Golf Opportunties in Santa Ynez
Santa Ynez Valley is widely known for its award-winning wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, and sweeping views of rolling hills and vineyards. What many visitors, prospective homeowners, and even longtime locals often come to appreciate is that golf is also a meaningful part of the Santa Ynez Valley lifestyle. The valley naturally lends itself to outstanding golf experiences with a mild year-round climate, expansive open spaces, varied terrain, and minimal coastal wind. Below are some of the most notable golf opportunities in and around the Santa Ynez Valley:
Located at the iconic Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, the River Course and Ranch Course at The Alisal form the heart of Santa Ynez Valley golf. These two 18-hole championship courses offer distinctly different playing experiences while sharing a timeless setting framed by oak trees, riverbeds, and mountain backdrops.
The River Course is known for its wide fairways, gentle terrain, and relaxed pace, making it approachable for golfers of all skill levels. The Ranch Course delivers a more traditional challenge with rolling fairways and classic course design.
Two 18-hole championship golf courses
Pro shop
Putting and practice areas
Electric and hand carts, plus club rentals
Private and group lessons with PGA professionals
Golf clinics and schools
Full-service restaurant and bar for breakfast and lunch
Annual Santa Ynez Valley Golf Championship
Golf vacation packages
River Course at Alisal
150 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA
Phone: 805-688-6042
Website: https://www.rivercourse.com/
Ranch Course at Alisal
1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA
Phone: 805-688-4215
Website: http://ranchcourse.com/
For those seeking a shorter round without sacrificing challenge or scenery, Zaca Creek Golf Course in Buellton is a standout. This 9-hole, par-29 executive course offers elevated views of Zaca Lake and the surrounding hills. Zaca Creek is the longest par-3 nine-hole course in California spanning 1,590 yards- making it a favorite for golfers focused on improving short-game control and accuracy. It is also one of the few courses in the country to offer Footgolf, a unique blend of soccer and golf that adds a fun, family-friendly option.
9-hole, par-29 executive course
Pro shop
Driving range
Putting greens and bunkers
Golf instruction
Pull and driving cart rentals
Affordable rates and SCGA membership packages
Footgolf
Zaca Creek Golf Course
223 Shadow Mountain Drive, Buellton, CA 93427
Phone: 805-691-9272
Website: https://discoverbuellton.com/recreation/zaca-creek-golf-course/
Open 7 days a week. Public golf course with no tee times and a driving range. Hours are Sunrise to Sunset.
Just west of Santa Ynez Valley, La Purisima Golf Course is widely regarded as one of the finest public golf courses in California, second only to Pebble beach. Ranked 4.5 stars by Golf Digest readers, this course spans more than 300 acres of uninterrupted rolling terrain.
Designed by famed Robert Muir Graves and Kenneth Hume Hunter Jr., La Purisima was created for the purist golfer. With no surrounding residential or commercial development, the experience feels secluded, peaceful, and focused entirely on the game.
4.5-star Golf Digest–ranked course
Pro shop
All-grass hitting stations
Short-game area with bunkers
Chipping and putting greens
Memberships and golf packages
Lessons and clinics with PGA professionals
On-site dining at The Grille Restaurant
La Purisima Golf Course
3455 E Highway 246, Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone: 805-735-8395
Website: http://www.lapurisimagolf.com/
Located just over San Marcos Pass on HWY 154, Rancho San Marcos Golf Course offers an 18-hole, par-71 layout measuring 6,939 yards. Known for its consistent conditions, true-rolling greens, and favorable wind patterns, and spectacular views, the course provides a rewarding round for players of all abilities.
Pro shop
Club and cart rentals
Driving range
Putting and chipping areas
Professional lessons
Clubhouse
Rancho San Marcos Golf Course
4600 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Phone: 805-683-6334
Website: https://ranchosanmarcos.com/
While not located directly in Santa Ynez Valley, Sandpiper Golf Course is a must-mention for local golf enthusiasts. Situated along the Pacific Ocean in Goleta, Sandpiper is consistently ranked among the top 25 public golf courses in the United States. The course gas hosted several professional tournaments including the PGA Tour Tournament Players Series, the LGPA Tour Santa Barbara Women’s Open, and the PGA Tour Qualifying School.
With ocean and mountain views from every hole, Sandpiper offers a dramatic coastal contrast to inland valley play and is an easy day trip for Santa Ynez Valley residents.
Pro shop
Club and cart rentals
Private lessons
Custom club fittings
Local resident rates
Sandpiper Grill restaurant
Beverage cart service
Sandpiper Golf Course
7925 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Phone: 805-968-1541
Website: https://www.sandpipergolf.com/
For buyers seeking luxury real estate, the region’s golf opportunities are an important - and often underrated - part of what makes Santa Ynez Valley such a rewarding place to live.
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