The sky is an ominous mix of deep blues and grays the first time I reach the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links. It’s been an overcast morning with the threat of a small shower ahead but I’m grateful that it has remained dry. The evocative scent of a coming rain invigorates me, so I don’t begrudge the weather one bit.
Coastal California’s courses are known for postcard-ready views, and while cloudy skies could dampen the experience elsewhere, nothing can take away from the splendor of Pebble Beach’s almost distractingly panoramic ocean vistas. That’s the magic of a course that tops the list of many a pro. Not every course can stand up against gloomy weather as heroically, but California is particularly rich in meticulously designed stunners. With dramatic cliffs, glittering coastlines, and inspiring mountains, “the golden state” is home to more than 900 courses that take advantage of its diverse landscapes.
Choosing from nearly a thousand courses is daunting enough, but with a host of hotels and resorts surrounding each, deciding where to stay on your next golf getaway could turn into a nightmare of sifting through endless options. Don’t get stuck in a sand trap, begging for a mulligan: Hit a hole in one at these California golf resorts.