Best golf courses near Anaheim, CA

Opening in 2002, Shady Canyon is a Tom Fazio design in Irvine, just south of Los Angeles. Fazio said his “ultimate goal is to have it appear as if nothing has been done, that the layout is completely natural.” At Shady Canyon, the course weaves through the canyon, with native brush and streams lining many holes, giving the layout the natural feel that Fazio strived for. Many of the greens have a significant amount of slope, often creating numerous distinct sections. If you’re not on the proper section, you’ll face a difficult two-putt.

Less than a mile from Long Beach Airport, Lakewood is a tree-lined Billy Bell design that opened in the 1930s. With very little elevation change, the course is an easy walk. Water comes into play on seven holes at Lakewood, which tips out over 7,000 yards. Still, with five sets of tees available, it’s a playable track that offers weekday rates under $50.

Located at Pacific Palms Resort just east of L.A., Industry Hills hosted the 2011 Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour, with a composite layout of both courses used. Much like its sibling Ike course, the Babe Zaharias layout—known simply as “The Babe”—has plenty of elevation changes that create some tough shots to many narrow fairways. This William F. Bell track is demanding from tee to green, with tree-lined fairways demanding accuracy and the rolling terrain creating uneven lies.

Located at Pacific Palms Resort just east of L.A., Industry Hills has hosted U.S. Open Local Qualifying, PGA Tour Monday qualifiers and the 2011 Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour. The Eisenhower course, known as “The Ike,” was designed by William F. Bell and has plenty of elevation changes, providing vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains. Though the design has compelling variety, with doglegs moving in each direction along the rolling terrain, the conditions may not be up to a private-club standard.