Rams Hill Golf Club
Borrego Springs, CA • Public
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Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
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Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar
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.
Current ranking: 91st.
Best in State:
2023-'24 ranking: 46th.
Previous ranking (and highest): 43rd.
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
“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
Review
“Not often do you get the pleasure of playing a true public Tom Fazio offering. Course is about a 90-minute drive from Palm Springs but is definitely worth the effort. Great greens and beautiful scenery make for an enjoyable round. Bring your wind cheater because it can blow briskly out here. Wonderful staff."
Read More2023
Review
“Very fun golf course! Well worth the drive from Palm Springs or San Diego."
Read More2022
Review
“Excellent layout and in good condition. Scenic backdrops. Good tacos at the halfway house."
Read More2022
Review
“90 minute drive from Palm Springs but well worth it. One of my favorite S. CA courses. Great staff. Cushy leather seated carts. Amazing variety of hole layouts - like a junior version of Wolf Creek in Mesquite, NV. I love that feeling when you're standing on the tee box, and you pause as you realize you're about to play a great/fun golf hole. You'll experience that feeling multiple times at Rams Hill!"
Read More2022
Review
“A wonderfully scenic course -- gorgeous plantings, water features and impressive views -- that can be enjoyed by all levels of players. Highlighted by two spectacular back-to-back par threes, #s 9 "
Read More2021
Review
“Worth every bit of the winding 2 hour drive from San Diego. Was once private, went under, and reopened as a public course allowing more people to experience the phenomenal Tom Fazio layout in the middle of nowhere. Is closed for the summer due to the heat in the desert. Reopens in the fall once the overseed has grown in and offers consistently phenomenal course conditions with fast greens that roll true and firm, fast fairways. The wind can blow extremely hard out there...it's not uncommon to have a 3 - 4 club adjustment. Great mix of direction, elevation, length, and dogleg directions. Definitely a hidden gem."
Read More2020
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