Golfing in and Around Downey
Southern California's mild climate makes golf a year-round pastime, and Downey residents are fortunate to have excellent courses within city limits and many more just minutes away. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics, a weekend player looking for an affordable round, or a low-handicap golfer seeking a challenging layout, the area offers options at every level.
We evaluated courses based on layout quality, course conditioning, practice facilities, value, accessibility from Downey, and the overall experience, including clubhouse amenities and instruction programs.
The Top 10 Golf Courses for Downey Golfers
1. Rio Hondo Golf Club
Owned by the City of Downey, Rio Hondo Golf Club is the city's signature course. The layout features mature trees, well-placed bunkers, and smooth greens. A major renovation modernized the course and clubhouse, and the on-site event center makes it a popular venue for weddings, banquets, and community gatherings as well as golf.
2. Los Amigos Golf Course
Also located in Downey, Los Amigos is a Los Angeles County course known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable green fees. Its relatively flat terrain makes it walkable and welcoming for seniors and beginners, while still providing enough variety to keep experienced golfers engaged.
3. Candlewood Country Club
Located in nearby Whittier, Candlewood is a private club offering a traditional parkland layout, excellent conditioning, and a strong sense of community among members. It is a favorite for golfers seeking a long-term club experience with social events and leagues.
4. California Country Club
This private club near the Whittier and City of Industry border delivers a challenging, tree-lined course with elevation changes and scenic views. Its full-service clubhouse, dining, and tournament calendar appeal to serious golfers and business professionals alike.
5. Friendly Hills Country Club
Set in the Whittier hills, Friendly Hills offers a hilly, strategic layout with dramatic views of the Los Angeles basin. The course rewards accurate shot placement and provides a refined private-club atmosphere.
6. Lakewood Country Club
Despite its name, Lakewood Country Club is a public Los Angeles County course located just south of Downey. Its long, classic layout has hosted professional events in the past and remains one of the best values in the region for golfers who enjoy a traditional test.
7. La Mirada Golf Course
La Mirada Golf Course is a well-maintained public facility with rolling terrain, mature trees, and a practice range. It attracts golfers from across the Gateway Cities thanks to reasonable rates and consistent course conditions.
8. Whittier Narrows Golf Course
Located along the San Gabriel River corridor, Whittier Narrows offers a championship course along with a shorter executive course. Its expansive practice facilities make it an excellent place to work on every part of your game.
9. El Dorado Park Golf Course
In nearby Long Beach, El Dorado Park is a scenic public course framed by towering trees and water features. It is consistently praised for its conditioning and is a popular choice for tournaments and league play.
10. Los Coyotes Country Club
Located in Buena Park, Los Coyotes is a private club featuring 27 holes, giving members variety from round to round. Its practice facilities, dining, and junior programs make it a well-rounded option for golfing families.
Golf Trends in the Downey Area
Golf participation has grown significantly in recent years, driven by younger players, women, and families discovering the game. Courses are responding with more junior clinics, beginner-friendly tee boxes, and casual league formats. Technology is also playing a larger role, with launch monitors, GPS-enabled carts, and online tee time booking now common at many facilities. Sustainability efforts, including drought-tolerant landscaping and reclaimed water irrigation, are especially important in Southern California.
How to Choose the Right Course
Consider your skill level, budget, and goals. Public county courses like Los Amigos, Lakewood, and La Mirada offer excellent value and frequent-player programs. If you want consistent playing partners and premium amenities, a private club may be worth the investment. Practice facilities matter if you are working on improvement, and courses with PGA professional instructors can accelerate your development. Finally, check tee time availability, as popular courses often book up quickly on weekends.
Getting the Most From Your Round
Book early morning or twilight tee times to enjoy cooler temperatures and better rates. Bring plenty of water during summer months, and take advantage of loyalty programs offered by county courses. Joining a men's, women's, or senior league is also a great way to meet other Downey-area golfers and enjoy friendly competition throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which golf courses are actually located in Downey?
Rio Hondo Golf Club, owned by the city, and Los Amigos Golf Course, operated by Los Angeles County, are both located within Downey.
Are there golf lessons for beginners near Downey?
Yes. Many local courses offer group clinics, junior programs, and private lessons with PGA professionals, making it easy for beginners to learn fundamentals in a supportive setting.
Final Thoughts
From the city-owned charm of Rio Hondo to the private-club prestige of Candlewood and California Country Club, golfers in Downey have no shortage of outstanding places to play. Explore a few of these courses to find the one that best matches your game, schedule, and budget, and enjoy everything Southern California golf has to offer.