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Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
Reviews
Review
“La Cumbre CC has a storied history from inception in 1908 to it's current layout, last redesigned by George Bell in 1957. This is a quintessential parkland course with mature trees on rolling terrain, the holes simply flow with the terrain and utilize the geographic features;. Most holes run predominately up or downhill and approach shots are to raised greens, well protected by bunkers or slopes, making distance control the most important factor to scoring well. Bunkers and trees are often used to frame the tee shots and some hole have excellent views of the surrounding mountains and terrain. The course is in excellent condition, firm and fast with smooth and true Poa greens, and well maintained (consistent) bunkers, easily the best greens and bunkers I have played in a while. The tee shots and approach shots are well framed by the terrain and landscaping. Some of the shorter par 4s can be very strategic requiring the exact distance off the tee to have a view of the green. Even though there is housing adjacent to the course the houses are rarely in view or in play. My only criticism is that many of the holes seem to play roughly the same distance, more modern courses tend to have more variety in the length of holes, short to long, or have risk reward built into the design; these aspect tend to be a more modern characteristic and not seen much in courses of this generation."
Read More2025
Review
“A clubby old club with a budget to do a renovation soonish and maintain to a high standard. If you are in the area and can secure an invitation, take it. If your time is limited, Sandpiper and La Purisima are better options and open to the public."
Read More2025
Review
“A beautiful course that gives you incredible santa barbara views, however it feels like 2 courses in 1 with the front and back 9 playing over very different terrain. There are a few stand out holes that run through the upper hills section of the course, however many holes feel cramped into the space and require the player to play many of the same shots over and over again."
Read More2024
Review
“George Thomas/Billy Bell design. Golf Course was built when dirt movement was minimized, so there are quite a few up and down holes with elevated green and many blind shots. Good variety of hole movement (left to right and up/down). Course is well protected with strategically placed bunkers off the Tees and around the greens. Trees also framed many of the holes nicely which led to the importance of Drive placement as well as shots to some of the greens. From a conditioning perspective, the course was terrific with tightly mown kikuyu grass in the fairways and the green surfaces were smooth and fast. The bunkers were very well maintained and consistent."
Read More2024
Review
“Located in Santa Barbara, CA, this George C. Thomas/William Bell private course, opened for play in 1916. Course conditioning is immaculate. The course has lots of elevation changes and doglegs. The greens are in excellent shape and roll true. The green complexes are challenging, and the green surrounds allow you putti or chip"
Read More2024
Review
“Great use of terrain with ample uphill and downhill shots. Course is laid out in 3 segments: lake, valley, and forest areas with each segment having unique characteristics and feel. Course conditions were outstanding the day we played; beware of downhill putts running away from you"
Read More2024
Review
“Has some sneaky difficult holes. Back 9 is a treat. Small greens but flawless. Course in terrific shape. Really enjoyed hole 8 and the holes around the lake on the back. Course plays longer than posted with some uphill holes and the fairway grass which is grabby."
Read More2024
Review
“Very nice private club in the Santa Barbara area. George Thomas design with some charming trickiness. Always in great shape. A couple of epic golf holes...... Accuracy a requirement here. Distance control into the greens a must. Quite a bit of elevation change on shots into many of the greens. A very enjoyable golf experience."
Read More2021
Review
“Fantastic conditions from tee to green. Very consistent. Layout is interesting and challenging. Beautiful views of the Santa Barbara mountains. Staff super friendly. Overall great vibe."
Read More2018
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