A golf magazine released its annual list of the best private golf courses across the nation, with 20 courses from California ranked in 2026.
Golfweek released its list for the best private courses of 2026 for each state, except for Alaska, which does not have any rated private courses.
The magazine takes input from over 800 participants and ranks the courses on 10 different criteria, including layout, landscaping and routing, which is how well the holes adhere to the land and the other holes.
The publication also denotes which courses are returning to this year’s list, as well as which parks are considered modern and classic. Classic parks are from before 1960, while modern ones are after.
Did one near you make the list?
What are California’s best private golf courses?
Golfweek chose 20 courses in California as the best in the state and ranked them.
The No.1 spot went to Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, which was built before 1960.
Three courses on the list made a return from last year’s list: Brambles in Middletown, as well as The Reserve and Vintage Club. The latter two are both in Indian Wells and are also tied for 19th place.
Here are Golfweek’s 20 best private golf courses in California:
Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Best private golf courses in California? See new ranking
Reporting by Ernesto Centeno Araujo, USA TODAY Network / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ernesto Centeno Araujo, USA TODAY Network | USA TODAY Network
