Santa Barbara Real Estate
Santa Barbara Hotels
Santa Barbara Restaurants
Santa Barbara Catering
 Santa Barbara > Activity Guide > Santa Barbara Golfing
You may not automatically think of golf when you think of Santa Barbara, but you should.  The golf scene in Santa Barbara is excellent.

Santa Barbara county boasts six public 18-hole golf courses, four of which are within a half hour of downtown.  Three of these four boast championship level play.  The fourth is one of the busiest municipal courses in the country (and some years THE busiest).  There are also excellent 9-hole courses with practice facilities open in the evenings.

Each of our city's golf courses is nationally recognized in its own way.  They each offer their own flavor and personality ranging from the formal sophistication of Glen Annie to the amazing beauty of Sandpiper to the timelessness of Santa Barbara Golf Club.  They offer a range of prices to suit most budgets and are blessed with year-round play. 

Public 18-Hole Courses
  
Glen Annie - A local favorite, this course is known for its unique services.  It is listed as one of six 'environmentally friendly' courses in California.  The Frog Bar & Grill, a popular restaurant, takes full advantage of the fabulous views found throughout this course.
La Purisima - Located in the town of Lompoc, La Purisima is in the heart of Santa Barbara's Golf & Wine Country. Where Santa Barbara County’s Southern California spirit meets the Santa Ynez Valley wine country’s elegant demeanor. “One of America’s Best Designed Courses...and well worth the short 45 minute drive from Santa Barbara.”
Rancho San Marcos - Set in the mountains 12 miles outside of downtown Santa Barbara, Rancho San Marcos spectacularly captures the natural beauty and distinctiveness of its surroundings. Built on the site of the historic Rancho San Marcos, circa 1804, this Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed gem gracefully saddles the natural topography meandering amidst a plethora of ancient oaks.
River Course - Popular among golfers seeking new destinations for two or three-day golf getaways. The striking panorama of the Santa Ynez Mountains provides the backdrop for the River Course, where golfers can experience majestic beauty and rustic elegance. The course maintains an atmosphere of quiet escape by immersing the player in a serene riverside.
Sandpiper - One of the most beautiful courses anywhere, Sandpiper provides breathtaking views and expert-level play.  The only ocean-front course between Los Angeles and Pebble Beach, this is a 'must play' for locals and visitors alike.


Public 9-Hole Courses
 
Ocean Meadows - This course boasts regulation play, excellent prices, professional instruction and practice facilities.  It is centrally located in Goleta near UC Santa Barbara and the Camino Real Marketplace.
Twin Lakes - Well noted for its well-lit driving range, this 9-hole course offers all of the amenities of a high-quality practice facility at excellent prices.


Driving Ranges
 
Tee Time Practice Center - As Santa Barbara’s premier driving range and practice facility, we are the only practice center in the Carpinteria, Montecito, and Santa Barbara with a dedicated team of professionals offering onsite golf club fitting and golf club repair. We're committed to providing the best Santa Barbara driving range and golf practice experience available.