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In the sprawling landscapes of the Golden State, where luxury meets leisure, the best country clubs in California stand as epitomes of refined living and recreation. From the cliffs overlooking the Pacific to the sun-kissed valleys, these exclusive establishments offer more than just golf – they offer a lifestyle. In this journey, we uncover the crème de la crème of California’s country clubs, where manicured fairways, stunning vistas, and upscale amenities converge to create a haven for those who seek the pinnacle of sophistication.

Why Join a Country Club

Joining a country club in California transcends the act of playing golf; it’s a choice to embrace a lifestyle of luxury, camaraderie, and exclusivity. Beyond the meticulously crafted golf courses, these clubs offer a community where members forge lasting connections, both on and off the greens. The benefits extend to access to world-class amenities, from state-of-the-art fitness centers and tennis courts to elegant dining establishments within the clubhouses. California’s country clubs become sanctuaries for socializing, networking, and enjoying the finer things in life, creating a sense of belonging and a backdrop for memorable experiences.

10 Best Country Clubs in California

The Los Angeles Country Club

10101 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

The Los Angeles Country Club is a private golf course located in Los Angeles, California. The club has two courses, the North and South, and is known for its solid gold architecture and beautifully maintained greens. The North Course was restored in 2010 by architect Gil Hanse, his associate Jim Wagner, and their colleague Geoff Shackelford.

Players can expect to find a visually stunning course with plenty of rugged bunkers, small valleys and water with beautifully groomed fairways and greens that are easy to misread. The greens often have distinctive peninsulas and “wings,” which were part of Thomas’ original design and meant to offer players different ways to play the same hole. The club also has a historic clubhouse with a restaurant and locker rooms.

Riviera Country Club

1250 Capri Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

The Riviera Country Club is a private golf course located in Pacific Palisades, California. The club has been ranked as the fourth-best private golf course in California by Golf Digest’s Best in State in 2023. The course was designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and features elevated greens, narrow fairways, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The course measures 6,950 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 139 and a 74.3 USGA rating. The club also has a historic clubhouse with a restaurant and locker rooms. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

The Olympic Club

599 CA-35, San Francisco, CA 94132

The Olympic Club is a private golf course located in San Francisco, California. The club has two courses, the North and South, and is known for its solid gold architecture and beautifully maintained greens. The North Course was restored in 2010 by architect Gil Hanse, his associate Jim Wagner, and their colleague Geoff Shackelford. Players can expect to find a visually stunning course with plenty of rugged bunkers, small valleys and water with beautifully groomed fairways and greens that are easy to misread.

The greens often have distinctive peninsulas and “wings,” which were part of Thomas’ original design and meant to offer players different ways to play the same hole. The club also has a historic clubhouse with a restaurant and locker rooms. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

The Bel-Air Country Club

10768 Bellagio Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077

The Bel-Air Country Club is a private golf course located in Bel-Air, Los Angeles, California. The club was founded in 1926 and is known for its world-class golf course, luxurious amenities, and beautiful scenery. The course was designed by George C. Thomas Jr. and features sandy dunes, cypress trees, and stunning ocean views. The course measures 6,482 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 133 and a 72.0 USGA rating. The club also has a historic clubhouse with a restaurant and locker rooms. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

Santa Ana Country Club

20382 Newport Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92707

The Santa Ana Country Club is a private golf course located in Santa Ana, California. The club was founded in 1926 and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted Robinson. The course measures 6,536 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 128 and a 71.7 USGA rating. The club is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and offers activities for all interests, including men’s and ladies golf leagues, swim team, junior golf and tennis, family club events, pool and holiday parties, wine tastings, and many more social events.

The club also has a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The clubhouse features food and beverage service offered on the course, full-service locker rooms, and club storage. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

Shady Canyon Golf Club

100 Shady Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

Shady Canyon Golf Club is a private golf course located in Irvine, California. The club was founded in 2002 and is known for its world-class golf course, luxurious amenities, and beautiful scenery. The course was designed by Tom Fazio, Beau Welling, and Dennis Wise and features sandy dunes, cypress trees, and stunning ocean views. The course measures 6,950 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 139 and a 74.3 USGA rating.

The club also has a 43,000-square-foot clubhouse with an executive chef, banquet rooms, spa, and fitness center. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

The Quarry at La Quinta

1 Quarry Ln, La Quinta, CA 92253

The Quarry at La Quinta is a private golf course located in La Quinta, California. The club was founded in 2002 and is known for its world-class golf course, luxurious amenities, and beautiful scenery. The course was designed by Tom Fazio, Beau Welling, and Dennis Wise and features sandy dunes, cypress trees, and stunning ocean views. The course measures 6,950 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 139 and a 74.3 USGA rating.

Lake Merced Golf Club

2300 Junipero Serra Blvd, Daly City, CA 94015

Lake Merced Golf Club is a private golf course located in Daly City, California. The club was founded in 1922 and has been restored to its glory as Alister MacKenzie envisioned it. The course has been shaped by architects Robert Muir Graves, Rees Jones and most recently, Gil Hanse. The club is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and offers activities for all interests, including men’s and ladies golf leagues, swim team, junior golf and tennis, family club events, pool and holiday parties, wine tastings, and many more social events.

The club also has a 43,000-square-foot clubhouse with an executive chef, banquet rooms, spa, and fitness center. The course features rolling hills, challenging greens, and spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club

5827 Via De La Cumbre, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club is a private golf course located in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The club was founded in 1926 and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted Robinson. The course measures 7,035 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 142 and a 74.9 USGA rating. The course features rolling hills, challenging greens, and spectacular views of the San Dieguito River Valley.

San Francisco Golf Club

1310 Junipero Serra Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132

The San Francisco Golf Club is a private golf course located in San Francisco, California. The club has been ranked as the 35th best course in America by Golf Digest’s Best in State in 2015-2016. The course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and features rolling hills, challenging greens, and spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The course measures 6,716 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 135 and a 73.3 USGA rating. The club also has a historic clubhouse with a restaurant and locker rooms. The club offers a full-service golf shop, driving range, short game area, and practice putting green. The club also offers caddie programs and youth golf program.

Conclusion

In the land of perpetual sunshine and breathtaking landscapes, California’s country clubs redefine luxury living and recreation. Joining one of these elite establishments is an invitation to indulge in the best of golf, fine dining, and social connection. The exclusive nature of these clubs ensures a sanctuary for those seeking a sophisticated escape amid California’s diverse and vibrant landscapes.