Built upon the site of the old San Gabriel Mission, San Marino, California, stands as a charmingly developed and protected enclave of luxurious living at its finest, only enhanced by the picturesque gardens and art museum on the historic Huntington estate.
In beautiful San Marino, California, almost any day is the perfect day to schedule a round of golf. With mild temperatures throughout the year and an average of
286 days of sunshine per annum, you’ll find plenty of time to enjoy these immaculate and challenging courses. Gordon Wang, local real estate expert, has compiled a list of the best golf courses in San Marino.
1. Altadena Golf Course
Historic Altadena Golf Course, nestled against the slopes of Mt. Wilson, has been attracting golfers for well over one hundred years. This 9-hole, 2,995-yard course, with a par of 36, is inviting for golfers of all levels and is open to the public. Altadena Grill has a reputation among locals for fantastic breakfast, so plan to meet up with your golfing group for breakfast before teeing up.
2. Annandale Golf Club
Classy and impeccable, from the greens to the golfers and staff, Annandale Golf Club epitomizes “the gentleman’s game.” Here members and their guests can enjoy 18 holes of challenging links on a par 71 course as well as the consummate country club experience. Customer service and care are top priorities, making this an ideal venue for celebratory events, as well as memorable days on the course.
3. Arroyo Seco Golf Course
Arroyo Seco Golf Course offers a long-standing golfing tradition for the whole community. The course boasts 18 tree-lined holes and a par 54 spanning 1,953 yards. Watch out for the meandering streams that draw in golfers’ balls like a magnet. This is a great course to fine-tune your short game, and since the course is well-lit, you’ll have time for a twilight round after work. Bring out the family and enjoy the whimsical 9-hole miniature golf course, or master that new set of clubs at the driving range.
4. Chevy Chase Country Club
Among the long-standing country clubs of the San Marino area, the 18-hole course at Chevy Chase Country Club was designed by William P. Bell is built into a small canyon, and it rises and falls with the natural rolling hills toward the canyon floor. Test your skills on narrow fairways that meander among native hardwood trees. Be prepared to play your shrewdest game or be outwitted by the sharp angles, small greens, and many trees. This par-67 course promises a great day of golf for club members and guests. Afterward, relax and swap stories about your fellow golfers in the newly renovated clubhouse.
5. Friendly Hills Country Club
Whether you’re new to the game or just want to brush up on your skills, the pros at Friendly Hills Country Club can help any golfer improve their game, whether you’re a member or not. Afterward, book a tee time and enjoy eighteen holes across 168 beautiful acres of lakes and pastoral scenery. Friendly Hills also welcomes corporate and charity events and tournaments. Their experienced team offers full-service event organization to make your tournament a success.
6. La Canada Flintridge Country Club
In addition to golf, La Canada Flintridge Country Club also offers their members tennis, camps, and more. Golfers enjoy the breathtaking views along the course and encounters with local wildlife. Choose a quick round of nine holes or make the most of the day on the 5800-yard, 18-hole course. This family-friendly club even offers family clinics on Sundays and grandchildren-golf-for-free with their grandparents, no matter their age.
7. The Lakes at El Segundo
For a completely different golfing experience, envision Topgolf melded with an established local landmark. The result is a completely reimagined Lakes at El Segundo. Here you can test your skill at the ten-hole course, designed to provide both challenge and approachability. Then, gather with friends at the Topgolf driving range or restaurant and enjoy a great night of food, fun, and golf. Lessons and club fittings are also available in case your golfing buddies need them.
8. Lakeside Golf Club
Meticulously landscaped and impeccably maintained, Lakeside Golf Club has long been the club of choice for local professional and amateur golfers and the Hollywood elite. Designed a century ago by Max Behr and lauded by Alister MacKenzie for honoring Scottish golf traditions, it remains a nod to the golden age of Hollywood. The course itself is 6,500 yards in length with two par 5 holes. The greens are small and fast, and Lakeside is ranked among the top courses in CA.
9. Maggie Hathaway Golf Course
Maggie Hathaway Golf Course is an accessible, public access course with nine challenging par 3 holes. Maintained by the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department, this generally uncrowded venue is known as the place to go in order to practice your short game.
10. San Gabriel Country Club
Famed golf course architect Norman Macbeth designed the eighteen-hole course of San Gabriel Country Club to take advantage of the undulating topography and scenic views of San Gabriel Valley. The course was developed with walkability in mind, and this is perhaps the best way to take in the ancient oaks and mountains rising in the distance.
Ready to call San Marino home?
One could confidently say that San Marino is a golfer’s paradise. With so many historic and cutting-edge courses in the area, you’ll find endless options to perfect your game and stay in shape in the beautiful California sunshine.
But golf courses in San Marino aren’t the only thing this Los Angeles suburb has to offer. If you might be thinking that this is the type of place you’d like to call home, reach out to local real estate professional Gordon Wang. He’ll be glad to answer all of your real estate questions and show you the best of what San Marino has to offer.