Golf in Murrieta: A Local's Guide to Courses and Clubs
Murrieta is quietly one of the best golf towns in Southwest Riverside County. Between the city limits and nearby Temecula, golf lovers have access to public daily-fee courses, a respected private country club, and a handful of communities built right around the fairways. Whether you are a weekend regular or just considering taking up the game, there is a course here that fits your style.
In this guide, our local team at Living in Murrieta rounds up the courses in and near town, highlights the neighborhoods built around them, and shares what makes golfing here so special. If you are also weighing where to live for easy access to the links, our complete Neighborhoods guide is a great place to start.
The Public Courses Right in Murrieta
You do not have to leave the city for a quality round. Murrieta is home to two full 18-hole public courses that welcome golfers of every skill level.
The Golf Club at Rancho California
An 18-hole design by Robert Trent Jones on Robert Trent Jones Parkway. It features two distinctive nines set along a scenic creek, giving it a relaxed, natural feel that many locals call a hidden gem among the area's daily-fee courses.
California Oaks Golf Club
This par-70, 18-hole public course on Colony Drive was designed by David Rainville and opened in 1989. It is open to all skill levels and offers views toward the Temecula Valley wine country, making it a favorite for a relaxed round close to home.
Both courses sit near established neighborhoods, which is handy if you want to roll out of bed and onto the tee. To see which communities surround them, explore our The Colony and Bear Creek neighborhood pages.
Private Golf: Bear Creek Golf and Country Club
For those who prefer a members-only experience, the Bear Creek Golf and Country Club is the area's private championship club. Located just outside Murrieta proper in the community that shares its name, the course winds through tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain, and it anchors one of the region's most desirable golf communities.
Residents of Bear Creek enjoy convenient access to the club along with a strong neighborhood golf culture. If living beside the fairways appeals to you, the Bear Creek neighborhood overview is worth a close look.
A Short Drive to Temecula's Finest
A quick drive down the 15 or 79 opens up even more options in Temecula, each with its own character and views. These courses are close enough that Murrieta residents treat them as part of the local rotation.
- CrossCreek Golf Club: laid out around Temecula Creek and consistently rated among the top public courses in the region, with a scenic, varied layout.
- Temecula Creek Inn: a resort course set in wine country with three nine-hole loops, including the well-known Stonehouse nine.
- Legends Golf Club at Temeku Hills: a Ted Robinson design set among hills and generous water features.
- Redhawk Golf Course: a scenic public course in Temecula's Redhawk community, popular for its well-kept greens.
Because these courses sit so close to home, many golfers in the area plan a morning round in Temecula and still make it back for a family afternoon. For more ways to fill your days outdoors, browse our Things to Do page and the full Trails and Outdoor Guide.
Golf Communities in Murrieta
One of the nicest things about golf in Murrieta is that you can actually live on a course. Two communities in particular are built around the game.
Bear Creek
The master-planned community of Bear Creek is organized around the Bear Creek Golf and Country Club, giving residents a resort-like setting with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of neighborhood.
The Colony at California Oaks
Murrieta's original guard-gated 55+ resort community is centered on the California Oaks Golf Club. With over 1,500 homes and an active club lifestyle, it is a natural fit for golfers entering their best years.
Golf is especially popular with active adults, so if a links-side retirement appeals to you, read our guide to retirement in Murrieta and visit our Senior Living page.
Golfing Year-Round in Murrieta
Southern California's climate is a golfer's dream. With mild winters, warm summers, and abundant sunshine, you can play comfortable rounds nearly every month of the year. Mornings are the sweet spot in summer, while fall brings some of the most pleasant afternoon rounds of the season.
If you are relocating and want to make sure the courses, trails, and parks match the lifestyle you are after, our Relocation Guide walks through schools, cost of living, and everything else that makes Murrieta a great place to call home.
Tips for Golfers New to the Area
- Book weekend tee times early; the public courses fill up fast when the weather is good
- Carry plenty of water and sun protection, especially for summer morning rounds that stretch into midday
- Check dress codes and guest policies before visiting a private club like Bear Creek
- Plan a wine country round in Temecula, where a morning on the course pairs nicely with the local vineyards
Find a Home Near Your Favorite Course
Whether you want the resort feel of a golf community, a quiet home a few minutes from the public links, or an active-adult lifestyle beside the fairways, Murrieta has plenty of options. Laura Holbert and Cheryl Shadden of Team Integrity Realty know the area's golf neighborhoods inside and out and can help you find the perfect fit for your game and your life.