Golf is a way of life in California, and Santa Cruz has some of the best courses in the state.
With year round weather that’s fantastic for golf, it makes sense that golfers love it here. Plus, with the changing terrain of ocean views, awe-inspiring cliffs, palm trees, rolling hills, and redwood forests, every course is beautiful.
And for the non-golfers, these popular courses are still a great source of inspired views and impressive clubhouses with a wide array of services and amenities.
People travel from all over the world for a Santa Cruz golf trip, and the residents in these communities have access to them whenever they want.
Here are a few of the top golf courses in the Santa Cruz area.
Pasatiempo Golf Club
Santa Cruz
20 Clubhouse Rd
pasatiempo.com
This prestigious course that’s a definite favourite for golf enthusiasts is located just a few miles north of Santa Cruz, just off of Highway 17.
With greens designed by Alasdair McKenzie, the same infamous golf architect who designed Augusta National and home of The Masters tournament, this course is always ranked high for California golf courses.
The championship tee boxes can be pushed back to 6,500 yards, demanding quality tee shots from players. This is a risk/reward golf course that makes you think on every swing.
The stunning views of canyons and redwood trees are matched by the maintenance of the golf courses, from the manicured greens to the silica white bunkers.
All Santa Cruz residents can enjoy the Pasatiempo Golf Club because it is open to members and the public. So make a tee time whenever you’d like, or just stop by to use the state-of-the-art practice facility.
DeLevagea Golf & Lodge
Santa Cruz
401 Upper Park Rd
delavageagolf.com
The DeLevagea Golf & Lodge is a fantastic place to spend the day, whether you come for a round of golf, or to enjoy the other amazing aspects of the area.
Situated in the rolling hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the DeLevagea Golf & Lodge is not even a ten minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, via the CA-1 Highway.
This par 70 golf course has 18 challenging holes that everyone is welcome to come play and enjoy. No matter what your skill level, you’ll enjoy the views of the awe-inspiring Monteray Bay through the trees.
Besides the outstanding golf course, there are two bars, an award-winning restaurant, disc golf, and a network of trails and paths to further explore the foothills.
Pajaro Valley Golf Club
Santa Cruz
967 Salinas Rd
pajarovalleygolf.com
The Pajaro Valley Golf Club is a feast for the eyes, with sights and sounds unlike any golf course you’ve played.
Look and listen for the wildlife in the area, especially the abundance of birds. This is because the golf course connects to the Elkorn Slough, which is a bird sanctuary. It’s no surprise to discover that the Spanish word for bird is Pajaro.
About 20 miles southeast of Santa Cruz, the Pajaro Valley Golf Club is a fantastic golfing experience. Nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Pajarro Valley Golf Club is also surrounded by the Pajaro Dunes, and Monterey beaches, and magnificent redwood trees.
With plenty of events, a popular dining room, and affordable green fees, golf at the Pajaro Valley Golf Club makes for an amazing round out with the entire family.
Seascape Golf Club
Aptos
610 Clubhouse Dr
seascapegc.com
Located in the popular Santa Cruz community of Aptos, the Seascape Golf Club is only half a mile away from sandy beaches that line the Pacific Ocean.
The crisp ocean air feels amazing during a round here, especially while surrounded by Monterey Pines and Eucalyptus trees. While these towering trees are a sight to behold, the golf course still plays very fair and can be enjoyed by all skill levels.
Many of the most beautiful Aptos homes surround the golf course and take advantage of having one of the highest ranked California golf courses just a few minutes away.
Spring Hills Golf Course
Santa Cruz
501 Spring Hills Dr, Watsonville
springhillsgolf.com
The Spring Hills Golf Course is an amazing option for most of the Santa Cruz communities.
From Santa Cruz, it’s an easy half hour drive to this spectacular layout, heading east on the CA-1 Highway. Spring Hills Golf Course is definitely a favourite as well for the residents of Live Oak, Soquel, Capitola, and Aptos, as they are even closer to the course.
The course layout is challenging and fun, set on ranchland, giving it a rural feel. The pristine ponds, rolling hills, and nearby Santa Cruz Mountains create a playing experience difficult to find anywhere else.
The famous signature hole at the Spring Hills Golf Course is the last one. It’s always a remarkable ending to a fun round seeing the majestic 40 foot waterfall.
The Spring Hills Golf Course was built on family ranch land, and it is still family owned today. The players here appreciate the friendliness of the staff and laid back atmosphere of the course here.
Buccaneer Bay Mini Golf
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
400 Beach St
neptuneskingdom.com
This might be a bit of a cheat because it’s not exactly a golf course, but who doesn’t love mini golf?
The Buccaneer Bay Mini Golf is located right on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, inside Neptune’s Kingdom. Neptune’s Kingdom is a nautically-themed entertainment center.
Perfect for a day out with the family, or a date night idea, this mini golf course is a complete blast to play.
It’s two stories, has 18 challenging and creative holes with a playful pirate theme, and a cave to play through equipped with black light.
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
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