Simi Hills Golf Course

A charming challenge

By Mike Miller

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Southern California, the Simi Hills Golf Course offers a blend of natural beauty, challenging play, and serene surroundings that make it a standout destination for golfers of all levels. Situated in southeastern Ventura County, this course combines both charm and difficulty, creating a memorable experience for its visitors.

Simi Hills Golf Course is a par-71, 18-hole championship layout designed by the renowned golf architect Ted Robinson. The course plays to a manageable 6,651 yards from the back tees through rolling, oak-studded hills. The distant mountains provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall golfing experience.

From the moment you step onto the first tee, the course reveals its character. The layout features a mix of long par 4s, demanding par 3s, and risk-reward par 5s, each presenting its own unique set of difficulties. The fairways are fairly wide (something I certainly appreciated) but are lined with thoughtfully placed bunkers and natural vegetation that can turn an errant shot into a tough recovery and an unplayable ball situation.

The par-3 holes at Simi Hills are particularly noteworthy. With well-guarded greens, they require both precision and strategy. The par-5s offer opportunities for birdies but require accurate shot placement to avoid the various hazards. The par-4s vary in length and difficulty, with some holes playing longer and requiring solid tee shots.

During my morning round, I played with Ernie Pina. Like me, he had never played Simi Hills. “I was very happy with the experience,” Ernie said. “The course is in pretty good shape, and I liked the layout. It was a hot day, but the pace was reasonable for a weekend. I’ll definitely want to come back now that I have a sense of the course layout.”

Simi Hills offers the opportunity for low scores, but as we learned during our round, it helps to know this course. We both left a number of strokes out there — those hidden difficulty areas got us a few times.

One of the standout features of Simi Hills Golf Course is its better-than-average maintenance for a course that gets a lot of play. The fairways provide a good lie for your ball (when you manage to hit the fairway). The greens are fast and true, with subtle breaks that can be tricky for even seasoned putters. The bunkers are fairly well-kept, too.

Across the board, we were impressed with the staff. From the pro shop to The Birdie Bar restaurant, the service is attentive and professional, making every visit feel special. Whether you’re a local regular or a first-time visitor, the staff’s hospitality adds to the overall positive experience.

In addition to its 18 holes, Simi Hills Golf Course boasts a comprehensive practice area that includes a driving range, chipping green, and putting green. The practice facilities are well cared for, and offer a great place to warm up before your round, or to work on specific aspects of your game. The driving range, which is lighted, offers a large bucket of balls for $14, while a small one will run you $6.

The clubhouse offers a range of amenities, including a pro shop stocked with the latest golf gear and apparel. The Birdie Bar provides a variety of dining options, from quick snacks to more substantial meals, allowing golfers to relax and unwind after their round.

In terms of value, Simi Hills Golf Course delivers a great golfing experience at a reasonable price. The green fees are competitive, and the quality of the course — along with its amenities — justifies the cost. The overall experience, including the course condition, scenery, and service, offers excellent value for money, making it a worthwhile choice for both local golfers and those visiting the area. Primetime weekend rates run $80 with a cart and $62 to walk, with twilight rates dropping to $47 and $35 on the weekend.

Simi Hills Golf Course is truly a testament to the quality and charm that Central Coast golf has to offer. It’s a must-play, and a destination worth visiting again and again.

The Simi Hills Golf Course is located at 5031 Alamo St., Simi Valley. For tee times and more, visit simihillsgolf.com or call (805) 522-0803.