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 5,608 yards of the front and 4,946 yards of the back.
• Signature Hole: Hole #11 is tricky because you can’t see over the top. When people at the bottom of the hole are done, they ring a bell to call the next group to the tee.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 83.3	Fun Rating: 86.2	Shape Rating: 80.3

The par-71 DeBell Golf Club layout is short, sporty, and fun. While the back nine of this 36-35 routing (the back nine has three par 3s) is DeBell’s longer and tougher side, the front nine sets the tone with its parade of five short par 4s – the longest of which tips out at 302 yards.

Because many of the par 4s and 5s at DeBell Golf Club are doglegs that work their way around a mountain. The tight fairways make that a challenge, however.

With its hilly terrain, canyon fall-offs, meandering creeks, and thick rough, DeBell Golf Club will challenge any player who can’t hit precise shots.

Other Notable Courses

Below mentioned courses also have something to offer for golfers of all levels and deserve to be a part of the top golf courses Los Angeles has to offer, and if you’re ever in LA, they are worth a visit.

11. Westdrift Manhattan Beach Golf Club

• Site link
• Location: Manhattan Beach, California
• Par: 27
• Green fees: $27 to $34
• Length: 1209 yards of the back tees.
• Signature Hole: The 8th hole carries the reputation of the signature hole on this course as the tee shot is over a lake. You can easily lose a ball on this hole.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 86.2	Fun Rating: 88.8	Shape Rating: 83.6

Wesdrift is a new 4-Diamond, boutique hotel offering a great par-3 9-hole course. This course is not an all-out golf challenge but a leisure time for all golfers. It’s got short par-3s which are mainly used as a practice facility or for league tournaments. It’s a great place to sharpen your iron skills.

The course offers a Golf Shack patio to just sit down and enjoy quality time with your friends and family.

12. The Lakes at El Segundo —  Best TopGolf Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: El Segundo, California
• Par: 30
• Green fees: $32
• Length: 1,060 yards.
• Signature Hole: This new take on TopGolf itself is a signature for fun and creativity.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 80.6	Fun Rating: 83.6	Shape Rating: 77.5

Designed by Mike Angus, located 13 miles from Los Angeles, this 10-hole par-3 course is a new, technologically advanced take on golf.

If you’re done with the forests and trees indigenous to courses in America, welcome to the lakes of El Segundo, one of the best TopGolf courses in Los Angeles.

Equipped with top tracer technology on every tee shot, this course perfectly balances fun and competition. This course offers more entertainment than a stressful, thought-out round of golf.

13. Alondra Park Golf Course

• Site link
• Location: Lawndale, California
• Par: 72
• Green fees: $33 to $63 (depending on your tee time)
• Length: 6,626 yards from the back and 4,152 yards from the front.

PLAYER RATING
Overall Rating: 74.9	Fun Rating: 79.2	Shape Rating: 70.6

Alondra Golf Course is an 18-hole regulation golf course that plays 6,615 yards from the championship tees. It’s a very friendly and flat course.

An 18-hole par 3 course (2,252 yards) is also one of the most challenging ones around. Small, elevated greens make this a great course to practice your short game. The course also hosts wedding and gathering events.

Alondra Park Golf Course is a park owned or operated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.

FAQs

Where Do Celebrities Play Golf in Los Angeles?

Riviera Country Club hosts a lot of stars throughout the year, and while this course is famous for stars, it’s not the only one. You can find celebrities at the Los Angeles and Bel-Air Country Club. Some of the famous celebrities that played in Riviera include Walt Disney, Dean Martin, Ben Hogan, and many more.

What Is the Toughest Golf Course in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles Country Club golf course and Trump National Los Angeles golf course are the most challenging Los Angeles golf courses. These courses are very long and beautiful at the same time. You’ll be facing wind and slopes during your play as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ever in LA, you have many entertainment options. Most of the time, you’re just trying to spot Hollywood stars or athletes from LA sports teams. You can find famous personalities in LA at their limited number of exclusive and lush courses.

LA golf courses offer excellent conditions and reasonable fees to play. You get a variety to choose from Parkland and Links style courses.

If you’re ever in town, try to play one of the courses with ocean views. These courses offer a challenge on the course, but no matter how you’re playing, you will enjoy the scenic views and good vibes.

With several par-3 courses and ocean view courses, your vacation can potentially deliver memorable times.