Joey Terrill
Joey Terrill
Joey Terrill
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
Wayne Freedman
The Valley Club of Montecito
Santa Barbara, CA•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
The Valley Club of Montecito
1901 E Valley Rd
Santa Barbara, CA 93108-1427
United States
Overview
The Valley Club is routed like an hourglass, with a wide variety of holes, including the third (hard against a barranca), the downright mountainous 10th, the gorgeous canyon-carry 14th and broad, serpentine 15th. Fairways are generous, but the slant of greens demands certain angles of approach. The restored MacKenzie bunkers resemble jigsaw pieces that, observed architect Jim Urbina, seem to fit one another, left and right. An added bonus is its location, in perhaps the best golfing weather in the nation. But the surrounding dry hills are subject to erosion, and The Valley Club was severely damaged by mudslides in 2018, necessitating an intensive project to reclaim its grand golf holes.
About
Golf Digest 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
“Visiting the Valley Club of Montecito is like taking a step back in time to a bygone era in the most wonderful way. This is truly one of the gems in the country. Most of the members and guests take push carts and the clubhouse is beautiful in its understated way. This Alister MacKenzie & Robert Hunter design weaves through a valley that provides intimacy and aesthetics and the river running through many of the holes adds ambience and strategic value. Many of their green complexes were designed with a hump or ridge behind at eye level from the fairway giving the illusion that the green is closer than it really is. Thus, players new to the course often find their approach shots falling short. They have classic MacKenzie bunkering with precise and raised edges providing the look that no fairway bunker can be seen from a green looking back to the fairway. A friend of mine who played on the PGA tour and won multiple majors on the Champions Tour said that the Valley Club of Montecito is his favorite place to play. Certainly high praise from someone who has played most everywhere."
Read More2026
Review
“A very nice walk in the park Mckenzie golf course."
Read More2026
Review
“You truly feel like you have stepped back when you get on the grounds here. Just incredible bunkering all throughout the golf course. The par three holes are incredible. Perfectly bunkered, receptive, and challenging. You could play this golf course everyday and never tire of it."
Read More2026
Review
“Just a wonderful club and golf course. Played over a mostly flat property, the work of Alister Mackenzie pounded strategic elements through bunker placement and being on the proper side to approach the bold greens. Despite being in one of America's richest zip codesit maintains a modest culture that isn't pretentious. Kudos to The Valley Club for getting it right."
Read More2025
Review
“A tale of 2 courses. The site closest to the clubhouse is very open. Once you cross the road to hole number 4, the course really starts getting interesting, with more elevation change, a meandering creek, and many more trees."
Read More2025
Review
“A gem in one of the most picturesque areas of the country. Approachable fairways lead to puzzles of bunkering ahead. A memorable top 100."
Read More2025
Review
“The Valley Club is everything that I value in a golf club. It is a modest clubhouse with a charming golf course and a warm membership, despite being in one of America's most expensive zip codes. Instead of focusing the the power, money and prestige of its membership, this club is about the golf. The members treat their staff as friends instead of servants. Kudos to its membership for getting it right. The golf course is one of California's best, but it relies upon subtle strategy and nuance than smacking the golfer over the head with it. As with many Mackenzie designs, the greens are the highlight. They are bold and define each hole."
Read More2024
Review
“Super fun course with excellent conditions and fantastic ocean views."
Read More2023
Review
“Don't pass up an opportunity to play this gem."
Read More2023
Review
“The combination of the setting at the base of the mountains, the view of the ocean, the firm turf, and the way that the course fits with its surroundings make the Valley Club of Montecito a special experience. None of this is more evident than the tee shot on number 14, looking back up at the clubhouse and the mountains. The quality of the turf stands out immediately as you walk down the first fairway. The tight bermuda and the firm fast greens are outstanding, amplifying the options for the golfer. MacKenzie deserves praise for the genius routing. "
Read More2022
