The County operates one of the nation's most expansive public golf course networks - an example of public-private cooperation and partnership.
Gil Hanse and Geoff Shackelford's restoration work brought back to life the North course at LACC with its visually engaging layout that keeps players entertained from start to finish.
Ocean Views
Golf may not be at the forefront of one's mind when thinking of Los Angeles (LA), with Hollywood, college and pro sports, sunny weather and traffic jams being among its more prevalent aspects. Yet LA does offer excellent public golf facilities - including several stunning ocean-view courses - for players of all levels to enjoy.
Los Angeles golfing tends to be quite pricey. Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill often charge greens fees of $300+ for single tee times; but for those willing to shell out more money there are great golfing opportunities such as Los Verdes Country Club in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Stacy Lewis won the 2011 Kia Classic LPGA Tour tournament here at this 36-hole golf mecca, featuring Eisenhower ("Ike") and Zaharias ("Babe" courses, offering breathtaking views across 650 acres in resort-style surroundings. Both courses can be found for daily fees that remain reasonable despite their grandeur.
Stunning Courses
Los Angeles private clubs boast some of the most visually stunning courses in America, and many are open to the public in some capacity, be it through daily green fees, resort packages or affiliated hotels. Golfweek's Best lists many of these upscale private facilities whose tee times are usually readily available.
Los Angeles Country Club's North Course stands out among Los Angeles' many private courses with its parkland layout that blends strong play with beautiful surroundings. Wilshire Country Club features another classic design with its sprawling layout among Hollywood mansions, complete with an engaging barranca that winds throughout.
Golf vacationers looking for an elite public course in LA should look no further than Rancho Park, Industry Hills or Angeles National - three top daily-fee courses worthy of inclusion on Golfweek's Best list.
Great Practice Facilities
Golfers with budgets that do not stretch to members-only clubs will still find plenty of great courses in LA and Orange County to choose from, including top-ranked public courses that hold their own against upscale private options.
Rancho Park Golf Course at Los Angeles Municipal is one of the premier public options, and it is easy to see why. Boasting both sloped fairways and stunning ocean views, this course presents both challenge and beauty in equal measures.
Hillcrest Country Club lies adjacent to Rancho Park and across West Pico Boulevard from Fox Studio Lot. This picturesque, old-school layout hosted Final Qualifying for the 2023 US Open and is famed for its undulating greens.
Lakeside Golf Club stands out among Los Angeles River courses as an incredibly scenic and challenging course with tiny greens that test your short game. Lakeside is known to be popular among Hollywood elite such as Bing Crosby.
Fun for the Whole Family
Los Angeles' premier private clubs provide an unmistakable glimpse of Hollywood's boys club. Gaining entry takes both money and connections; one club charges an initiation fee of $250,000 just to enter.
Lakeside course at Universal Studios Hollywood has long been a favorite among entertainment elite, such as Bing Crosby. This relatively short layout can be challenging with its rugged topography and undulated greens; particularly challenging is the 11th hole, a downhill half reverse redan requiring a long tee shot requiring precision.
Golf enthusiasts visiting Los Angeles should plan on spending at least some time playing on one or more public courses during their trip - Rancho Park, Industry Hills and even Trump National in City of Industry are truly incredible public courses that hold their own against LA's exclusive clubs. Golf fans should make time to play during their visit!
