One Old Ranch Rd,
Carmel, California 93923
Office
+1 (831) 625 9500Pro shop
+1 (831) 626 2510Fax
+1 (831) 626 2561Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Todd Southard (Director of Instruction).Academy
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf AcademyThe Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb (front-nine); several slopes to climb (back-nine).
Surroundings:
Residential and wooded hills.
Designer:
Original design by Pete Dye. Later renovation designed by Gene Bates (2006).
36.517418
-121.799557
7 miles E of Carmel-By-The-Sea
From Hwy 1, at the southern end of Carmel-by-the-Sea, turn onto Carmel Valley Road, direction Carmel Valley. After approx 6 miles turn right into Robinson Canyon Rd. After o.2 miles turn left into Old Ranch Rd. Follow road to golf clubhouse.
Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel Valley Ranch Golf Club: Laid out by highly acclaimed course architect Pete Dye, the excellently presented Carmel Valley Ranch first takes you on a picturesque tour of the relatively flat valley floor. The back-nine is altogether a different ball game!
The front-nine's flatter, parkland holes bring into play plenty of stylish bunkering, as well as occasional ponds and small lakes. Water most notably flanks the fairway at the par-4 4th and guards the green at the short par-4 2nd, where a tree-clad cliff provides a stunning backdrop. The 6th and 7th holes run alongside the Carmel River, which is mainly hidden behind a line of trees. At the par-3 5th very little apart from water lies between your tee-box and the green, no matter which tees you play from.
The scenic and more dramatic back-nine loop, contains significantly more elevation change than the front. The wonderfully snaking par-5 10th takes you up and into tree-clad slopes behind the clubhouse. Here you'll enjoy captivating views down into Carmel Valley, and onto the roller-coaster undulations on the course. In the closing stretch, the layout resumes its flatter disposition, again skirting the Carmel River.
The resort properties and a few houses around the course perimeter are generally not too distracting, allowing you to enjoy a layout that retains a pleasantly natural feel, most especially on the predominantly housing-free back-nine.
Although not overly long at just over 6100 yards from the back tees, and inevitably containing several short par-4s, Carmel Valley Ranch is an enjoyable and scenic course, one that lays down a worthy challenge to golfers of all abilities.
Stay&Play at Carmel Valley Ranch: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Walking permitted.
Excellent
Carmel Valley, through which the Carmel River runs down towards the sea, is one of California's recognised wine-growing regions (an AVA or American Viticultural Area).
The vineyards in the region are mostly located at least 1,000 feet (300 m) above sea level, where the presence of coastal fog and high winds are less common. The AVA is home to a number of wineries and vineyards (many of which have tasting rooms), as well as the town of Carmel Valley Village.
One Old Ranch Road, Carmel, CA 93923
+1 (866) 282 4745
Visit websiteNestled in the lush forests of the Santa Lucia Mountains, a short drive from beaches and charming shops and galleries, Carmel Valley Ranch is a 400-acre countryside estate. The relaxing resort hotel has 144 guest suites, featuring wood burning fireplaces and panoramic views.
Carmel Valley Ranch
Quail Lodge
Pacific Grove; Del Monte; Bayonet; Black Horse; Links at Spanish Bay; Pebble Beach; Spyglass Hill; Poppy Hills.
Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.
Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.
Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.
The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.
The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.
Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
You can subscribe to the Where2Golf channel on YT if you like to see more video content. You'll find a "Subscribe" button on any of our YouTube videos. Or if you want a quick and direct access subscribe here. Once done, any new published videos will show up in your Subscriptions feed.
