As we build GoPrivateGolf, we keep getting the question: "How many private golf country clubs are in... (name's their local city, state, or country)?"
In an effort to clarify that answer, we put together the following report which we will update as we continue to build out our inventory of clubs across the country.
Our process to verify clubs takes a ton of time. We do this manually by finding all golf courses in a particular area, then looking at their online presence, and contact information to make sure a club is active, has people working there, has a maximum of one publicly available tee time (some clubs do a "member for a day tee time"), and is primarily funded by their membership options. In order to keep ourselves sane during this process, the GoPrivateGolf team does our research, one region at a time and we try our best not to publish a region until it's complete. So if there is an area missing from this report, you are more than welcome to let us know at inquiries@goprivategolf.com, but know that it's probably on our list and still pending.
See below for the current coverage of this report...
Last Updated: August, 2024
There are 231 private golf courses in California. These are broken down into 8 different regions of California in an attempt to distribute the clubs more evenly across the state. and make it easier for you to find clubs in lesser known areas. Below is a list of each of the 8 regions with their
California Central Coast has 16 private golf courses.
This is a large region spanning just over 200 miles from San Barbara to Monterey. It covers all of the private golf clubs within about 30 miles from California's pacific coastline and extends across multiple cities in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey county. The reason for the large coverage is the distribution of private clubs along the coast. There are 16 in total.
Central Valley has 37 private golf courses.
The Central Valley of California is a vast region that stretches approximately 450 miles from Redding in the north to Bakersfield in the south. This area encompasses some of the most productive agricultural land in the country, but it also includes a significant number of private golf courses. The 37 private clubs are spread across cities like Fresno, Modesto, Stockton, and Bakersfield, as well as smaller towns. The expansive nature of the Central Valley, with its mix of urban and rural settings, contributes to the broad distribution of these courses, catering to diverse communities within the region.
Coachella Valley has 45 private golf courses.
The Coachella Valley, known for its desert landscape and luxury resorts, is home to 45 private golf courses. This region covers cities such as Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta. The area’s year-round warm climate, combined with its status as a popular destination for both retirees and vacationers, has led to the development of numerous private golf communities. The region’s concentration of private clubs is one of the highest in the state, driven by its appeal to those seeking both recreational and high-end living experiences.
Inland Empire has 10 private golf courses.
The Inland Empire, comprising Riverside and San Bernardino counties, features 10 private golf courses. This region spans from the eastern outskirts of Los Angeles to the edge of the California desert, including cities like Riverside, Rancho Cucamonga, and Redlands. The Inland Empire is characterized by its blend of suburban and rural areas, with private clubs scattered across the region to serve local communities. The relatively lower number of private clubs reflects the area’s more dispersed population and the balance between suburban development and open space.
Los Angeles has 34 private golf courses.
Los Angeles, with its iconic urban sprawl, is home to 34 private golf courses. This region includes not only the city of Los Angeles but also surrounding areas like Beverly Hills, Pasadena, and Santa Monica. The density of private clubs is a reflection of the high demand from a diverse population that includes celebrities, business leaders, and affluent residents. The geography of Los Angeles, with its hills, valleys, and coastline, provides a variety of settings for these exclusive clubs, making the region a hub for luxurious golf experiences.
San Diego has 18 private golf courses.
San Diego hosts 18 private golf courses. While the region encompasses the city of San Diego, majority of the clubs you will find are not actually in the city, but further north in the surrounding areas such as Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and the remainer of North County
The Bay Area has 47 private golf courses.
The Bay Area, encompassing San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, is home to 47 private golf courses. This region also includes nearby areas such as Marin, Napa, and the Peninsula. The diversity of the Bay Area’s geography, from coastal cliffs to rolling hills and vineyards, creates a range of settings for these private clubs.
Orange County has 15 private golf courses.
Orange County, known for its beaches and master-planned communities, features 15 private golf courses. This region includes cities like Newport Beach, Irvine, and Laguna Beach, where luxury living is a central theme. The private clubs in Orange County are often situated in gated communities, catering to residents who seek a blend of recreation and upscale amenities. The relatively compact geography of Orange County, combined with its high population density, results in a well-distributed network of private clubs that are easily accessible to the area’s affluent population.
There are 69 private golf courses in Arizona. These are broken down into 4 different very large regions of Arizona to make it easier for you to find clubs in the lesser known areas and make sure you're able to see everything. Below is a list of each of the 4 regions with their
Northern AZ has 14 private golf courses.
Northern Arizona, known for its diverse landscapes that include pine forests, desert areas, and high plains, is home to 14 private golf courses. This region encompasses cities such as Flagstaff, Sedona, and Prescott.
Phoenix has 16 private golf courses.
Phoenix, the capital and largest city of Arizona, boasts 16 private golf courses. The region includes not only the city itself but also nearby suburbs such as Glendale, and Peoria.
Scottsdale has 29 private golf courses.
Scottsdale, renowned for its luxury resorts and upscale living, is home to 29 private golf courses, making it the most concentrated regions for private clubs in Arizona. This region also includes private clubs in Mesa, Tempe, Rio Verde, Cave Creek & Carefree
Southern AZ has 10 private golf courses.
Southern Arizona, characterized by its desert landscapes and historic towns, includes 10 private golf courses. This region covers cities such as Tucson, Yuma, Green Valley, and Oro Valley.
Lake Tahoe has 5 private golf courses.