With millions of visitors annually, Yosemite National Park is well-regarded as one of the most rewarding vacation experiences anywhere in the United States. This 1,200-square-mile setting boasts so much natural beauty that it’s nearly impossible to experience it all in one visit, as the waterfalls alone attract visitors from all over the world. And because there are so many people making the trek to observe this marvelous setting, it also takes a lot of planning when you factor in reservations, traffic, and even the basics of how to get there.
But don’t let that scare you into thinking it’s difficult to plan this journey, especially if you want to include a few rounds of golf along the way. Located approximately 140 miles east of San Francisco, Yosemite might feel like it’s on another planet, and yet it is still close enough to some great courses that, while they might not make the World’s Top 100 list anytime soon, will satisfy any urges to start or end the day with a round that will be as visibly appealing as your experience in the national park. Well, maybe not as much, but it will be a great complementary experience.
The trickiest part might be where to stay when visiting Yosemite, as some visitors prefer camping and others are more inclined to choose modern accommodations. Whatever you choose will obviously affect your travel time, but you can at least find comfort in the fact that the driving will always be one of the best parts of your trip — both in the car and from the tee boxes.
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course
It goes without saying that nothing compares to the scenery you’ll enjoy while exploring Yosemite, so don’t expect the nearest golf courses to be extensions of this breathtaking amazement. However, Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is still very much visually appealing in its own right, as the William Bell design is defined by the seemingly endless trees that practically frame each hole.
That said, this is a challenging course, so play the right tee box or pay the price by spending more time in the forests than Tarzan. Elevation also plays a role here, so don’t try to play hero ball — unless that’s your thing. Either way, this course is set in an area that is also begging to be explored, so you might want to make a day or two of it, spending the night at the Pine Mountain Lake campground and even adding some extra competition to the trip on the pickleball courts.
Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course
If the centerpiece of your vacation is Yosemite, then you’ll likely want to prioritize the course that shares its name. Just know that this popular spot only offers 9 holes, which might serve to your advantage if you’re looking to maximize time spent in the national park, located roughly 50 minutes north. Still, this is one of the region’s (and maybe even the state’s) best short courses, so feel free to play it twice if you have the itch for 18.
What makes Yosemite Lakes Park Golf Course so special is that five of the nine holes are on water, which always means beautiful photos and video for your social media feeds. There’s also a strong reputation here for kind people and exceptional service, so don’t be surprised if the scenery isn’t the only thing that puts a smile on your face,
River Creek Golf Course
Only 40 minutes by car from Yosemite National Park, River Creek Golf Course is the most convenient option for anyone who wants a quick round. This is also a 9-hole course, but John Hillborn made this a more challenging design that requires focus and patience. You don’t have to bring your A game, but the tight fairways will make you wish you warmed up a little more.
Don’t worry, though, as the proximity to the park also means this course might offer the best views, so even if you’re struggling, you’ll at least appreciate all the natural beauty this setting has to offer. At the very least, this is a serene choice that will maintain the outdoors theme of your escape, and it’s also a bargain, which any traveler should appreciate.