Explore the pinnacle of luxury and golfing excellence as we reveal the best private golf courses in Los Angeles and Southern California. This comprehensive guide offers an insider's look at some of the most prestigious courses in the region, where history, challenge, and exclusivity meet. Whether you're seeking the thrill of playing on renowned fairways or simply indulging in the ambiance of elite clubs, this guide is your gateway to the finest golf experiences Southern California has to offer.

Looking to experience the prestige of private golf at courses across Los Angeles and Southern California? Links Golf provides access to over 11 private courses in California. Take our short quiz to discover which specific courses are available to play near you.

Top Los Angeles & Southern California Golf Courses

Los Angeles Country Club

Steeped in history, the Los Angeles Country Club has been a cornerstone of Southern California golf since its founding in 1897. Established initially on a small lot in Los Angeles, the club has since evolved into a premier golfing destination with two 18-hole courses. The North Course, recently restored to its original grandeur, offers a challenging layout that has hosted major events, including the 2023 U.S. Open Championship. The South Course, redesigned in 2016, complements the North with its wide fairways and native grasses, providing a contrasting but equally captivating golfing experience.

• Founded: 1897

• Holes: 36 (North and South Courses)

• Course Architects: George Thomas/William Herbert Fowler/William P. Bell/Robert Muir Graves/John Harbottle III/Gil Hanse/Geoff Shackelford

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: North: 75.7 Rating / 143 Slope; South: 71.1 Rating / 129 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 100.0

Bel-Air Country Club

Nestled in the mansion-dotted canyons of Los Angeles, Bel-Air Country Club is a George C. Thomas masterpiece that offers a unique blend of history and modern design. The course, known for its dramatic elevation changes and iconic features like the suspension bridge over the par-3 10th, has been meticulously restored to reflect Thomas’s original vision. Playing at Bel-Air is not just a round of golf; it’s a journey through one of LA’s most exclusive neighborhoods, with Hollywood stars and iconic vistas as your companions.

• Founded: 1925

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: George Thomas/William P. Bell/Jack Neville/William H. Johnson/William F. Bell/Dick Wilson/George Fazio/Robert Trent Jones, Jr./Tom Doak

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 74.3 Rating / 138 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 93.7

The Riviera Country Club

The Riviera Country Club, a staple of Southern California golf since 1926, is celebrated for its natural layout that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Designed by George C. Thomas, the course is known for its challenging holes, each offering a unique test of skill. Riviera has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Tour’s Genesis Invitational. It remains a favorite among amateurs and professionals for its demanding yet fair design.

• Founded: 1926

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: George Thomas/William P. Bell/Ted Robinson, Sr./Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw/Tom Fazio/Ron Forse

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 76.3 Rating / 144 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 100

Wilshire Country Club

Wilshire Country Club, located in the heart of Los Angeles, offers a rich history dating back to 1919. Originally designed by Norman Macbeth, the course has been a staple in the LA golfing community for over a century. With its rolling terrain and strategically placed hazards, Wilshire provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. The club has also been a site for historic moments, including Jack Nicklaus’s golf clinics in the 1970s.

• Founded: 1919

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Norman Macbeth/George Waters/Kyle Phillips

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 71.9 Rating / 133 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 88.5

MountainGate Country Club

Situated at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains, MountainGate Country Club is a modern, upscale facility that blends golf traditions with contemporary amenities. The club boasts 27 holes of championship golf, offering diverse challenges across three nine-hole courses. With additional facilities such as tennis courts, a clubhouse, and dining options, MountainGate is more than just a golf club, it’s a lifestyle destination.

• Founded: 1975

• Holes: 27

• Course Architects: Ted Robinson, Sr./Casey O'Callaghan

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: North: 36.0 Rating / 132 Slope; South: 37.6 Rating / 137 Slope; Lake: 36.4 Rating / 132 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 77.3

Del Mar Country Club 

Del Mar Country Club is one of Southern California’s premier golf clubs, known for its championship course and luxurious amenities. Designed by Joe Lee, the course is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and manicured fairways. The club also offers a variety of other activities, including tennis, pickleball, and swimming, making it a retreat for the entire family.

• Founded: 1991

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Joe Lee

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.8 Rating / 145 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 74.2

The Grand Golf Club 

The Grand Golf Club, located in San Diego, offers a stunning Tom Fazio-designed course that perfectly integrates with the natural beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon. The course features dramatic elevations, diverse bunkering, and lush fairways, providing a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience. The Grand Golf Club is part of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, offering world-class amenities and dining options, making it a complete luxury experience.

• Founded: 1999

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Tom Fazio

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 75.1 Rating / 141 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 94.6

Tradition Golf Club

Tradition Golf Club, once the home of golf legend Arnold Palmer, offers an exclusive desert golfing experience. Palmer designed the course, which reflects his vision of what a golf course should be: challenging yet accessible, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Tradition Golf Club is not just a place to play golf; it’s a community where members share a passion for the game and a commitment to preserving its legacy.

• Founded: 1998

• Holes: 27

• Course Architects: Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay/Harrison Minchew

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.0 Rating / 137 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 92.2

Stone Eagle Golf Club

Since its opening in 2005, Stone Eagle Golf Club has earned a reputation as one of the finest golf courses in the desert. Designed by Tom Doak, the course takes full advantage of its natural setting, offering a unique and challenging layout. The club’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the perfectly maintained fairways to the world-class dining experience at Aerie, the club’s signature restaurant.

• Founded: 2005

• Holes: 18

• Course Architects: Tom Doak

• USGA Course/Slope Rating: 73.7 Rating / 139 Slope

• GolfDay Rating: 93.8

Join Links Golf for the Ultimate Private Golf Club Membership

With Links Golf, you can access private golf courses across Los Angeles and Southern California, enjoying the exclusivity and flexibility you deserve. Learn more about Links Golf memberships to transcend traditional barriers and immerse yourself in the luxury of private golf courses. Elevate your game, explore new horizons, and savor the thrill of elite golfing at a truly unmatched price.