What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (California)

What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (California)

California has some of the best golf courses in the world, but not every round is Pebble Beach. Based on player reviews, here are three of the most frustrating public courses in the Golden State. First up, Chula Vista Municipal, the mountain course. Golfers say the fairways are patchy, bunkers are basically dirt, and the greens, well, uneven at best. One review even said even if it were free, it wouldn’t feel worth it. Next, Indian Palms Country Club in India. Uh, in the heart of the Coachella Valley. It should be a desert gem, but players complain it feels rund down and overpriced. Here’s a quote. One of the worst courses we’ve played. And finally, Dos Osos Golf Club in Escandito. Uh, gorgeous drive to get there, but fairways full of weeds, gopher holes, and rough greens ruin the day. As one golfer put it, once is more than enough. So remember, California golf isn’t always sunshine and birdies.

California is home to some of the most celebrated golf courses in the world, but not every track lives up to the hype. A few courses have earned a reputation for frustrating golfers with poor conditions, questionable value, and disappointing experiences. Based on player reviews and online feedback, here are three of the most criticized public golf courses in the Golden State.

Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course – Mountain (Bonita)

Located just outside San Diego, Chula Vista Municipal’s Mountain course has become notorious for its conditioning issues. Golfers frequently describe the fairways as patchy or barren, with “little to no grass” in spots. Sand traps are often just dirt, and greens can be uneven or neglected. One reviewer summed it up bluntly: “Even if it were free, it wouldn’t feel worth it.”

Indian Palms Country Club & Resort (Indio)

In the heart of the Coachella Valley, Indian Palms has disappointed players looking for a reliable desert golf experience. Guests complain that the course feels like it needs a full-scale renovation, pointing to damaged fairways and inconsistent greens. Despite its resort setting, the conditions often don’t justify the green fees. One golfer called it “one of the worst golf courses we have played.”

Dos Osos Golf Club (Formerly Eagle Crest Golf Club) (Escondido)

Tucked in the hills of North San Diego County, Dos Osos Golf Club offers a scenic drive but little reward once players arrive. Reviews cite fairways riddled with weeds, dirt patches, and gopher holes, along with greens marked by pits and bare spots. Others note that the staff experience doesn’t make up for the on-course shortcomings. As one visitor put it: “Once is more than enough.”

Bottom Line

For every Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach, there are public tracks across California that leave golfers shaking their heads. Chula Vista Municipal, Indian Palms, and Dos Osos are three that come up most often in negative reviews, showing that not every round in California guarantees sunshine and satisfaction.