Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
About Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Get a taste of an Old West dude ranch with the comforts of a golf resort at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. This 10,000-acre ranch is tucked into the Santa Ynez Valley 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara. It is home to 50 miles of riding trails, a 100-acre spring-fed lake, two courses, tennis courts, pool, spa and fine dining. Just minutes away are more than 75 vineyards/wineries and the Danish village of Solvang.Facts
Amenities
Services
Rules
Golf courses at Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Images from Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
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
Reviews
Good but not Great at Alisal
I have mixed feelings about this course. I want to like it but always find it slightly disappointing, especially considering the relatively high rates. I only come up if I get a deal. It's a pleasant drive to go up to Solvang if you are from SoCal, and you can make a day of it in the Santa Ynez valley. The setting of the course is scenic and breezy. The layout is reasonably interesting. It's a relatively new course designed to be accessible to resort-level players. Meanwhile their older, more traditional 18 on the ranch is only open to people staying at the resort. The River Course is just dumbed down a bit too much for me. Other mid-level players may like it fine.
The greens I find the most frustrating. They are rolling nice now and are pretty hard, but almost every green is flat as a pancake, and pretty large, so you are in for a day of lag putts and tap-ins. Pace of play this particular Sunday was very poor. I got to know the foursomes behind and in front of us, as we met at every tee box. Overall I just wish it were 10% more challenging, but I am a low handicap player. Up the road in Lompoc, La Purisma is a much better challenge. But the river course is a pretty. pleasant place. People rave about the restaurant too. I haven't tried it but it is always busy. Oh, and at any of these area courses, beware the poison oak!
Nice course
This is a nice course, being on the Central Coast is great. When you finish your round you can go for a bite to eat in Solvang.
Today was very windy which was a little bit of a struggle for us playing.
Beautiful day of golf
A windy day, but it was fun & sunshine out! Pace of play a little slow but not too bad. FaIrways had good roll, greens consistent, pretty flat course. We will play this again when in the area.
First visit
Had a great time, great course. Would definitely play again.
Love the River Course at Alisa
Well maintained Course with fun layout. Staff is friendly. Always enjoy the loop at Alisal
Alisal is average
If you can get the cheaper rate online the course is acceptable. But the weekend riding rate is not worth it
Played the course 3 times this week with my sons loved it even my score wasn't great loved playing with my boys
Good pace
Teed of at 3 pm finished at 6. Beautiful scenery. Sand traps are dirt. Need to have a GPS for yardages. Bar and Clubhouse close early. Challenging and wind is a factor.
Enjoyable golf, beautiful location!
I met up with a old golf buddy from Burbank. He drove two plus hours and I drove one hour from San Luis Obispo. We had a great round and were impressed by the course and facilities. I don't know what kind of grass were on the greens but they rolled nice. Great views of the surrounding mountains. The course was crowded but the pace was not that slow, a little over four hours for the round. The staff was friendly and treated us like regulars. We will be back!