Rams Hill Golf Club
Borrego Springs, CA • Public
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar/Courtesy of the club
Brian Oar
Overview
Local residents revived this golf development within Anza Borrego Desert State Park, on the western edge of the Sonoran Desert about an hour from La Quinta, Calif., in the mid 2000s with an entirely new course built by Tom Fazio. Some of Fazio’s spacious holes are molded into the desert earth and others ride the up and down rocky elevations, leading to a finish that includes the short par-4 17th and gambler’s par-5 18th that streaks downhill around a water feature.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Made inaugural appearance in 2021-'22, ranked 98th.
Current ranking: 91st.
Best in State:
2023-'24 ranking: 46th.
Previous ranking (and highest): 43rd.
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
“Excellent layout and in good condition. Scenic backdrops. Good tacos at the halfway house."
Read More2022
Review
“90 minute drive from Palm Springs but well worth it. One of my favorite S. CA courses. Great staff. Cushy leather seated carts. Amazing variety of hole layouts - like a junior version of Wolf Creek in Mesquite, NV. I love that feeling when you're standing on the tee box, and you pause as you realize you're about to play a great/fun golf hole. You'll experience that feeling multiple times at Rams Hill!"
Read More2022
Review
“A wonderfully scenic course -- gorgeous plantings, water features and impressive views -- that can be enjoyed by all levels of players. Highlighted by two spectacular back-to-back par threes, #s 9 "
Read More2021
Review
“Worth every bit of the winding 2 hour drive from San Diego. Was once private, went under, and reopened as a public course allowing more people to experience the phenomenal Tom Fazio layout in the middle of nowhere. Is closed for the summer due to the heat in the desert. Reopens in the fall once the overseed has grown in and offers consistently phenomenal course conditions with fast greens that roll true and firm, fast fairways. The wind can blow extremely hard out there...it's not uncommon to have a 3 - 4 club adjustment. Great mix of direction, elevation, length, and dogleg directions. Definitely a hidden gem."
Read More2020
Review
“This course is definitely a golf trek worth taking. Wide open fairways and fun undulating greens, make this course fun and challenging. If the winds pick up this course is 5 to 8 strokes tougher. Great staff and pro shop, that treat you like you are at a country club."
Read More2018
Review
“A really fun layout with lots of risk/reward options. It was in great shape and the clubhouse and restaurant staff were great. It's out of the way but well worth the trouble to get there."
Read More2018
Review
“One of the best Fazio designs in the country"
Read More2018
Review
“Set in a hilly area surrounded by vistas of the Santa Rosa mountains, Rams Hill is course not to be missed. This Tom Fazio design takes advantage of everything given by the terrain, beautifully framed tee shots, complex and challenging green complexes and a variety of hole designs. The area can be windy and the course is designed to incorporate this particular challenge. If you are in the area in the spring the wildflowers can be simply outstanding and a fun adjunct to your round. Great restaurant overlooking the course is part of the great experience."
Read More2018
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