.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.suffix/1660142448226.jpeg)
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.1707.suffix/1660142478548.jpeg)
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar
Rams Hill Golf Club
Rams Hill Golf Club
1881 Rams Hill Rd
Borrego Springs, CA 92004-5400
United States
Telephone
Overview
Local residents revived this golf development within Anza Borrego Desert State Park, on the western edge of the Sonoran Desert, about an hour from La Quinta, Calif., in the mid-2000s with an entirely new course built by Tom Fazio. Some of Fazio’s spacious holes are molded into the desert earth and others ride the up and down rocky elevations, leading to a finish that includes the short par-4 17th and gambler’s par-5 18th that streaks downhill around a water feature.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Made inaugural appearance in 2021-'22, ranked 98th. Ranked 91st, 2023-'24.
Best in State: Ranked 43rd, 2021-'22. Ranked 44th, 2025-'26. Ranked 46th, 2023-'24.
Previous ranking: 46th.
2025-'26 ranking: 44th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Not an easy place to get to, but worth the effort. A fun Fazio layout with some dramatic features you wouldn't expect so far off the beaten path. It's had a very up and down history, but is on the rise again under current ownership. Conditions were exceptional and its a very fair challenge for golfers of all ability levels. Don't miss the Free Tacos at the turn - They were exceptional."
Read More2026
Review
“Great Fazio design, new grasses make the condtiioning very good, great green complexes and beautifully designed bunkers. The water features are very solid. A very enjoyable day and a "must play" if you are in the area."
Read More2026
Review
“New grass and much better shape than previous years from what people say. Conditions were well above average. Great routing, good water features and a wonderful public facility."
Read More2026
Review
“Rams Hill is a unique blend of aesthetics and challenge for the era that it was built in. Consistent with similar Fazio designs of the era, high on the wow factor but can be a bit overreaching at times during the round. Challenge scores a bit higher here, as there are several longer par 4s, mid to long par 3 holes and some very devilish green complexes that can border on extreme if greens become too firm and fast. The day I played the course, I noted that there were some areas of thatch in the fairways, a fair amount of divots and high traffic areas that seemed distressed. Water pooling in some low areas of fairways. Greens rolled above average but I did feel I should mark it down for conditioning. Course completely regrassed in 2024. Visually pleasing to the eye, but a bit tricked up in areas. Loved the short par 4 holes, added to the fun element and playability for all skill levels."
Read More2026
Review
“Greens were in great condition, with course playing firm and fast. Overall conditioning could have been improved in fairway and other areas of grass. Course offered fun and unique shot options due to slopes green side. Unique landscape in middle of desert."
Read More2025
Review
“A course with good bones brought down by some poor conditioning in the fairways (missing grass) and greens (too firm for the design)."
Read More2024
Review
“Overall great conditions considering the recent change of fairway and rough turf to Tif Tuff Bermuda. Greens are somewhat receptive, but provide really true roll off the putter. Great Variety of holes including a drivable par 4 and reachable par 5s. Par 3s are challenging yet scenic."
Read More2024
Review
“This beautiful, remote upscale public course is located in Borrego Springs, CA, 2 hrs. Northeast of San Diego. It’s a desert course designed by Tom Fazio,(2007). It features a number of water hazards and strategic bunkering and fast, undulating, tricky greens. The course was recently re-turfed over the past 2 summers and playing conditions are exceptional."
Read More2024
Review
“Really nice golf course, that is worth the drive. All par 3s are oriented in a different direction (view and wind). Could play this course everyday and not get tired of it. Excellent routing being surrounded by a community."
Read More2024
Review
“Great scenic views. Good sets of par 3s. Greens firm and quick. Fairways bouncy. Good variety of holes but hole shapes lacking as all are pretty straight."
Read More2023
