Joey Terrill
Joey Terrill
Joey Terrill
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
LC Lambrecht
The Valley Club of Montecito
Santa Barbara, CA • Private
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
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked from 1995-2002, 2005-'08 and since 2015.
Highest ranking: No. 59, 2001-'02.
Previous ranking: 76th.
2025-'26 ranking: 71st.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 112th, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 10, 1995-2005, 2015-'18 and 2021-'26. Ranked 11th, 2019-'20. Ranked 12th, 2011-'14. Ranked inside the top 15, 1987-'89, 2007-'10.
Previous ranking: 10th.
2025-'26 ranking: 9th.
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
“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
Review
“The course provides subtle challenges, and if you find yourself on the wrong side of the canted greens, double bogey awaits. MacKenzie uses his mastery of deception, making the golfer question reads on the greens, and adding to the challenge. The par 3s are a particular strength, and offer nice variety and tremendous aesthetics. "
Read More2022
Review
“If I had one day of golf left in my life, a day at The Valley Club would be on my list! This course is in a class of its own. Extremely fun to play, not a very long course, but the Santa Barbara breezes coming off the ocean along with the warm temperatures makes this a delightful and truly special place to play. "
Read More2022
