About
The River Course at Alisal enjoys a scenic backdrop provided by the foothills of the beautiful Santa Ynez Mountains. Stands of mature live oaks, native sycamores, and elderberry trees sway against the vivid hues of the mountains. Though scenery abounds, don't get too distracted because the golf course demands a fair amount of attention. It's a challenging but not punishing layout that features a variety of hazards that will reward length and accuracy. Seemingly wide fairways are bordered by mounding and the large greens have subtle but tricky undulations. One of the toughest holes is the par-4 seventh, which has a challenge waiting for you everywhere you look. A beautiful vineyard runs the length of the hole on one side and on the other, there is a lake that runs all the way up to the green.
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Course Details
Rentals & Services
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Policies
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Available Facilities
Golfer Photos
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Photo submitted by u217656252 on 12/05/2025
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1st tee from the tips Photo submitted by RichMini2 on 04/04/2022
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Photo submitted by chrisleduc on 04/01/2021
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Vineyards and fairways Photo submitted by Robstnr on 06/15/2015
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View from the 1st tee !!! Photo submitted by Zimbotrini on 04/21/2015
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Photo submitted by Zimbotrini on 04/21/2015
Golfer Reviews
Not too shabby
So my attempt at my 1st round was cancelled without notice because of rain. I called the course, but no one was there to answer. The Golfnow did not accept the course closure as refundable, and so I played it a week later. An ok course, not worth $50, but more like a $30-35 course. Slow play, and seen many groups of people old enough to have seen Jesus complete elementary school. The range isn't special. The "island" 17th was neat.
Fun layout
Great course lots of fun with strategic hole layouts.
Could use sand in traps but very nice course.
Scenic course
Nice course with great views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. Good variety of holes with some elevation changes over rolling hills. The course was in good shape overall, I would play here again.
Golfing in 118°F brutal but fast pace
Somewhat challenging course with beautiful backdrops everywhere. Some wide fairways and good greens...fast and slow sometime. Finished in 3 hours due to no groups in front in extreme heat. Definitely would play it again in better weather condition.
Nice course layout and pleasant views
I like the greens which are a little faster than average and in excellent shape. Both tees and greens are kept in very good condition. Ed who works in the pro shop is cordial and efficient. I rate him superior at doing his job and dealing with the general public. The golf carts are in excellent condition and work well. They have an above average driving range but use mats which I do not prefer.
River course
Rode the Blues (6451/71.1/122), averaging 3H, 15M per round for 36 holes on an UP voucher with GDR23. Clear and 70ish. Breezy in the a.m. round, windy in the p.m. round.
Tees had okay coverage but were bumpy, unlevel and could use divot repair. Weak link of the course, the par 3's in particular were fairly chewed up.
Fairways were semi lush and usually good to play from, but also had several thin lies.
Rough was not overly tall but was consistent and well maintained.
Sand traps were okay considering no rakes. Decently maintained with thick, medium sand.
Greens putted smooth and were very consistent from green to green. I see the lines well here and really like these greens.
The customer service was excellent, the pro shop got us out ahead of our tee time. No on course services or water available with COVID-19. Basic carts do not have GPS and the course is not well marked for yardages. Food good but pricey at the busy restaurant. I like this course, it has been above average very visit in the last decade. Recommended.
Fun day out in the Santa Barbara Wine Country
We had never played this course and needed a break from LA golf. The weather was warmer than by the coast but not as hot as the valley - just perfect! The course was in good condition and the pace of play was pretty good. They have a great patio area we would've liked to sit at, but no time. The food was ok, not the best. We would definitely recommend the course to friends as the staff was friendly, the price was affordable and it's a fun course!
One of the best courses in the area
The course is well maintained . The greens run trueand are consistent from hole to hole.