What are the best public golf courses in Santa Cruz, California?

Introduction to Santa Cruz

In this blog post we’re going to explore the best public golf courses in Santa Cruz, a coastal gem of a city in California.

Nestled between various state parks, Santa Cruz is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, especially beach lovers. And this is what the city is renowned for, its stunning beaches, laid-back surf culture and of course the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! 

Merely a forty-five minute drive from San Jose and an hour and a half from San Francisco, it is the perfect destination for a long weekend. 

When it comes to choice of public golf courses, there’s a handful to choose from within a half hour’s drive. One of them happens to be one of the finest in California, although expect to pay handsomely to play here.

See also: What are the best public golf courses in San Francisco, California?

The best public golf courses in Santa Cruz, California

1. Pasatiempo Golf Course

We kick off this list with none other than the outstanding Pasatiempo Golf Course.

Located just to the north of the city, with magnificent views back across to the ocean, Pasatiempo is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in California. 

The layout was designed by one of the greats in course architecture, Alister MacKenzie.  MacKenzie traveled the world helping to renovate and design some of the finest golf courses we know.

Yet up there as his greatest work must surely be the iconic Augusta National, which he designed in collaboration with Bobby Jones. And arguably the greatest golf course in the world, Cypress Point, just south of Santa Cruz on the Monterey Peninsula.

Pasatiempo may not share the same adulation, but rest assured this semi-private club isn’t far off.

For starters the landscape and topography are wonderful, offering an abundance of different vantage points. Whilst barrancas and ravines make for some fascinating holes with few options to bail out!

Many holes feature classic MacKenzie design features, especially the bunkering, beautifully contoured yet penal. 

When playing here, it’s widely accepted the front nine is the easier to play. Whilst the back nine is brutal, requiring far more precision and accuracy. 

All in all, for many golfers this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yes the course is open to the public, but with rates just shy of $400, many may only get the opportunity to play here once, if at all. 

Which is a shame, not just for the quality of the course. But as we know it’s only on repeat visits that you know how to play the course. Where to play safe, where you can play aggressively and where to stop and enjoy the view. 

2. Seascape Golf Club

Barely a mile from the coast, overlooking Monterey Bay and just a ten minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, is the charming Seascape Golf Club.

This is a course which has been part of the landscape for around hundred years, give or take the years it was closed during World War II. 

It was designed by Garrett and David Gill and opened way back in 1926. At the time, the club was called Rio Del Mar Country Club and would no doubt have occupied a relatively isolated spot close to the ocean.

These days, there is far more residential housing lining the fairways. But fortunately the layout keeps much of its character and is still as enjoyable to play.

It is also tough to play, which seems to be the theme for most courses routed on highlands. 

Quirky tight fairways require pin-point accuracy off the tee. Whilst precision approach shots are called for. Being above the greens makes things incredibly difficult. They’re small, sloping and often raised. 

Despite being a par 71, it is only just over 6,000 yards from the back tees. But any longer and it would be brutal. 

But don’t let this put you off. The layout is a classic gem with tons of character. There are splendid views and the clubhouse has a large patio just waiting to be occupied after a long round. 

See also: What are the best golf courses in Monterey, California?

3. DeLaveaga Golf Course

No more than a ten minute drive into central Santa Cruz and the famous Beach Boardwalk, is the fantastic DeLaveaga Golf Course.

In existence since the late 1960s, the club occupies a terrific location perched up from the city in the Santa Cruz Mountains. On one hand you’re within touching distance of the city. Whilst on the other, you’re just far enough out to feel completely disconnected from daily life.

Designing the masterplan for the course’s routing fell to the architect Bert Stamps, whose portfolio largely consisted of golf courses in California. 

Although arguably his most notable projects include Baton Rouge Country Club in Louisiana and Las Vegas National Golf Club in Nevada.

Winding through the canyons and hills, this is a wonderful layout albeit not long. From the back tees the layout measures 6,110 yards. But trust me when I say this lack of length will be a blessing in disguise.

Being in the mountainous foothills, expect constant elevation changes. Likewise, the fairways are tight and tree-lined with a number of doglegs, all which can impact pace of play. 

This is perfectly epitomized on the tenth hole, the hardest on the course. A par 5 which features water on one side and out of bounds on the other. A perfect tee shot is then followed by a precision approach over a ravine.

But that said, it is also great fun. A course which holds you to account is no bad thing. And with such spectacular views, you can understand why this is one of the most popular public golf courses around Santa Cruz.

4. Pajaro Valley Golf Club

Just south of Watsonville, in Las Lomas, is the popular Pajaro Valley Golf Club. The location is pretty much midway between Santa Cruz and Monterey. 

Just like Seascape Golf Club, Pajaro opened in the early 1920s when golf was a burgeoning sport on the west coast. In its earliest guise, it was known as Watsonville Country Club and was just 9-holes.

It was designed by Floyd McFarland, with Pajaro Valley appearing to be his only foray into golf course design. Although some of the design assistance is credited to Peter Hay who was the pro at Pebble Beach.

Fast forward some fifty years to 1975, and Robert Muir Graves oversaw a complete restoration with the course eventually transforming into an 18-hole layout. 

The winding Elkhorn Slough river runs alongside the site and is a vast habitat for all kinds of wildlife. With around 340 different species living close by, it’s a feast for the eyes. 

In fact, the name ‘Pajaro’ is clearly in homage to the adjoining sanctuary as it means ‘bird’ in Spanish. 

The site features gently rolling hills, full of cypress and pine trees.Unlike many of the previous entrants on this list, the fairways are large and forgiving. This is definitely a course where you can pull out the driver. 

But it’s the greens which will test your short game and keep you honest. 

As of writing, the highly regarded and hugely talented Forrest Richardson, has been appointed to oversee a complete renovation. This is definitely one to keep an eye on if Richarson’s previous projects are anything to go by on.

See also: What are the best private golf courses in San Francisco, California?

5. Spring Hills Golf Course

Last up on our list of public golf facilities in Santa Cruz, is the family owned and run Spring Hills Golf Course.

Opened in 1965, it has been family run ever since and prides itself on the peaceful and unpretentious surroundings. 

Designed by Ben Harmon, the course is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The routing takes the layout across sweeping hills epitomized by tight tree-lined fairways and elevated tee boxes.

Regardless of which nine you are playing, it is challenging. Alongside the hazards already mentioned, you’ll encounter various meandering streams and tight greens. 

Fortunately, especially on the back nine, you’ll get to enjoy some pretty spectacular views.

This affordable option is well worth the visit. Relaxing and enjoying the hospitality in the ranch-style clubhouse is part of the trip. Or on a hot day, sit on the veranda and enjoy the view.

What is the best public golf course in Santa Cruz, California?

The best public golf course near Santa Cruz, California, is the spectacular Pasatiempo Golf Course. Located just to the north of the city, it was designed by one of the greatest architects of the game, Alister MacKenzie. So good is Pasatiempo, it is considered to being one of the finest golf courses in California.