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.
Course Details
Rentals & Services
Practice & Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
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
Fun Course
This golf course is very well maintained especially with all of the lack of water in the central coast. Course is fairly easy because of the parallel fairways, but still has several challenging holes due to the amount of trees and other various hazards. I would recommend this course.
Good value and decent golf course
Fun golf corse with interesting holes. Greens were in excellent condition and the fairways were in good condition. In the rough there were several areas that we're bare so mud puddles had formed. The cart paths were unpaved in several areas. We played during the week and the course was almost empty so pace of play was great. The downside was no beverage cart that day. We look forward to playing here again next year.
Course open
I booked a online time at 6:30am through golf now. The course doesn't open that early! I had to wait for someone to show up about 6:45. I was able to get out right away but disappointed in Golf Now for not being correct on their web site..
beutifull setting///scinic
the course was in prettygood shape considering drought conditions in the area. definitly will play it again.
poor playing experience
no mention was made of the condition of the greens either at the time of booking on golf now, or when we checked in at the proshop. greens had been punched and sanded and were in terrible condition. the rest of the course conditions were poor as well, bare spots on the fairways and tees.no beverage cart, and half way house not open, no mention was made of either of those issues. the course does not return to clubhouse at the turn, so this was inconvenient to get refreshments. have played this course in years past and experienced better conditions.
Good course with great scenery.
I stumbled onto this course when looking for a place to play while everyone else in my group spent the afternoon wine tasting. Found a great deal on Golfnow so decided to give it a try. Turned into an amazing afternoon. The setting is so beautiful I knew I had made a good decision even before hitting the first shot. The staff was extremely friendly. The course was in good but not great condition. But considering the lack of rain it was better than expected. The fairways were a little thin but OK. The Greens were very good. A few excellent holes with the rest being OK to good.
All in all this is a great place to play and I was amazed at how few people seem to even know about it. For the sake of the management I hope that changes. For the sake of my next time out there I hope it doesn't.
Solvang
Nice course, winds blowing 20 mph makes it difficult. Great staff
Not worth the cost
Nice enough course if you play it every 2 years, otherwise overpriced for a rather boring layout.
Rip off
It's a fun course. Not worth the green fees they charge. total rip off in my opinion. I am a 6 handicap and willing to pay for a good round of golf. I also work in the golf industry.
When the best price on golf now is a hot deal for 68.00. It's a shame. No way it's worth that at 12:30 in the afternoon.
The Alisal course twilight fees should be their regular green fees. I don't see how they get off charging more than la parisima. A far superior course only 20 miles away.
The restraunt is cool. Staff is nice. Course is a rip off. Won't be back.
A Good Track in Solvang
Enjoyed playing this course. Lots of sand, some well hidden so make sure you check your course map. My playing partner rented clubs, and the driver head on the rental clubs was kind of loose. Expected more for the $40 rental fee. Overall though, I give the course high ratings.
RM
Some very challenging holes - some too easy. Fairways sparse, greens good speed but had foot traffic bumps and more than a few ball marks. Beautiful scenery. Good value though.
Great Value
The course is in good condition, great greens and fairways with plenty of grass.
Course is a fair test - not too punitive on poor shots but rewards good play with the chance to score well.
Lovely location and some great views.
A fun track worth playing
I've always enjoyed playing this course. Even in this long term drought the fairways are green and the greens are in outstanding shape. I played it from the white tees but play it from the blues if you're a long hitter. The facility is in great shape and the restaurant gets a big non-golfer lunch crowd.
River Fun
Like always, the course was in excellent shape. Greens were running quick and true.
Great Course
Nice course, beautiful countryside. Not too busy on a Friday
Fun course
The River was in good shape considering drought conditions in our area. Greens were excellent. As always, the location is beautiful and the air is fresh. Over the years the trees have grown nicely increasing the challenge a bit. This is a good course for any type of golfer.
Fantastic value
Great value for the money. Fantastic views if the mountains. One a few courses that remains green in the drought stricken California. Excellent outing!
Good value for location
Enjoyed playing here and would definitely do so. Compared the cost of other courses in the area this represents a good value. I found it to be challenging but very playable.
Well maintained Golf Course
I made a 7:20 tee time on Golf Now. I got to the course about 6:15 (first light) hoping I could go right out. The starter arrived about 6:40 and after getting organized, told us (one other had the same idea of starting early) the course opened at 7:00. We joined up as a two some and teed off a tad early. First ones out and pace of play was of course excellent. Greens mostly large and flat. Very smooth and rolled nicely. Signs of our drought throughout the course but still very nice.