Swinging Through the Valley: The Ultimate Guide to Ojai Golf
There is a distinct rhythm to playing golf in the Ojai Valley. It starts early in the morning when the coastal fog settles into the barrancas, keeping the air crisp while the sun slowly climbs over the Topatopa Mountains. Unlike the fast-paced, crowded courses of Los Angeles, golf here is an unhurried, scenic experience where oak-lined fairways match the laid-back, sophisticated charm of the valley.
Whether you are looking for a world-class luxury resort experience or an exceptionally designed, accessible local gem, Ojai offers a perfect pairing of courses. Here is your guide to hitting the links in the valley.
The Historic Legend: The Ojai Valley Inn Championship Course
If you want to play a course steeped in golf history, the legendary track at the Ojai Valley Inn is a bucket-list destination. Originally designed in 1923 by iconic architect George C. Thomas Jr. (the mastermind behind Riviera Country Club and Los Angeles Country Club), this course has hosted golf royalty, celebrities, and fine-tuned tournament fields for over a century.
Designer: George C. Thomas Jr. (Restored by Jay Morrish)
Vibe: Luxury Resort, Impeccably Manicured, Historic
Key Feature: The famous "Lost Holes" (Holes 10A and 10B) brought back to life
Championship quality golf at the Ojai Valley Inn
What to Expect:
The course winds seamlessly through natural barrancas, mature oak trees, and elevation changes that demand strategic shot-making rather than pure distance. Thomas’s philosophy was to make a course look completely natural to its environment, and it shows. The back nine is particularly famous for its challenging par-3s and stunning mountain backdrops.
The Insider Tip: Take a moment on the tee boxes to just soak in the views. The service here is top-tier, and the conditioning is flawless. After your round, grab a drink on the patio at Jimmy’s Pub to watch the late-afternoon light hit the fairway.
The Local Masterpiece: Soule Park Golf Course
Don't let the phrase "municipal course" fool you—Soule Park is widely regarded by golf architecture enthusiasts as one of the best-kept public secrets in California. Originally designed by William F. Bell in 1962, the course underwent a massive, brilliant restoration in 2005 by renowned architects Gil Hanse and Geoff Shackelford.
Hanse (who went on to design the 2016 Olympic Course in Rio and restore major championship tracks nationwide) turned Soule Park into a wide-open, strategic, rustic masterpiece.
What to Expect:
Soule Park features wide fairways that offer plenty of room off the tee, but the real challenge lies in the approach shots. The greens are expansive and heavily contoured, protected by beautifully sculpted, rugged bunkers. The San Antonio Creek barranca winds through the property, adding dramatic tactical decisions to several holes.
The Insider Tip: Soule Park is incredibly walkable and offers completely unobstructed, 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges. It delivers an elite architectural experience at a fraction of the cost of a luxury resort, making it a favorite for traveling purists and locals alike.
Tips for Planning Your Ojai Golf Getaway
Beat the Heat: Ojai summers get hot quickly. Book a tee time before 8:30 AM to enjoy the cool morning air and finish your round just as the valley warmth starts to set in.
Make it a Two-Day Tour: The ultimate Ojai golf weekend involves playing Soule Park on Saturday to enjoy its wide, strategic layout, and tackling the precise, historic challenge of the Ojai Valley Inn on Sunday.
Unwind at the 19th Hole
After a long day walking the fairways, hunting for errant balls in the oaks, and navigating contoured greens, your body will crave a peaceful place to decompress.
Hideaway Ojai provides the perfect peaceful sanctuary to return to after a day on the turf. Wash off the afternoon sun, fire up the outdoor space, and relax with a cold drink under the stars. Our boutique, direct-booking property puts you just minutes away from both the Ojai Valley Inn and Soule Park, making it the ideal luxury basecamp for your golf weekend.
Skip the extra platform fees on third-party sites. Book your golf getaway directly through hideawayojai.com to lock in our best available seasonal rates.
