What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (California)

Chula Vista Muni

California is home to some of the most celebrated golf courses in the world, but not every track lives up to the hype. A few courses have earned a reputation for frustrating golfers with poor conditions, questionable value, and disappointing experiences. Based on player reviews and online feedback, here are three of the most criticized public golf courses in the Golden State.

Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course – Mountain (Bonita)

Located just outside San Diego, Chula Vista Municipal’s Mountain course has become notorious for its conditioning issues. Golfers frequently describe the fairways as patchy or barren, with “little to no grass” in spots. Sand traps are often just dirt, and greens can be uneven or neglected. One reviewer summed it up bluntly: “Even if it were free, it wouldn’t feel worth it.”

Indian Palms CC & Resort

Indian Palms Country Club & Resort (Indio)

In the heart of the Coachella Valley, Indian Palms has disappointed players looking for a reliable desert golf experience. Guests complain that the course feels like it needs a full-scale renovation, pointing to damaged fairways and inconsistent greens. Despite its resort setting, the conditions often don’t justify the green fees. One golfer called it “one of the worst golf courses we have played.”

Dos Osos GC

Dos Osos Golf Club (Formerly Eagle Crest Golf Club) (Escondido)

Tucked in the hills of North San Diego County, Dos Osos Golf Club offers a scenic drive but little reward once players arrive. Reviews cite fairways riddled with weeds, dirt patches, and gopher holes, along with greens marked by pits and bare spots. Others note that the staff experience doesn’t make up for the on-course shortcomings. As one visitor put it: “Once is more than enough.”

Bottom Line

For every Torrey Pines or Pebble Beach, there are public tracks across California that leave golfers shaking their heads. Chula Vista Municipal, Indian Palms, and Dos Osos are three that come up most often in negative reviews, showing that not every round in California guarantees sunshine and satisfaction.

Giants Ridge Adds to All-Season Destination Appeal

Giants Ridge, Minnesota’s premier golf and all-season outdoor recreation destination set in the Mesabi Iron Range, recently celebrated the opening of its new Giants Ridge Pool & Sauna Haus. The 9,700 square-foot facility features an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, two outdoor saunas, a spacious great room/lobby, as well as locker and mechanical rooms. Giants Ridge owner Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) supported the new amenity with an $11.875 million investment.

Giants Ridge offers two championship golf courses – The Quarry and The Legend – both designed by renowned architect Jeffrey Brauer.  The two courses will remain open into the fall season as the weather permits. Recent course accolades include:
- Best Public Course in Minnesota – Golf Digest
- America’s Greatest Public Courses (#58) – Golf Digest
- #1 Courses You Can Play in Minnesota – Golfweek
- Best Courses You Can Play (#47) – Golfweek

Beyond the new Pool & Sauna Haus and award-winning golf courses, Giants Ridge guests enjoy lift-served mountain bike trails, hiking, a climbing wall and lake access during the summer. During the winter months, guests enjoy alpine and cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing and access to over 2,000 miles of snowmobile trails.

“The new Pool & Sauna Haus is an excellent complement to the already outstanding amenities at Giants Ridge,” said IRRR Commissioner Ida Rukavina. “The community pool will create quality of life experiences for local residents, and visitors to the region will have yet another activity option. Giants Ridge offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the Midwest, and the new Pool & Sauna Haus gives an excellent option for winding down after a day on the slopes, trails or golf course.”

Giants Ridge is a major economic development driver in northeastern Minnesota with an annual economic impact of more than $55 million. This premier recreational destination draws in tens of thousands of visitors each year from Minnesota, across the United States and Canada, while also enriching the quality of life for those living in the surrounding areas.

Giants Ridge is owned by IRRR and managed by Guest Services, a hospitality management company. Golf operations at Giants Ridge are managed by Troon Golf.  For more information on Giants Ridge and the new Pool & Sauna Haus, visit www.giantsridge.com or call 1-800-688-7669.

The Sea Pines Resort Places Three Instructors in Golf Digest's Best in State Teachers Listing

Three golf instructors at The Sea Pines Resort have been named among the best in South Carolina in Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State ranking for 2026-27. Tim Cooke, Rick Barry, and Julie Cole all earned places on the biennial list, which highlights the top instructors as identified by their peers.

Cooke, The Sea Pines Resort’s director of instruction, is a PGA Master Professional. He has been honored multiple times on Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers list and was the Carolinas PGA Teacher of the Year in 2014.

Barry has been with The Sea Pines Resort for more than 30 years and is a longtime PGA member. He has been recognized as a GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher, named Carolinas PGA Palmer Maples Teacher of the Year, and ranked by Golf Digest among South Carolina’s top instructors for 20 years.

Cole, a former LPGA Tour professional with 12 tournament victories worldwide, previously served as director of instruction at the Dana Rader Golf School in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been recognized as an LPGA Top 50 Teacher, a Golf Digest Best in State honoree, and a Women’s Golf Journal Top 50 Teacher in America.

Golf Digest compiles its list every two years by surveying thousands of instructors nationwide. The full 2026-27 ranking is available at Golf Digest’s Best Teachers by State.

At the Golf Learning Center, instruction is customized for every level of golfer. A team of award-winning instructors address every element of the game. Club fitting and mental coaching are offered, as is individual and group instruction. The latest technology is employed to build individual plans, to improve full swing, short game, and golf performance on and off the course.

For more information about instruction at The Sea Pines Resort, visit seapines.com.

TRUE linkswear OG3 High Made for Miserable Weather

A waterproof golf boot that is durable, athletic, and purpose-built, made for misery.

TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creators of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear for walking on the course and off, announces the much-anticipated consumer launch of the new OG3 High. Technical in nature and performance, the OG3 High is built with TRUE DNA – featuring a wide toe box, zero drop, natural flexibility, and lightweight construction. This breakthrough new footwear design has been developed for the player who takes on the course no matter the conditions.

Born in the Pacific Northwest, TRUE knows golfers need to be prepared for all conditions. Protection from the elements and stability to tackle any terrain are the ethos behind creating the OG3 High. The elevated ankle support with the high top and waterproof bootie (backed by a two-year warranty) ensures all-season performance. The lightweight TRUEdura coated mesh upper keeps golfers warm, dry, and comfortable. A high top that is insanely easy to slip on thanks to its unique neoprene stretch collar, combined with a TRUE innovative webbed lacing system for customizable stability and comfort.

“The OG3 High is just another great example of our design time being true to Pacific Northwest roots, where golfers want to play no matter what the weather or the elements on the course throw at them,” said CEO Co-Founder Jason Moore. “Golfers anywhere, though, can appreciate a durable waterproof golf shoe with versatile performance that effortlessly tackles inclement weather, uneven terrain, and long walks on the links. We’re excited for players to test this shoe.”

The OG3 High provides the same cushioned, zero-drop experience of the latest cushioned, zero-drop OG platform for a grounded, natural feel. The Wanderlux Superfoam EVA midsole allows for a high rebound, low compression, zero-drop platform that is designed for the golfer who needs some additional underfoot cushion, while maintaining a level foot posture.

Designed to improve the function of traditional soft spikes, engineers created an aggressive TPU formed outsole tread that delivers confident traction in any lie and on steep uphill and downhill ascents. Players can be confident that the OG3 High maintains the underfoot feel of a spikeless outsole that is slip-resistant on hard surfaces.

Features

- Wide, Cushioned, Zero Drop Construction
- Elevated High Top Protection and Support
- Aggressive TPU Spikeless Outsole
- Durable and Lightweight TRUEdura Upper
- Waterproof Bootie Construction (2-Year Waterproof Warranty)
- Naturally Flexible for Enhanced Comfort and Feel
- Web Inspired Lacing System for Customizable Stability and Comfort
- Ultraflex Collar for Easy Entry and Exit
- Color Stories: Nimbus, Black
- Men’s US half sizes 7-12.5, Men’s US full sizes 13-15
- MSRP $235

The OG3 High is recommended for the golfer with a wide (2E) to very wide foot (4E). Designed to adapt to the foot’s natural shape. The Zero Drop provides a natural feel on the course and is suitable for most foot postures (lower and higher arch types). The OG platform is the most ergonomic position for feet. The zero-drop –level from heel to toe – does not place additional stress on the forefoot and the wide footbed enables the toes to function from a position of strength and stability, rather than restricting their movement.

The goal is always to provide a neutral platform that follows the shape of a person’s actual foot. This combination of wide toe box, zero drop and flexibility allows the foot to function as intended. The insole is removable to accommodate foot orthotics.

For more information on all of the new TRUE products, visit www.truelinkswear.com.

USA TODAY Readers Vote Branson as a Top 10 Best Places for Autumn Escapes

Destination’s Ozark Mountains, foliage, family attractions, 11 golf courses offer array of fall activities

USA TODAY readers have weighed in and they elected Branson as one of America’s 10 best places to visit in autumn.

Wrote USA TODAY in announcing the winners: “One of the best things about fall is the opportunity to travel to gorgeous places that showcase the vibrant colors and scenery of the season. Whether you want to enjoy a cozy cabin in the woods, a scenic hike in the mountains, or be immersed in the culture of a historic city, there are plenty of ideal spots to choose from. These 10 destinations have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the best places to visit in the U.S. during fall for their beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and wealth of seasonal activities and events.”

Branson is nestled amid the beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international-award-winning theme park, scores of attractions, Historic Downtown district, and a waterside Town Center-style shopping complex. These are complemented by the state’s best collection of golf courses, several of which are ranked among the country’s finest. With designs by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio, to name a few, the playing options are superb and enhanced by fall’s gorgeous colors.

Branson is known as one of the most veteran-friendly, patriotic cities in America. Although Branson honors Veterans every day of the year, Veterans Homecoming Week in November is a special annual event for servicemembers and their families.  From special tribute shows, to memorial services and our annual parade, Veterans Day in Branson is a truly special time.

An immense range of dining options and lodging establishments – ranging from hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds – enables visitors to create unforgettable getaways. Branson is less than one day’s drive for one-third of America’s residents with nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) conveniently located for those who prefer to fly.

For more information about Branson and its extensive menu of things to do visit www.explorebranson.com.

First Tee Honors Pebble Beach Company

The iconic golf destination is being recognized for decades of commitment to youth development

Youth development organization First Tee today announced Pebble Beach Company as the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting First Tee’s mission of building future leaders through golf.

“On behalf of Pebble Beach Company, we are honored to receive First Tee’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Heidi Ueberroth, Co-Chair of Pebble Beach Company. “We have witnessed firsthand how First Tee transforms participants into confident leaders, and we are proud to play a role, including serving as the backdrop for these life-changing moments. This partnership embodies our dedication to youth development and demonstrates how the game of golf can open doors and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Pebble Beach Company has demonstrated dedication to youth development by consistently offering its exceptional venues to First Tee initiatives. More than a thousand First Tee participants have competed in the PURE Insurance Championship, a unique PGA TOUR Champions event hosted at Pebble Beach Golf Links since 2004 with Spyglass Hill Golf Course joining as co-host in 2021. Pebble Beach Company has also played a pivotal role in advancing First Tee’s mission by providing access to its incredible courses, venues and views in support of First Tee events over the years

“Beyond its status as a world-class golf destination, Pebble Beach Company has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy and community support, understanding that true greatness extends far beyond the boundaries of even the most famous golf course,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “For more than 20 years, First Tee has been a beneficiary of that commitment.”

Pebble Beach Company’s support of the PURE Insurance Championship has provided invaluable experiences for First Tee participants and alumni, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at an impressionable age to forge mentorships and build confidence.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors Pebble Beach Company’s sustained commitment to helping First Tee grow and succeed over more than two decades.

Tour Edge Launches First-Ever Golf Balls

Proven Performance Expands Beyond Clubs: Introducing Exotics Golf Balls

Tour Edge Golf, a leader in high-performance golf equipment for nearly 40 years, is entering a bold new era with the launch of its first-ever golf balls.

Headlining this historic debut is the Exotics golf ball, a premium three-piece cast urethane design engineered to deliver explosive distance, piercing ball flight, pinpoint control, and exceptional greenside spin.

The Exotics golf ball will be available at retailers nationwide and at TourEdge.com beginning October 28, 2025, with a suggested retail price of $39.99 per dozen.

“This is a monumental step for Tour Edge,” said David Glod, CEO and Founder of Tour Edge. “After four decades of relentless innovation in golf clubs and bags, we’re applying the same commitment to performance and quality to golf balls. The Exotics ball reflects everything our brand stands for, including tour-level engineering, meticulous testing, and premium materials to meet golfers’ demands.”

The launch also introduces Tour Edge’s refreshed logo and brand identity, setting the tone for the company’s future direction.

“People are going to ask, ‘Why Tour Edge, and why now?’” said President Tim Clarke, who has over two decades of experience driving golf ball strategy, from development to successful market launches. “This launch gives our loyal customers another way to benefit from Tour Edge, and creates an exciting first touchpoint for other golfers to experience our performance.”

Complete Tee-to-Green Performance

Designed for serious players, the Exotics golf ball offers full-spectrum performance from tee to green. At its core, the high-speed KinetiCore engine delivers explosive distance, low long-game spin, and penetrating stability, particularly in windy conditions.

“The design brief started with a clear goal: deliver superior performance in the wind without sacrificing spin around the greens,” said Matt Neeley, VP of Research & Development. “Better players are increasingly looking for stability and consistency in challenging conditions, and we set out to solve that.”

The Exotics golf ball underwent a rigorous evaluation process across prototypes to ensure tour-level performance in every playing condition, which helped identify the necessary construction, compression, and dimple pattern. Testing included advanced robot analysis, comprehensive player testing across the low- to mid-handicap spectrum, as well as valuable input from Tour Edge professional staff players.

The advanced 318-dimple pattern enhances aerodynamics and consistency, delivering the optimized trajectory, tour-level spin, and flight control elite players demand. Testing confirms both optimal spin rates and descent angles rival the category’s leaders.

A fast, soft ionomer mantle enhances control on approach shots, while the ultra-thin cast urethane cover provides exceptional feel and short-game spin for confident scoring around the green.

“The numbers we’re seeing are remarkable,” added Glod. “What stands out in testing is control in the wind. The results confirm we’ve engineered something truly special and I’m excited to see initial reactions from golfers everywhere.”

- Construction: 3-piece cast urethane
- Trajectory: Mid-High
- Long Game Spin: Low
- Approach Spin: High
- Greenside Spin: High
- Feel: Responsive
- Retail Price: $39.99 | Available October 28, 2025