Your Guide to Golfing in San Luis Obispo County

Want to play a game of golf during your visit to Avila Beach? Avila Beach, California is home to one of the most beautifully crafted golf courses on the coast. Additionally, golf aficionados can try their swing at one of 13 courses within 20 miles of Avila Beach, which include 7 public, 4 municipal, and 2 private courses.

Check out our guide to the best courses in the area:

Avila Beach Golf Resort

Rated the best course in the area, Avila Beach Golf Resort offers a wonderfully unique experience for golfers. Designed by Dutra and Desmond Muirhead, the course, which is located 3 miles off Highway 101, south of San Luis Obispo and northwest of Pismo Beach, first opened for play back in 1969. Nestled in the surrounding hills and on the edge of the bay, the resort includes a par-72, 6,500-yard championship course, along with a neighborhood bar that serves up tasty eats.

The layout offers golf enthusiasts variety with kikuyu grass fairways and classic bentgrass greens. The front nine is situated on hilly terrain with smooth greens within oak-lined valleys. The back nine traverses a tidal estuary, with several forced carries over the water and multi-level greens certain to test your skill. Golfers of all levels will enjoy the challenge of this scenic course.

Cyprus Ridge Golf Course

Located in Arroyo Grande, Cyprus Ridge Golf Course is a member of the California Central Coast Golf Trail. The Peter Jacobsen Signature Course is both challenging and beautiful, utilizing the natural surroundings of this unique area. Mature cypress trees, lush green fairways, and cool fresh ocean air set this 18-hole course apart.

Opened in 1999, the facility features 6,803 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Terrific views and challenging play make Cyprus Ridge a golfer’s favorite.

Morro Bay Golf Course

Showcasing Central Coast beauty at its finest, Morro Bay Golf Course sits on the coastal hillside overlooking the stunning views of the Morro Bay Estuary, a nationally ranked wildlife sanctuary and recreational boat harbor. The player-friendly course features panoramic ocean views from every hole.

Built in 1923, the course originally had just nine holes designed by Quintin Miller and E.W. Murphy. Today, these nine holes are the backside of the 18-hole course, which is covered in Bent/Poa grass and kikuyu grass fairways. The tree-lined fairways and greens can be hard to read; all puts break an additional two inches towards the water no matter how they are sloped.

Chalk Mountain Golf Course

Well-established and beautifully maintained, Chalk Mountain Golf Course is ideally situated among the lush, ancient oak groves of Atascadero. Wildlife is prevalent among the rolling fairways and meandering creeks, adding to the excitement of this Robert Muir Graves championship golf course.

Beginners and experts will enjoy the large greens, homestyle clubhouse, and snack bar.

San Luis Obispo Country Club

San Luis Obispo Country Club is home to the oldest and longest course in the area. The 18-hole championship course is set amongst the rolling hills and vineyards of SLO with pure greens, white sand bunkers, and manicured tee boxes.

Under the direction of Golf Course Architect, Todd Eckenrode, the course underwent a major renovation in 2020-2021, adding new shapes, rolled turf edges, and improved drainage. The white sand offers golfers a Pebble Beach-type of beauty on the course.

Dairy Creek Golf Course

Set among rolling pastures in the scenic Chorro Valley, Dairy Creek Golf Course is a par 36 golf course located in San Luis Obispo. It’s also home to Swing Time, a Toptracer Range facility, and a traditional full-service grass driving range, practice greens, chipping, and bunker greens.

Guests will also enjoy the dining experience at The Fairways restaurant.

Pismo Beach Golf Course

Located in Grover Beach, Pismo Beach Golf Couse offers a unique oceanfront experience. The par 3 golf course sits on 29 pristine acres next to the sand dunes of Pismo Beach. The 9-hole course is inviting to golfers of all levels from children to professionals.

The Central Coast has a lot to offer golf lovers. Plan your stay to Avila Beach and stay at Cobbo’s Beach House, a luxury vacation rental situated just a short drive away from all of the wonderful golf courses San Luis Obispo County has to offer.